Group to map Simcoe's future

If Wil Wegman was to create a poster informing people of the next Lake Simcoe sport fishing tourism initiative meeting, he might design it after the one featuring Uncle Sam pointing his finger your way, stating "We want you!"
When the meeting takes place Oct. 11, the day after the provincial election, Wegman suggests anyone with a stake or vested interest in this province's sixth-largest inland lake's sport fishery should attend.
That includes motel operators, ice fish hut operators, marina operators, restaurants and retail outlets catering to anglers, tourism representatives and municipal politicians from York, Durham and Simcoe regions, just to name a few.
It is at this meeting when a terms of reference must be developed for this initiative based on input from those in attendance, explains Wegman, who works with the Ministry of Natural Resources' Aurora District office.
"We need to finalize the terms of reference, set up goals and get something done," he said.
Once that is done, the next priority will be a full-fledged economic survey to see how much money is generated through fishing-related tourism on Lake Simcoe, Wegman said.
The latest information is outdated, going back to the early 1990s.
"We need to find a way to do it and pay for it. It's definitely a priority to find someone and to have the money to have it done," Wegman said.
Wegman said he's been pleased with the response given by potential stakeholders thus far.
For this initiative to be successful, he said it's critical people take part in the process.
"The commitment from those who have attended the meetings thus far has been excellent," he said. "The key for this to succeed is for the stakeholders to think of Lake Simcoe as a whole rather than for their own interests."
Anyone wishing to attend the meeting, at Lionshead Lakefront Resort and Yacht Club in Jackson's Point starting at 1 p.m., can do so by contacting Wegman at 905-713-7730.