The Spinner September 21 2023

Darlene Compagnon, guest of prospective corporate member Donna, was welcomed.

Donna and Darlene had brought a sample Toonie Quest West box and several Rotarians registered to play. Donna give an update on the work done towards setting up the weekly game.  Stores have been approached and Dennis Blackwood of Blackwood Signs has kindly donated signage to go with each Toonie Quest Box. She spoke about the money spent in the set up and the first draw will be October 5th. All the boxes are in place and players can now register and then play in this draw.

Xavier House is planning a drive-in bingo on October 15^th and Rotarians will be asked to help.  Another fundraiser is planned for November 4^th when there will be a Benefit Dance for Xavier House at the Canadian Legion. More details about these events will follow.

Program - Chair Lorraine introduced Rob Thomas. Rob is the Experience Coordinator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association and is pleased to be involved with community development. Rob spoke about how tourism is growing in the province and that there is plenty of room for development. In his role, he works closely with Indigenous Canada. He travels to small communities in Newfoundland and in Labrador to see in what way tourism can be developed. Indigenous tourism has different offerings and by using a rigorous application process for a project it means that once accepted then the indigenous tourism project can be marketed at a national level.

Rob then changed topics and spoke of his involvement in the Cabox Geopark development and the need for its recognition by UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in recognizing the Bay of Islands as an area of distinctive geological importance.

This will have tremendous effect on tourism of the area and the Saltbox Restaurant, Benoit’s Cove features a Cabox Geopark information centre. This designation will enable Corner Brook to become a tourist destination. He spoke how the application was proceeding and hopefully next fall delegates from UNESCO will visit this area. Rob noted the Cabox Geopark is partnering with researchers at the University of Alberta to prove the area has geological importance. 

 He then looked into the future as to possible tourism Indigenous developments that would enable tourists to go into the Lewis Hills and see the earth’s crust and other geological features. There would economic benefits that would affect the whole area.

Gerry thanked Rob on behalf of the club for his very interesting and informative talk.