CANADA 150 Connect.Create.Celebrate
Exploring the tourism opportunities in The Heart of Ontario
Updated March 2017
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Please Note: Considerable effort has been put into the development of this Handbook. If you wish to reproduce any part of this Handbook, you must first receive permission from Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association.
Maria Fortunato Executive Director Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association [email protected] 905 297 0190 ex. 101
Acknowledgements:
Content for this handbook builds on a document prepared by Maria. V Fortunato for Tourism Hamilton and expanded and adapted by The Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association.
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Table of CONTENTS:
1. Have you started planning yet? Pg. 4
2. Canada 150 Country Wide Pg. 5 - 9
3. Canada 150 Events in Hamilton Halton Brant Pg. 10 - 18
4. What is your Tourism Opportunity in Pg. 19 - 22 The Heart of Ontario?
5. Use Pageantry to Celebrate Canada 150th Pg. 23
6. Accommodation Providers Pg. 24
7. Restaurants, Food and Beverage Providers Pg. 25
8. Retail Stores, Shipping Districts and BIAS Pg. 26
9. Built and Natural Attractions Pg. 27
10. Staying Connected and Informed Pg. 28
11. Additional Resources Pg. 28
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HAVE YOU STARTED PLANNING YET?
2017 marks Canada’s Sesquicentennial; 150 years since the establishment of Canada at Confederation in 1867.
The Government of Canada highlights Canada 150 as “a time for us to connect, celebrate and show our pride from coast to coast to coast. It is not just a festivity. Canada 150 is your invitation to shine, to share what makes your community unique and its heroes outstanding. Its your chance to deepen and expand your sense of being Canadian, discover untapped potential, create lasting connections and build community legacies that will live on long after 2017 has ended.”
Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association links communities, which includes the Country of Brant, the Cities of Brantford and Hamilton, the Regional Municipality of Halton, including the City of Burlington, the Towns of Halton Hills, Oakville and Milton, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations.
There are many truly authentic Canadian experiences to share and stories to tell that showcase our region’s outstanding Canadian landscapes. Be a part of this legacy!
This handbook is a tool for our tourism industry to use. It lists practical suggestions for how restaurants, shops, attractions, accommodation providers and others can welcome visitors during Canada 150 (2017). The ideas contained in this manual are by no means an exhaustive list, but are intended to spark Ideas Webster’s Falls, Hamilton
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COUNTRY WIDE: CANADA 150
The Government of Canada’s vision for CANADA 150 includes 4 themes:
1. Diversity and inclusiveness 2. The Environment 3. Youth 4. Reconciliation with Indigenous People
CANADA 150 COUNT DOWN INTIATIVE
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with an array of partners, will be counting down by generating surprises that will appear spontaneously throughout the country. This initiative is to encourage participation by Canadians nationwide and promote the 2017 activities throughout the year. Canadian Heritage, in partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada, will share what is taking place across Canada to increase public participation, visibility and awareness of the Canada 150 events. Be sure to watch for these activities including stunts, group selfies, public art, flash mobs and major announcements. CBC/Radio-Canada will be highlighting the variety of activities; from small community festivals to grand signature events. Stay tuned, as there will be something for everyone.
Join in to create a national collection of content and share it with CBC/Radio Canada to be shared on their digital platforms and social channels. Get involved and Share your Story! Take advantage of this marketing avenue and provide Canadian Heritage and CBC/Radio-Canada with your events and/or activities. Invite your visitors to join the countdown via social media to promote Canada 150 and your business’s authentic Canadian experience.
#Canada150 #RadioCanada2017 #CBC2017
For more information, go to: http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/.
