Erin, Ontario

TOWN OF ER IN, ONTAR IO material. That’s being accepted well by the locals. I personally introduced a Notice of Motion at our last council meeting asking our Environmental Sustainability Committee to look at how we can reduce the use of plastic in the Town of Erin. That’s the most important thing I’m concerned about for the environment, right now - the use of plastics, and how we have to change our ways. Another green solution, just over a year ago, we installed a solar-panelled roof on our Erin Community Centre and that has saved a tremendous amount of CO2 emissions. Speaking of that Centre – the China Women’s Lacrosse National Team was training there this summer, before their tournament in Peterborough. So, that was very exciting.” BVM: Is Erin a tourist destination? Alls: “We do have a lot of day tourists. Unfortunately, we don’t have a hotel, but we do have some Bed & Breakfasts for people who want to stay over. We’re part of the Elora Cataract Trail System that brings many people in. We also have our own Riverwalk Trail and an active Trails Committee that is building on that. In addition, the equestrian business is huge, here. We almost have more horses than people. About 5,000 horses on 400 horse farms in the Town of Erin. They do everything from hobby right up to thoroughbred racing. In the southwest corner of town, Angelstone Tournaments has become quite a draw during the summer. It’s a world-class, show- jumping facility offering prizes for their events of up to $50,000. “Our downtown core attracts a lot of day-trippers to the shops and restaurants. And we’re promoting that. At the end of November, the BIA puts on a Window Wonderland in collaboration with our Winter Market. It’s quite a spectacle – the stores are closed during the day to decorate and then at 6 PM, they turn on the lights and show off their beautiful themed windows. The park is illuminated, we have a big Christmas tree, and the streets are jammed with people. We also have a pretty busy farmers’ market, where local farmers and crafters sell their goods. In the fall, there is a Tour of the