By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County needs to investigate how to maximize what may be one of its under-appreciated assets – its health-and-wellness businesses.
The point was made at Northumberland County council's standing Economic Development, Tourism and Land Use Planning standing committee meeting for July, when a motion passed June 3 by the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand was brought to the floor.
That motion resulted from St. Anne's Spa approaching the township's council for their support in reopening. The motion Deputy Mayor Sherry Gibson made recognized it as “an alternative health and wellness destination spa, a member in a small distinct industry not yet fully recognized at this time.”
Gibson's motion noted that their 250 staff (with a bi-weekly payroll of $250,000) welcome 120 guests daily.
“They have an exceptional track record for health and safety. They pay their taxes. They have been generous sponsors of Alnwick-Haldimand events. They contribute to the spin-off economy of our township, as well as Northumberland County. They helped put us on the map. They paved the way for sister industries such as Northumberland Heights and Whispering Springs,” the motion read.
It then requested that Alternative Health and Wellness Destination Spas be identified as a distinct industry, forwarding the request to authorities at both provincial and Federal level.
“I would like to make the motion that staff look into this type of tourism, that health-and-wellness tourism, throughout Northumberland County, not just in Alnwick-Haldimand Township,” Alnwick-Haldimand Township Mayor (and standing-committee member) Gail Latchford said.
“We are fortunate enough to have two of these businesses, and they are bringing a lot of people into Northumberland County and providing a great service.
“I am hoping Northumberland County tourism staff can have a look at this across the county and see what recommendations they can come up with.
“I will make the motion that economic development look at this, see what they can come up with and speak with the health-and-wellness businesses across the county, find out what their needs are, their expectations, and whether or not we should go forth and take this on to the province.”
The motion passed by the standing committee recommends that the county's tourism staff research the issues regarding health-and-wellness businesses across the county and report back to the committee.