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CELEBRATE CANADA
Celebrate Canada will be electrifying in 2017! Thousands of provincial, regional and local initiatives will take place across the country over the four days of celebrations leading up to and including Canada Day. The celebrations will begin with National Aboriginal Day on June 21, followed by la Célébration de la francophonie canadienne on June 24, and Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. The festivities will peak on Canada Day, July 1st. From coast to coast to coast, Celebrate Canada festivities will offer great opportunities for your business. The events and activities planned for Canada 150 will have an important impact on tourism across the country. The150th anniversary of Confederation will generate long-lasting economic benefits for small and large-sized communities, highlighting Canada as a premier tourist destination. Want to partner with projects near you? Visit http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081 to see the full list of programming. ONTARIO TOURISM MARKETING PARTNERSHIP CORPORATION
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation recently launched the Canadian Canoe Culture Campaign, an inspiring campaign that will unite and unify the paddling community, operators, Indigenous communities, destinations and paddling experts across Ontario. As part of the campaign, an evocative documentary film was created that captures the human connection and the remarkable bond created by Canada’s well-known craft and national symbol, the canoe. The campaign also hopes to inspire travellers for Ontario’s 150th. To view the stunning film visit: www.ontariotravel.net/paddle. For more information about the campaign visit: www.tourismpartners.com PASSPORT 2017
Passport 2017 is a mobile app that provides users with personalized recommendations, stories and event listings throughout 2017. This mobile app and website offers viewers access to all activities and events taking place across the country in 2017. Passport 2017 is an additional free promotional avenue to get your events and experiences out to interested consumers. Launching January 2017, be sure to go to www.passport2017.ca to add your events and experiences now! 6
MOSAIC PROJECT
The Canada 150 Mosaic Project has been launched by the Mural Mosaic team that will span over 2 years. The plan is to create a mural including all provinces and territories, over 80.000 paintings and 150 individual murals that when united will form one gigantic mural mosaic. The mural (if ever) connected will be over 365 metres wide and 2.5 metres high. The Mural will represent:
1. A cultural mosaic 2. A time capsule 3. A visual portrayal of history 4. An art masterpiece from the soul of the nation
Upon the completion of the entire Canada 150 Mosaic, each community mural will reside in the town or city where it was created as a reminder of the 150th anniversary. Within The Heart of Ontario, the Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington have been selected to be a part of this project.
Oakville: Oakville Residents met at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre on February 16th, 2016, to participate in the Canada 150 Mosaic Project. Their mural is composed of 750 tiles and is now on exhibit at River Oaks Community Centre (2400 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON L6H 3N8).
Burlington: The City of Burlington will be participating in the Canada 150 Mural Mosaic project through a public art program. The mural will be made up of approximately 400 individual tiles painted. Dates for this are:
Sunday, May 21st, 2017 – Burlington Mall 2:00pm – 6:00pm Victoria Day, Monday, May 22, 2017- Art Gallery of Burlington – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Burlington Mural for the Canada 150 Mosaic will be unveiled on July 1, 2017.
150 STORIES
150 Stories is a collection of new stories and images that speak about what it means to be a Canadian in Ontario. With an introduction from Honourable Bill
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Davis, the book features stories of many well-known Ontarians (and some not so well known ones as well), each telling one of their stores in 150 words.
NATIONAL CANADA FILM DAY 150
National Canadian Film Day 150 is a massive one-day celebration of Canadian cinema in honour of Canada’s Sesquicentennial. On April 19th, 2017, great Canadian movies will be available on air, online and on foot at over 600 screenings in cinemas, libraries, public squares and anywhere that can show a film. If you are interested in hosting a film, go to https://canadianfilmday.ca for more details.
150 ALLIANCE (National Digital Hub):
The 150 Alliance is a database of groups, individuals and organizations that are involved in Canada 150 projects and initiatives. Aiming to be the largest digital platform it will act as a hub for all 2017 activities, featuring a Pan-Canada events calendar, ongoing storytelling, continuous news feed and space for organizations to connect and collaborate. Be a part of this opportunity and add your project to this directory to start connecting with others and spread the word. Go to https://150alliance.ca/ to join the alliance and register your organization to add your Canada 150 projects!
SESQUI Signature Initiative (Travelling Interactive Festival Experience):
SESQUI, short for “sesquicentennial”, is an official Canada 150 Signature Initiative by the Government of Canada. This interactive festival experience will travel to communities across Canada in 2017. The festival is housed in a portable village of dome structures, including an immersive digital space that will host live events, interactive programming and cutting edge 360-degree film experiences.
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SESQUI is a vision to celebrate Canadians from coast to coast. Its purpose is to celebrate Canada’s dynamic creative spirit and celebrate Canadian’s shared values, achievements, its environment’s majestic character and its place in the world. This activity aims to engage millions of Canadians with the best in Canadian culture and innovation. For more information, go to www.SESQUI.ca.
Digital Perspective of SESQUI THE DREAM CATCHERS January 1st 2017 – July 21st 2017
Make way for inspiring works! The Confederation Centre of the Arts will engage youth from across the country to create a new musical inspired by dreams from Canada’s future. Twenty-six young professional artists, who reflect the country’s cultural diversity, will be cast and a giant national dreamcatcher will be created.
