Business View Magazine | September 2019

181 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 SOUTH STORMONT TOWNSHI P , ONTAR IO that time,” says McGillis. “They still reside here and it’s a bittersweet event that happened back in those days. Families were displaced from their community where they were born and raised and had been for generations, but they can’t really go back to revisit their past. That’s why we have this museum, here. It was created by the historical society in 1977 and it’s a meaningful and popular attraction for this community. On July 1st, the community gathers there to celebrate Canada Day.” To further increase tourism, Young reports that the Township is focusing on its recreation and waterfront infrastructure. “We recently hosted a summit about becoming a more bike-friendly community; we are looking to work with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the United Counties on improving our trails and connections,” he notes. “We already have the Waterfront Trail that runs through the community, and it’s a great place to cycle, however, we want to look at additional options for cyclists. We get a lot of cycle tourists from Ottawa, Quebec, and Toronto, and we’re focused on making this a great destination to bike, which helps our local businesses, too.” McGillis adds that the Township has recently formed a Waterfront Development committee. “The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is the steward of most of the lands along the waterfront, and they’re looking at giving back some land that’s under their stewardship so that we can develop it,” he explains. “The lands that were here since the late ‘50s are virtually untapped, and it’s time that we work together in partnership with the province, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, the municipalities, and local businesses to create something that’s viable for the communities in terms of recreation and also for tax purposes, too. The more money we can generate in new taxes, the more sustainable we can be and not rely as heavily on provincial funding.” “South Stormont offers a wealth of opportunities for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential development.” McGillis says, in conclusion. “We are situated in a prime location