Despite a tough pandemic-riddled year, things are still chugging along for the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board.
This, according to BOQRMB Executive Director Dug Stevenson in a presentation to Quinte West council Monday evening.
Stevenson gave a presentation on the year in review for 2020-21 and plans that lay ahead for 2021-22.
One of the biggest successes in 2020, according to Stevenson, was the addition of Greater Napanee to the marketing board. The board already features the municipalities of Brighton and Quinte West, the City of Belleville and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
“The big news is we’ve expanded the partnership. We’re so excited to have Greater Napanee join the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board. When I think of the support, for example, that we’ve gotten from your municipality, your council, over multiple terms to this organization. We don’t expand, we don’t take on Greater Napanee, without that support.”
Another high point for 2020 for the Bay of Quinte region was the minimal damage sustained on overnight occupancy rates during the pandemic. According to Stevenson, the region sustained the lowest overnight occupancy rate loss in Canada.
“When we look at 2020 CBRA overnight hotel data, can you believe it? The Bay of Quinte region. The LOWEST overnight occupancy loss in the country at 9%. Average occupancy loss in Canada over 30%. Average occupancy loss in south-eastern Ontario through RT09 over 20%.”
For April 2020 – March 2021, the BOQRMB had a budget of $804,874. According to Stevenson, the City of Quinte West contributed $161,316 or 20% of that budget. Quinte West contributed $93,772 through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and $67,544 through the per capita contributions of $1.55.
Through various initiatives, $34,000 was put back into the community of Quinte West. There were marketing grants that supported 38 local businesses through nine separate projects totalling $26,610 as well as funding for the Quinte West “Shop Local” campaign and SPARK program tourism funding for Quinte West businesses.
Stevenson said that the board is set to announce another $45,000 in marketing grants for the spring and that there will be another $45,000 in grants happening in the fall.
Another point highlighted in the presentation was the 2024 Under 15 Toyota National Soccer championship which will be hosted by Quinte West.
The board’s 2021-22 budget totals $902,777 including $85,000 in MAT contributions and $67,544 in per capita contributions from the City of Quinte West which totals 17% of the budget.
One of the plans moving forward is taking 10% of the MAT and creating a support program for Quinte West downtowns. The funding, at an estimated total of $8,500, would go towards supporting downtowns and towards marketing.
Another project to look forward to is a video series featuring the Quinte West pop-ups. The initiative is set to kick off June 4 and will run until September 5 in Centennial Park in Trenton. Stevenson said there will be a video crew on hand for opening day and, pandemic permitting, for Canada Day to capture it all for the video series.
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison lauded the work done by the board to date.
“I think your objective this year was to focus on small businesses and to support small businesses and I think it’s fantastic.”
For more information see the Bay of Quinte Tourism website.
