Frontenac Arch makes Headway into Eco-Tourism Sector through FAB Experiences Initiative

Ivy Lea – The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN) introduced FAB Experiences over the summer—a new project designed to develop the Greater Frontenac Arch UNESCO Region, which encompasses Lanark, Frontenac and Leeds and Grenville Counties, as a renowned sustainable tourism destination meeting a growing trend in travellers’ demands for more sustainable and authentic travel options.

The initiative, made possible through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and in partnership with Lanark County, Frontenac County, St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Thousand Islands National Park and the Rideau Canal, as well as Queen’s and Wilfrid Laurier Universities, saw the launch of FABExperiences.ca, a website highlighting local tourism businesses and linking them together through hiking trails and rural tour routes.

“Ontario is full of beautiful and scenic destinations, and it’s fantastic that FAB Experiences is stepping up to ensure these precious environments are there for future generations to experience,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the FedDev Ontario. “The Government of Canada is supporting Ontario tourism by investing in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network as we build sustainable industries, like tourism, across Canada.”

The project supported local businesses in becoming more sustainable through the development of the Fast Track to Sustainable Tourism program, a series of training webinars developed in collaboration with GreenStep Solutions. Fifty-eight attendees participated in four sustainability workshops, and 10 local forerunners opted to sign the FAB Sustainable Tourism Pledge, showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly business practices. These businesses include:

• 9eh eastern Bloc Climbing Gym, Gananoque
• Berry Homestead Farm, Lyndhurst
• Driftwood Thrift, Gananoque
• Goat Ridge Farm, Seeley's Bay
• North Folk Cafe and Bakery, Perth
• Steel Style Garage, Gananoque
• Brockville Museum, Brockville
• Nature's Apprentice Farm, Pakenham
• Ridgeway Confections, Seeley's Bay
• Thousand Islands Boat Museum, Gananoque

Phases 2 and 3 of the FAB Experiences initiative will see the installation of trailside wayfinding signage, future sustainable business workshops and the addition of new tour routes.

Businesses wishing to learn more about the FAB Sustainable Tourism Pledge, participate in future FAB Experiences sustainability workshops and gain exposure in upcoming tour routes may contact info@fabn.ca for more information.