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CANADA 150 EVENTS IN HAMILTON HALTON BRANT
Cultural and outdoor programming, as well as celebratory events, are being developed across the region to engage community residents and increase visitation to generate extended stays and increase economic impact. The following section outlines activities underway and provides considerations for you to leverage and join in the tourism opportunities of Canada 150.
HAMILTON
2017 is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the accomplishments and contributions of those who helped shape our great nation. It is a time for all to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with events taking place across the city of Hamilton to pay tribute to this significant milestone. It is a time to imagine the Canada we wish for all and are willing to strive for, overflowing with patriotism, love and understanding; a nation where all people are treated equally with kindness, respect and dignity.
The City of Hamilton has launched their planned Signature Events for Canada 150. The 5 Events are:
1. Dundurn’s Golden Anniversary Celebration – June 17th
Dundurn National Historic Site was Hamilton’s 1967 Centennial Legacy Project. In 2017, it celebrates its 50th year and will be hosting many exciting programs and activities. Saturday, June 17, 2017 marks the 50th anniversary as a historic house museum. Join as we celebrate 50 years of restoration with special tours of newly restored rooms, view the rarely seen Cockpit building, and participate in hands- on activities such as gardening and cooking, using tools and techniques from the 1850s. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy music, crafts and games which were popular in MacNab’s time as well as in the 1960s when the museum first opened. Free event and museum admission. 2. Celebrate Canada 150 Day at Bayfront & Pier 4 Park – July 1st
Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in Hamilton! Enjoy live performances, children’s activities, local food trucks and a dazzling fireworks finale beginning at 10 pm. 3. Rendez-vous Tall Ships Regatta at Pier 8 – July 1st
Details coming Soon!
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4. Air Force Day at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – July 8th
Meet current members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, see their aircraft up close on the ground and learn the many roles performed by Canada’s air force today. From helicopters, trainers and transports to the CF-18 Hornet plus the collection of vintage military aircraft from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, visitors will have a chance to view over 60 aircraft. 5. Peace by Piece; Stitching Together Canadian Stories
The Heart of Ontario is hosting The Quilt of Belonging in partnership with The Cotton Factory, Hamilton’s creative arts centre. The Quilt of Belonging is a textile art project, spanning 120 feet. It is comprised of 263 blocks, each created to recognize Canada’s diversity. It celebrates our common humanity and promotes compassion among people. This exhibition includes a variety of programming that is family-friendly and will excite all interests as we celebrate Canada’s 150 in 2017. Museums, artists, craftsmen and musicians from across Hamilton Halton Brant will provide workshops, talks, concerts and demonstrations to engage our Canadian spirit and imagination. Go to www.hamilton.ca/canada150 for more information. Other Hamilton Canada 150 initiatives include:
City of Hamilton Marketing Campaign
Marketing tactics include: banners, print collateral development and distribution, print advertising, television commercials, social media engagement and a comprehensive digital campaign. Call for Event Submissions
To be included in the Canada 150 online event listings, organizers are asked to complete an online form via www.hamilton.ca/Canada150. Events that meet the criteria will be listed online and may be included in Canada 150 marketing initiatives.
