Piecing Together the Social Fabric


Continued from Page 14 “For us here in Maple Creek, tourism is a


secondary industry, our primary industry is agriculture and always has been and always will be,” said Pettyjohn. “Recent challenges in agriculture has really raised awareness to the importance of diversifying the economy. Tourism has always been here … Cypress Hills Park sees a many visitors annually and because there are limited ways those visitors can get to the park, the vast majority of them are coming right through Maple Creek. Anything that we can do to elevate the appeal of the community boosts consumer confi dence. “Although the DMO will oversee the


implementation of the Development Plan there are obviously things that every community within the destination area can do to make sure that they are market ready.” Part of this exercise has been trying to


establish tourism authorities in the various communities to do the work at the local level around quality assurance, welcoming appearance, proper way-fi nding signage, local visitor services and service best training.


Back on the ranch, the Reesors are


hopeful that an impact of the DMO will mean that more people becoming aware of that area, and spending more time exploring beyond the boundaries of the Interprovincial Park will ultimately lead to more services in the area. High on their wish list is a paved highway connecting Elkwater, to Fort Walsh and Cypress Hills. “T at road, if it was ever paved, that


would be the key to connect the two sides,” said T eresa. Currently, the roads connecting those three destinations are seasonal and impassable when wet. T e Reesors encourage people to travel


the gravel roads so that they don’t travel all the way north to the TransCanada Highway. T e thought being — once you are out of the hills and back onto the highway a tourist will oſt en change their mindset to they are leaving, they are done. “Once they are out of the hills they think


‘meh, let’s just go to the Hat, why bother,’” explained T eresa. T e Reesors know their wish is a


loſt y one, but may be the key to have well-established corridors within the CHDA.


The Winery is a popular destination, not only to purchase wine, but to also go out for a light lunch and relaxing afternoon.


Photos by Elizabeth Heatcoat


Left, the Climbing Wall at the relatively new Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures is a popular activity. Below, the new zipline in the Cypress Hills is proving to be a popular destination for those looking for a little excitement.


Southwest Progress Report 2012 15 The people help make the southwest a must-see destination


Photo contributed The Winery is growing their own grapes for some of their award- winning wine.


Royce Pettyjohn, Main Street Program Co-ordinator for the Town of Maple Creek, has been a catalyst in improving the southwest’s tourism turnaround. The Town of Maple Creek was awarded a Saskatchewan Municipal Award for Heritage Conservation Leadership in May 2012.


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