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Visitor Centre re-opens with new layout and new equipment able staff to work with visitors and help them book various attractions and find out all that they need to know while they are in the area. Staff were given a budget of $3,000 to complete the necessary renovations. The first $2,000 went toward new office equipment including a laptop, printer, iPads, phones and iPad holders. The remaining $1,000 went toward paint, brochure racking, signage and other supplies. They were ecstatic that so much work was done, in such a short period of time all while staying within budget. “We did it!” exclaimed Hirstwood. Essentially most people who venture into the visitor centre are looking for information; what there is to do; where there is to go. It is a convenient spot for travelers to book tickets. “We also want residents to come and find out what’s happening in their community. This is their visitor centre as well,” Pam Staples, marketing and com-
By JAN MURRAY
Lifestyle - The Gananoque and Thousand Islands Visitor Centre is an essential part of the 1000 Islands community, providing information, advice and most importantly, a personal connection. The visitor centre first opened in 2004 and was in need of a new look. It was just three short weeks ago, on Feb. 14 that they closed the doors for renovations. In that time staff and volunteers went to work. Re-opening celebrations were held at the location, 10 King St., March 1. “We had lots of volunteers who stepped up and did work as well,” Shelley Hirstwood who works at the centre explains. The layout for the centre has changed – a new counter has come in and the new arrangement should give it a more welcoming feel. They have opened up the board room to become the new lounge area. In this area they have some comfy chairs and have added some tablets. This will en-
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munications manager added. In 2012 there was a survey done by The Great Waterway that provided staff at the visitor centre with some very valuable information such as who is coming to Gananoque and why. It shows that 73 per cent of all people who come through the door have already been on the website and have already booked their hotel. What people are looking for is that personal touch. “They want to know, where’s that best ice cream shop? Where can I take my kids? What are the freebies? We’re on a budget and I have kids, where can I go?” Hirstwood elaborates. Gananoque has so much to offer and the personal touch that tourists (and lo-
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Photo by JAN MURRAY
Shelley Hirstwood, economic development manager and Pam Staples, marketing and communications, are seen here at the Gananoque and Thousand Islands Visitor Centre. The visitor centre first opened in 2004 and was in need of a new look. It was just three short weeks ago, on Feb. 14 that they closed the doors for renovations. In that time staff and volunteers went to work. Re-opening celebrations were held at the location, 10 King St., March 1.
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cals) receive at the visitor centre can truly make for the best adventure; the one you hadn’t planned. Whether it is the splash pad, the beach, museums, the playhouse, 1000 Island cruises, kayaking, helicopter rides, skydiving, 1000 islands tour, visiting the wineries, fishing and fishing tours, riding the bike path, golfing, camping, camping on an island, house boat rentals or any other number of options, the visitor centre is the best place to get all the information you need with that personal touch to make it the best experience for you. Just inside the front door there is a board strategically placed on the wall for all to see with a list of “25 things you need to do while you are here.”
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80 Pine Street, Brockville
Sundays 8 am Holy Eucharist 10 am Choral Eucharist Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - Mid-week Eucharist Office Hours Monday to Friday 9 am to noon 613-345-5717 info@parishofstlawrence.org
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Pine at Victoria Streets, Brockville 613-342-5865 Rector: Rev. Dr. Barbara Robinson Director of Music: Donna Richards
Sundays 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Each Wednesday at noon Liturgy of Healing Prayer Imposition of the Ashes www.stpaulsbrockville.ca
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News – Congratulations to Linda Deir of Brockville, the latest winner of $100,000 with Encore (Feb. 1 Lotto 6/49 draw). “I was at the store checking my tickets when the cashier jumped back when the machine started making noise,” said Deir, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her prize. “The man in line behind me said, ‘This lady won a lot of money. The OLG will be calling soon!’” The retiree was in total shock when she found out the prize amount. “It felt like Christmas morning!” She plans to take a trip to Mexico with one of her daughters and save the rest of the winnings for the future. Encore can be played in conjunction with most online lottery games for an extra $1. There is an Encore draw every day. The winning ticket was purchased at Real Canadian Superstore on Parkedale Avenue in Brockville.
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They will also have a new website up and running by May 2014. “People have family and friends stop by…and find out what’s going on that week. This is the community visitor centre,” Staples added. They also have rotating local artists which provides a great opportunity to come and see the art.
Brockville resident wins Encore
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“We want to make sure that the people who come here really and truly experience what Gananoque and the 1000 Islands have to offer,” she continued. “We are so fortunate to have organizations like the 1000 Islands Accommodation Partners. They do all this great marketing internationally.”