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HALTON Burlington: Come Home 2 Burlington
To commemorate this historic milestone, Tourism Burlington is inviting former Burlingtonians and family and friends of residents to visit/rediscover Burlington events, restaurants, shops and attractions during 2017. With so many events happening throughout the year, there isn’t a better time to revisit and celebrate your pride in being a Canadian and Burlingtonian! Tourism Burlington is sending out regular updates to tourism partners/business community via email. There is a section on Canada 150 activities and the Come Home 2 Burlington marketing campaign in their biweekly partner e-newsletter. Tourism Burlington has been connecting with their local partners regarding the Come Home 2 Burlington marketing campaign and advising them on how to get involved. Tourism Burlington is also keeping track of milestone anniversaries happening this year, some of the anniversaries include:
Joseph Brant Museum – 75 years Burlington Teen Tour Band – 70 years Burlington Chamber of Commerce – 70 years Burlington Gymnastics Club – 50 years Emma’s – 25 years Burlington Sport Hall of Fame – 10 years
There has also been a new category set up in the City’s events calendar for Canada 150 events so Burlington businesses/organizations can add their events now! Visit https://calendar.burlington.ca/ and select the Canada 150 category to find events and activities taking place. Special Events in Burlington
Love My Hood neighbourhood events http://www.burlington.ca/en/your- city/Love-My-Hood.asp ParticipACTION 150 Play List event Reaffirmation Ceremony Canada Day (numerous activities) http://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and- play/canada-day.asp https://museumsofburlington.com/events/244- canada-day-event-july-01-2017
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Canadian Craft Biennial at Art Gallery of Burlington http://artgalleryofburlington.com/upcoming-exhibitions/canadian-craft- biennial/ Royal Botanical Gardens has numerous events and projects planned throughout 2017 https://www.rbg.ca/150
For further information about these initiatives please contact:
TOURISM BURLINGTON – contact Pam Belgrade, [email protected]
CITY OF BURLINGTON – contact Denise Beard, [email protected] http://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Canada-150.asp
Halton Hills
Patriotic Canadian Small Town Challenge in Halton Hills
It's Canada's 150th birthday and the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce is challenging the residents and businesses of Halton Hills to show their national pride by flying the Canadian flag on July 1. Imagine flags flying on porches, lawns, garages, parks, business and farm mailboxes - anywhere they can be seen from the street! It will be a historic sea of red and white! www.haltonhillscanada150.ca
Oh! Canada 150 – From Coast to Côte!
Saturday April 1, 2017 the Georgetown Skating Club is celebrating Canada's 150th Birthday with this Ice Skating Event, themed “Oh! Canada 150: From Coast to Côte! Together, we CanSkate for another 150 years.” A full day ice skating event for families wanting to discover a new sport, enjoy and learn from an interactive ice skating show featuring professionally choreographed numbers as well as participate in the free skating/coaching sessions.
Georgetown Choral Society presents Canada-150 Eh?!
To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, the Georgetown Choral Society is hosting a special concert. Canada-150 Eh?! is a celebration of 150 years of Canadian music. The concert takes place on Saturday, May 6th at 7 PM at the Georgetown Christian Reformed Church. Adult tickets are $20 and can be purchased on http://www.georgetownchoral.ca/ 13
Georgetown Little Theatre – A Season of All Canadian Plays
To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, the Georgetown Little Theatre’s current season is featuring all Canadian plays. In April you will have the chance to visit the John Elliott Theatre and see a comedy drama by Norm Foster. Your future could be changed by a chance meeting at a bus stop as Holly and Robert discovered. This touching story will pull at your heart strings and leave a smile on your face. Tickets and more information about other shows please go to http://georgetownlittletheatre.ca/
Norval on the Credit Canada 150 Celebration
The multi-site Norval festival will be the focal point of a series of events that recognize Norval as one of the places where First Nations lived, hunted, and farmed along the banks of the Credit River. The basic theme will be to help everyone understand just what it means to be a Canadian – past, present, and future. Visitors will learn about our famous former residents and frequent visitors - Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, Group of Seven artist A.J. Casson, and portraitist JWL Foster. We are proud to highlight and showcase the many ethnic and cultural groups in located in Norval. The festival will take place in various locations in Norval: Willow Park Ecology Centre, McNab Park, Lucy Maud Montgomery Garden, Childrens’ Garden of the Senses, Credit River Footpath, Norval Croatian Centre, St. Alias Ukrainian Church, Sant Nirankari, Nashville North, and others.
Celebrate Canada Day in the Glen
Come and visit our lovely hamlet, and enjoy a wonderful day in a beautiful setting. This annual July 1st festival in the hamlet of Glen Williams, Halton Hills celebrates Canada's Birthday. There is a parade that starts at 12:00 NOON led by a pipe band, dignitaries and many other participants dressed in red and white leading everyone to the entrance of the park where the many activities and festivities happen in the Glen Williams Ball Park. Open to the public free entry, this year we will be featuring several new items, with a ball game between the trappers and the voyagers, a bubble tent, and other fun activities. There will be an array of craft and local vendors. The day ends with a Duck Race down the Credit at 4:00pm. There will also be a good selection of food and drinks (non alcoholic) on sale.
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Celebrate Canada Day in Acton at Prospect Park
Join us Saturday July 1, 2017 at 6:00pm in Acton's Prospect park, for free live music, family entertainment, a BBQ in support of local charities and more! End the evening by enjoying an incredible Fireworks display courtesy of the Acton Firefighters Association.
