Statement on Tourism Matters Rally

in Tourism

The Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) recognizes and values the importance of the tourism sector, both within each members’ respective municipality and in the surrounding unincorporated area. The COVID-19 Pandemic has severely affected many businesses resulting in economic losses nation-wide.

The KDMA supports the plight of the tourism industry in the region because their success is directly linked to the success and prosperity of the region. The Tourism Matters Rally being held in Vermillion Bay on June 13, 2020 at 10 am, speaks to the passion of these business owners. Organizers have made plans to ensure that participants follow physical distancing guidelines and public health best practices. They are doing their best to hold the event during the pandemic amidst overwhelming economic uncertainty.

Despite their support, Mayors in the region will not be in attendance at the Rally. Municipal Emergency Management Groups (MECG) have been diligently asking their community members to follow the Provincial requirements to protect themselves and vulnerable populations. These include requests to stay home as much as possible, go out only for essential purposes, and maintaining physical distancing practices.

The Northwestern Health Unit region has only recently entered Stage 2 of the Government of Ontario’s Framework to reopening the Province. As of today, this includes an expansion to public gatherings to up to 10 people. Given this, the KDMA Mayors have committed to continuing to do what they can to follow their own MECG’s recommendations to avoid large public gatherings. KDMA will continue to work with both orders of government to ensure that the tourism sector will be supported.

“The Tourism Industry is critically important to our region. We need to take steps in a safe and proactive manner to make sure that businesses have the support they need to continue their operations for years to come.” – Kevin Kahoot, President, KDMA

Contacts for More Information:

Kevin Kahoot
President
Kenora District Municipal Association
807.727.0365

Dan Sutton
Secretary
Kenora District Municipal Association
807.728.0909