From the left:, front row: Doug Stevenson, Karina Belander, Shelli Warren, Cathy Kirkpatrick and Cory Hagen. Back row: Trevor Norris, Shauna Baggs, South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – Over 100 people gathered at the South Stormont Community Hall on Wed., April 22 at the second annual tourism summit.

Organizers mentioned people from local government, tourism and business organizations gathered to connect and collaborate with each other as well as well as hear the presentations of several speakers.

SDG MP Eric Duncan provided a video welcome to the event, mentioning the importance of sharing best practices and noting how “We have a lot to offer.” SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn also provided greetings to those attending the summit, mentioning how tourism is a key part of our local communities and working together is the best way forward.  He echoed Duncan by stating how “across SDG we have something special” and a lot to be proud of in the local community.

“Tourism is how we tell our story—through our people, our communities, and the authentic experiences that make SDG Counties a destination visitors remember. This summit is about our key passionate leaders working together to keep that story growing.” said SDG Warden, and Mayor of North Stormont, François Landry.

Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale stressed the importance of tourism and thanked the organizations who work to promote tourism in the region during his remarks as the event began.  South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis welcomed people to the tourism summit, mentioning it was wonderful to see the stakeholders and tourism organizations together, commenting how tourism plays a “vital role in celebrating our heritage.”

SDG Tourism Supervisor Karina Belanger, and Cory Hagen at SDG Counties Tourism and Economic Development provided an update on work in the tourism field, which includes the development of a United Counties heritage map.  Shauna Baggs, the City of Cornwall Tourism Supervisor spoke on tourism projects including the work towards the establishment of a Great Wolf Lodge in Cornwall.  The 2026 Visitor Guide to Cornwall and SDG was launched and copies provided to all present.

Several speakers including Shelli Warren, Karen Torrie-Racine, Trevor Norris, and Cathy Kirkpatrick were scheduled to speak at the event on a variety of subjects including leadership development, rural destination marketing and the effect which A.I. is having on visitor planning.

Thanks are extended to the organizers and sponsors of the 2026 Tourism Summit as well as to those who presented and attended the event for their commitment to ensuring the many stories of our area are promoted.