Canada 150 Celebrations of Lucy Maud Montgomery in Norval
A variety of events are planned around building a legacy of the famous Canadian author who lived in the village of Norval from 1926 until 1935. The L.M. Montgomery Heritage Society has purchased the manse where she and her husband lived and has plans to preserve this piece of history and keep it for all time growing it into a museum. More information can be found here: http://www.visithaltonhills.ca/Destinations/Destinations.php?id=17
Other Halton Hills - Canada 150 initiatives include: The Town of Halton Hills has many different commemorative plans including providing a Canada150 Toolkit for Event Organizers, offering a Block Party Kit for residents, One Book - One Halton Hills program featuring new Aboriginal author event as well as add-on’s to four existing events at the Halton Hills Public Library, 3 Things for Canada Program, Citizenship Ceremony, Royal Oak Sapling plantings, Tree Stump Carving, Trees for Veterans Program, Engagement Contest, Planting of Canada 150 Tulips at Friends of the Old Seed House Gardens, Hockey Week in October, Canada on Screen and developing a new Discovery Tour program. Halton Hills Tourism has created a webpage for Canada 150 that highlights all of the community events that are celebration Canada 150 or have a Canada 150 element. Look for the Can150! on the event calendar to help you identify the events that have Canada 150 programming. http://www.visithaltonhills.ca/Events/index.php
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Oakville: Oakville Community Event Listings The Town of Oakville has created a webpage for Canada 150 that highlights all of the Oakville community events that are celebration Canada 150 or have a Canada 150 element. Look for the Canada 150 icon within the summary to help you identify the events that have Canada 150 programming. http://www.oakville.ca/events/attend-an-event.html
Oakville Museum Canada 150 Exhibitions
In 2017, the Oakville Museum will feature a selection of exciting Canada 150 themed exhibits and installations.
1. Oakville Museum at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
“HOME and Native Land: Being Canadian” February 17, 2017 – January 2018
A story of 150 voices! Artifacts, photographs and interviews of current Oakville residents, 150 voices tell our story! Representing different cultures and traditions from around the world, woven together to showcase Oakville’s vibrant community and its Canadian identity.
“With Glowing Hearts: Celebrating 1967” Summer 2017
How was the Centennial celebrated 50 years ago in Oakville? A fun and energetic recapturing of the atmosphere and spirit of the 1967 celebrations featuring oversized photographs, 1967 paraphernalia, decade dolls, etc.
2. Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
“From Far and Wide: Tales from a Suitcase July 1, 2017 – September 16, 2018
Using the museum’s suitcase & costume collection, as well as archival documentation, we will tell stories of immigration from over 150 years as a collective history of becoming Canadian.
3. Oakville Museum at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
“Stand on Guard: Sport in Canada September 2017 – September 2018
An amazing look into the history of some well-known sports that Canadians enjoy that have been influenced by a number of factors including our four seasons and
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Canada Day Celebration at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
This is a FREE all day family festival celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday! This event includes food vendors, music and entertainment, a farmer’s market and fireworks. To get involved in the Bronte Canada Day event, please contact: [email protected]
Town of Oakville Red Seal & Letter Head Files The Town of Oakville has developed a Red Seal logo and letter head files for industry partners to use if interested. Go to http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/canada-150.html to access the logo and letter head files.
BRANT Brantford: Brantford’s Canada Day Celebration
On July 1st, Brantford will host Canada Day Celebrations. Program and activity details to come.
Bell Memorial
October 24th marks the 100th anniversary and rededication of the Bell Memorial. More details to come. Lawren Harris Week
October 16th – 23rd will be Lawren Harris Week. Born in Brantford, Lawren Harris is one of the Artist from the Group of Seven. Programming is in the development stages. This event will take place at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant and will include a week full of activities The Art of War
On April 27-30 & May 5-7, 2017 Brant Theatre Workshops presents The Art of War and the Birth of the Group of Seven at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum 17
Brant Museum Crawl
From May 18th to 28th, 2017, Brantford will host the Brant Museum Crawl. This is a week of events that are designed to support the arts, culture, family programming and development, including Canada 150. This is a community wide initiative. Group of 7 Collection
From May 27th – July 23rd 2017 a Permanent Collection Exhibition will be highlighted at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. This exhibit will be Canada themed and display Group of 7 work. Brant Colours Plein
The Brant Colours Plein Air event is in Tribute of Lawren Harris. This event will take place across Brantford and County of Brant at various locations on September 21st – 24th 2017. More details to come.
