ALIVE in FIVE Strategy ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Fort Henry ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

“Alive in Five” strategy …

In keeping up with what is relevant in consumer consumption, innovative plans are in place at Fort Henry. The revitalization of the Fort is all part of an “Alive in Five” strategy the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s mantra to become financially self-sufficient within five years.

What that means to you, the visitor, and consumer … “The upper fort now will be free for the public too enter”… “Waiting for new visitors is a wooden deck that spans the inside walls and offers an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario and the Royal Military College. Tables and chairs for more than 100 people will be added where they can sample light dishes and beverages. Some of the rooms that line the upper fort, formerly offices, will be turned over to vendors who will turn each one into a craft room. Tables will also be set up on the upper parade square, now to be called The Trade Square, to hold more items. The market will run from Sunday May 12, through September 14. “At any given time as long as the fort is open, you will be able to walk in there, free of admission charges, and go and browse the shops”. This area will be a permanent little artisan market that includes jewelry, sculpture, paintings, glassware and other crafts made from natural materials.

This will represent the first time, in a very long time, that people will be able to get into the upper fort for free. The Fort will be keeping up with what’s relevant to the consumer today; they are on a continuous venture to keep the fort alive and current with the market.  There are a lot of folks who haven’t been to the Fort before or don’t understand what it is even. The Fort feels that if they can get the people out with a new offering, then chances are they will stay to see the real project.

Along with The Trade Square, and Sunset Ceremonies, some things you might not expect at the Fort... a concert series that will appeal to a wider demographic than usual plus two new athletic events... a triathlon at the end of the summer, and a “Spartan adventure-type race” will take place in the grounds and participants will climb walls and challenge themselves through obstacles.

The Fort hopes that they will inject a lot of life into the Fort that is centered on their core product. They are hopeful to attract a whole new audience to the facility while helping the local economy as participants and visitors will stay in area hotels, dine, shop, and have fun. The Fort Henry website is fresh and new as well. (Please see them at LINK) It is easy to map your way through and see all the exciting events, changes, plans the Fort has waiting for you!

Ontario Visited highly recommends you join in the fun and be a part of History …. “Reflection of our past …. Hope for our Future”!

Please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).