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WHAT IS YOUR TOURISM OPPORTUNITY WITH THE HEART OF ONTARIO?
CANADA 150 Marketing Tactics
This is a year long digital marketing campaign that launch in January 2017. www.theheartofontario.com will highlight our partners Canada 150 programmed events and offers that are hosted within the region. The website incorporates Canada 150 categories to help shape content and experiences. These categories include:
Canadian Military Heroes First Nation Traditions Founding Families Signature Landscapes Canadian Culture Signature Events Canadian Music Taste of Canada Offers
If you have an events or offers that fit within these categories, please contact Angelica Smith: [email protected]; 905-297-0197 x 105
150 HAPPENINGS in 150 Days in HAMILTON HALTON BRANT
The Heart of Ontario’s promotion of Canada 150 will also include a marketing campaign highlighting 150 days of 150 Truly Canadian offers or experiences found in the region of Hamilton Halton Brant. The 150 days will be from May – October 2017. These offers will identify various products and experiences/events that are authentically Canadian, encouraging visitors to travel throughout the region. A promotional piece will be created, printed and circulated during this campaign period.
The Campaign criteria:
1. Your offer, event, or experience must be held in 2017 and hosted in the regions of Hamilton, Halton or Brant 2. Is an authentic Canadian experience and/or story 3. Is posted to our leisure website www.theheartofontario.com
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This is a Free Promotional platform for you to take advantage of opportunities and build incremental visitation in 2017.
How to Post on the Leisure Website: To receive your Login Information for www.theheartofontario.com to add your offer, event or experience, please email: [email protected]
Once you have submitted all your experiences, offers, and packages, The Heart of Ontario staff will put it LIVE on the website. The Authentically Canadian offers, events and experiences will be highlighted on our Great Canadian Day Tripper web page and then included in our Digital 150 Happenings in HHB Campaign. All authentically Canadian offers, events and experiences will be tagged with the Canada 150 logo, so visitors can identify which offer, experience or package are truly Canadian.
Canada 150 logo What is considered an authentic Canadian Experience?
Authentic Canadian Experiences can be experiences and activities that identify with Canadian Culture and Canadian Landscapes. Some examples are Grand River Stand Up Paddling or Hiking the Bruce Trail, the Canadian Football League’s Labour Day Classic in Hamilton, Maple Syrup Festivals, Canada’s Largest Ribfest in Burlington, Art Exhibits by Canadian Artists, Craft Beer or Hockey Festivals/ Tournaments, because who doesn’t think of Beer and Hockey as Canadian.
Your offers, events and experiences can be time limited. The Heart of Ontario will be consistently showcasing a curated 150 Happenings in HHB. Therefore, if an experience, event or offer expires, another will take its place based on season and how it will appeal to the region’s target audiences. WHERE ELSE WILL YOU BE SHOWCASED?
This marketing campaign will use a variety of tactics to help promote your authentic Canadian experience/event/offer. 20
These tactics include:
Digital Media Campaign– selected by The Heart of Ontario Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Flicker, Instagram Engaged Audience E-Blasts Blogs – Blogs will be developed to highlight detailed unique experiences that can only be captured in Hamilton Halton Brant. Itineraries – created and promoted on our leisure website, under the Great Canadian Day Tripper Banner. The itineraries will identify trips of varying lengths to encourage visitors to travel between the region during 2017. The development of the itineraries is another way to highlight an Authentic Canadian experience and make it easier for the visitor to plan a trip throughout our region.
We encourage you to tweet, post, upload images and content of these experiences when they are happening during 2017 with your visitors and include the hashtag #150inHHB.
PEACE BY PIECE: Stitching Together Canadian Stories
The Heart of Ontario has partnered with the Cotton Factory in Hamilton to present an exhibition of the Quilt of Belonging. The Quilt is a textile art project, spanning 120 feet. It is comprised of 263 blocks, each created by individuals to recognize Canada’s diversity. It celebrates our common humanity and promotes compassion among people. The Quilt will be on exhibit for 5 weeks from July 10 to August 16, 2017 on the third floor of The Cotton Factory; Hamilton’s creative arts centre. During the weekdays visitors will be able to learn about the various experiences and places within the Region of Hamilton Halton Brant through demonstrations by both artisans showcasing a craft and cultural attractions telling their story. Workshops allowing visitors to participate and learn a skill will be offered on the weekends (at a cost). Mornings will be energized with breakfasts, yoga and talks; and the evenings will see music, stories and tastes to enlighten the soul. On Thursday evenings visitors can learn about this area and its people through lectures and music. Friday nights will be a time to listen to local musicians and experience artistic talents.
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On Saturday nights, we will host concerts featuring well known bands from within the region we call The Heart of Ontario. Partners are encouraged to leverage this exhibition event to increase regional visitation. An exhibition of the Quilt attracts many visitors from a variety of interests. Marketing tactics and programming will be targeted towards, families, cultural enthusiasts, crafters, artists, quilters and multicultural groups. The Heart of Ontario will be encouraging tourists to consider visiting the Quilt and to add stops to participating partners with authentic Canadian offers in their trip plans.
To get involved in this exhibition contact Adrienne Carter: [email protected]; 905 297 0190 ex. 103
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for this exhibition please contact: [email protected]; 905 297 0190 ex. 107
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USE PAGENTRY TO CELEBRATE CANADA 150th
The spirit of an event can be brought to life through “pageantry”. What is “pageantry”? In a sense, pageantry is a form of “experiential” marketing. It inspires people to actively participate in a celebration that in turn makes the event more dynamic and memorable for everyone. Their excitement and energy contributes directly to the celebratory atmosphere. Pageantry engages all the senses to give event attendees a heightened sense of event awareness, excitement, community spirit, civic pride, and the motivation to get involved.
IDEAS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Display street banners or Canadian flags. Do you have a place of where this can happen in your community?
Provide visitors at your events with paper flags.
Wear red and white or Canadian Sportswear
Encourage residents and municipal partners to use Canadian inspired motifs in landscaping and gardening. Including the Canada 150 Tulip.
Great Example!
The Canada 150 tulip’s elegant white bloom with red flames bears a striking resemblance to our maple leaf flag. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Home Hardware (the exclusive retailer of this special tulip bulb) and Communities in Bloom, for the selection and distribution of the Canada 150 tulip.
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Take part in the Celebration in the Fall of 2016 and remember to plant the Canada 150 tulip. You can purchase Canada 150 tulip bulbs at participating Home Hardware stores nationwide as of September 2016, so you can enjoy the beauty of this special tulip as part of the Canada 150 celebrations in spring 2017.
ACCOMODATION PROVIDERS
Hotels, motels, inns, campgrounds and B&Bs all have an opportunity to host visitors during Canada’s 150 in 2017. You can develop offers that target specific event dates or programs that are celebrating authentic Canadian Experiences in your area. Stay connected with The Heart of Ontario’s leisure website which provides links to key events in and around the region to build accommodation packages around.
IDEAS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Create a year-long Canada 150 rate that HHB can incorporate into marketing to get visitors to your door.
Highlight your inventory of accessible rooms and on- site facilities to appeal to visitors and their families.
Train your front-line staff on authentic Canadian events/attractions and locations in the region so that they can respond to queries from guests on what there is to see and do. Keep a binder at the front desk or check in area with event listings and other information as a resource.
Build packages that provide on-site parking and proximity to transit for those guests attending events/attractions outside of Hamilton Halton Brant.
Create a sense of Canadian Pride in the Front Lobby.
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Develop offers that target Canadians and their families.
Create a Canada wall and have maple leaf’s available for visitors to sign and write what is means to them to be Canadian.
RESTUARANTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROVIDERS
Visitors to your community need to eat and drink! Restaurants, catering companies and food producers all have an opportunity to benefit from visitation. However, you must be prepared and identify the opportunity that suits your business. Work closely with area attractions and event organizers to find the right fit for your restaurant, food or beverage operation.
IDEAS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Provide your Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and Visitor Centers and area partners with coupons to distribute and promote on your behalf.
Provide your area DMO with copies of your menus to have available at all Visitor Information Centers and other promotional outlets.
Create a “special” entrée or menu to celebrate Canadian Culture or to showcase authentic Ontario and Canadian food and cuisine experiences. Example: Trout, Beans, Corn, Squash (all Canadian grown), or Poutine, Maple syrup dishes, etc.
Host an Authentic Canadian tasting event combining food and drink made with local produce. For example, Ice Wine, local brewed beers, paired with Canadian farmed cheeses etc.
Offer incentives such as ‘15% off’ with proof of Canadian residency identification
Incorporate Canadian cuisines in your menu. 25
Great Example! Springridge Farms will be offering a Canada 150 jam in Celebration for Canadas Sesquicentennial.
Host a Karaoke Night with a Canadian play list.
Develop and Host a Canadian Themed event ex. Hockey/Curling Night when Games are on.
Host a Trivia Night dedicated to Canadian culture. ex. Trivia Pursuit is a Canadian game. RETAIL STORES, SHOPPING DISTRICTS & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS
In addition to eating, shopping is one of the most popular activities that visitors engage in while they travel. Individual retail outlets of all types as well as shopping districts have an opportunity to generate increased sales during 2017.
IDEAS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Develop a package in partnership with an attraction or event to generate a trip to your retail outlet before, during and after their visit. Idea Alert: Tourism Burlington has created a list of 150 activities/events in Burlington to enjoy throughout this milestone year to encouraging visitors to discover #BurlON and residents to invite your friends and family to join in as a tourist in your hometown. Visit http://www.tourismburlington.com/150-things-discover-burlon-2017/ to see the full list!
Theme a Shopping District with Canadian Flags; local cultural attraction promotions, and/or sports equipment and photos.
Develop a special shopping flyer/brochure listing of Canadian goods.
Offer shopping incentives such as:
o 15% off with proof of Canadian Identification.
o promotional offer of an authentic Canadian souvenir gift for every $50 spent, such as a red and white candle, hockey puck, or maple syrup, etc.
Develop Unique Canada 150 Product
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Great Example: A Hamilton retailer “Kelly Lowe’s Glass” has created unique Canada 150 hand-blown and sculpted glass art in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday as gifts for corporate or personal use. Create a photo opportunity area with authentic Canadian clothes/sportswear to have visitors take pictures and develop a #hashtag or use #150inHHB.
Create a Twitter Contest. BUILT AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Museums, water parks, zoos, agri-tourism operations, art galleries, conservation areas and provincial parks each have an opportunity to benefit from Canada 150. In addition to developing and staging Canadian-themed offers, attractions can partner with others during high traffic periods to generate incremental visits. Example of Offer: Parks Canada: Purchase a Discovery Pass in 2016 and it will remain valid for 2 full years to incorporate free admission in 2017.
IDEAS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Create promotions and special offers such as coupons, vouchers, 2 for 1 admission or a souvenir/gift give- away.
Create programs, special events/exhibits incorporating Canadian arts and culture, or sport themes.
Develop a package that includes a dining/food component to offer convenience for the visitor and/or distribute special offers from dining businesses in the area to help visitors maximize their visit in the region.
Highlight your inventory of accessible facilities to appeal to Canadians.
Tell your Canadian Story. What makes your attraction unique and truly Canadian? Develop programming that showcases Canada’s wonder landscapes, such as the Grand River, Niagara Escarpment or Bruce Trail. Have visitors paddle, hike, or
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climb these Canadian landscapes and provide tips and tidbits of history during their activity.
Develop an Instagram contest encouraging visitors to post pictures at your attraction and to post them out to their followers with your specific hashtag included.
Create Canadian themed programming. Examples could include “Painting Uncorked” serving Canadian Wines and inspiring the artwork around the Group of Seven artwork.
STAY CONNECTED AND INFORMED
Be sure to link in with your local or regional tourism DMO to stay up to date on opportunities to support your business as listed below.
BRANT Russell Press [email protected] BRANTFORD Nicole Drake [email protected] BURLINGTON Pam Belgrade [email protected] HALTON HILLS Amy Sykes [email protected] HALTON REGION Nancy Field [email protected] HAMILTON (TOURISM) Annie Chong [email protected] MILTON (ESCARPMENT Cheryl Ciccarelli [email protected] COUNTRY) MISSISSAUGAS OF THE Deanna Dunham [email protected] NEW CREDIT FN OAKVILLE Rebecca Edgar [email protected] SIX NATIONS TOURISM Constance Jamieson [email protected]
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Bookmark the Milestone Projects Resources page on www.hamiltonhaltonbrant.com to stay up to date on the many resources and tourism marketing opportunities. Bulletins with the latest information will also be posted here.
Sign up for the industry newsletter at www.hamiltonhaltonbrant.com
Follow us on our Corporate Twitter @HHBTourism for industry updates and opportunities
www.sesqui.ca acts as an online hub for information and education resources
https://150alliance.ca/projects will house the largest database of groups, individuals, and organizations that are involved in Canada 150 projects and initiatives. Features an events calendar, continuous newsfeed and a space for organizations to connect and collaborate.
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