By Don McCormick
The recent open house for public consultation on the run route for the 2020 Ironman 70.3 Muskoka race once again provided an opportunity for the public to raise their concerns relating to the triathlon and other such events in our town.
Having worked for 25 years to help build the Muskoka Triathlon to the highly successful event it is today and to position Huntsville as one of the premier triathlon communities in Canada, I feel compelled to respond.
The following would be typical of the sort of concern being expressed: “I don’t know why we have to have these triathlons. Oh sure, the restaurant and motel and resort owners and gas station operators make some money, but I don’t benefit from it. For me, it’s just an inconvenience. The roads are restricted on race day and I’m dodging cyclists on the roads all summer.”
Without question there are some inconveniences on race day but let’s put that into perspective.
Like it or not, Huntsville is a tourist town. The development of tourism in Muskoka was almost inevitable. The natural beauty of the area—clean and abundant lakes and rivers, extensive forests, rolling hills, dramatic granite outcroppings, and so on—provided a tranquil escape from the busyness, congestion and noise of the city.
And the city dwellers started escaping to the resorts and cottages of Muskoka from very early on. The proximity of Muskoka to Canada’s largest concentration of people—the Golden Horseshoe—provided local businesses an opportunity to capitalize on this phenomenon and the tourism industry in Muskoka, and Huntsville, was born. Over time a very large and complex tourism infrastructure has been developed.
“The tourism industry in Muskoka is, by far, the District’s largest industry and employer,” claims Muskoka Tourism in its report on the Muskoka Assessment Project. “No other sector in the region comes remotely close to creating jobs and labour income than tourism does.” Hard data is difficult to generate to prove that claim but even a modest ‘guesstimate’ by consultants would indicate that tourism and cottaging accounts for about 50 per cent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 20 per cent of the jobs.
Who gains from the tourism industry? To answer this it is first very important to distinguish between direct and indirect benefits.
Those businesses that provide a direct service to tourists—resorts, hotels and motels, restaurants, gas stations, retail stores and so on—benefit directly. A modest estimate of the amount of money that these visitors will drop in our community would be $500,000 to $1 million. And, since this an annual event, that amount comes into the community every year.
But, if you don’t make your livelihood in the tourism industry how do you benefit? Well, in fact, your job is probably indirectly affected by what goes on in the tourism industry. A healthy and vigorous tourism industry generates jobs and income for builders, electricians, plumbers, architects, draftspeople, surveyors, lawyers, real estate people, land developers, hydro and telecommunications workers, doctors, nurses, lab technicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, administrators, the entire wholesale and retail sales sector, and so on. There are probably few sectors of the economy in Huntsville that are not affected by what is happening in the tourism industry.
So, it is simply not true that you don’t benefit from the tourism industry. We all have a vested interest in maintaining a healthy and vigorous tourist industry.
But tourism is changing dramatically. Every other country, province/state, and community in the world now understands the benefits of tourism and are aggressively trying to attract tourists. Your friends and neighbours are now traveling to tourist destinations around the world that we never imagined we would visit only a couple of decades ago.
If we are to maintain a healthy local economy—from which we all benefit—we have to be even more aggressive about attracting tourists to Huntsville.
But why does it have to be triathlon?
The Ironman brand is one of the most powerful brands in the world. If you put an Ironman logo on anything it flies off the shelf. If you want to attract 5,000 people to your community, run an Ironman race. Athletes will come from all over Canada, all over the US, from several European countries, and even from Central and South America and from Australia and New Zealand.
And if they are well received, and they have a chance to experience the Huntsville and Lake of Bays area, and they get to participate in a well-run race, they will sing our praises to their friends back home and there is no better way to promote anything than by word-of-mouth. That kind of promotion would cost millions if you tried to do it with the traditional means—TV, magazines, newspapers, internet websites, and so on.
I have experienced that. I have raced in England, in Australia, in New Zealand, in the US and across Canada, and the Huntsville World Championships of 1992 are still talked about and that makes me very proud of my community.
So, yes there will be inconveniences. But relative to the value of getting people into our town, of having them experience all the great things available to them, of having them experience the friendliness and helpfulness of our volunteers and citizens, of giving them so many reasons to want to come back and to bring their friends, it is a very small price to pay.
So, it is in all our own best interests to shrug off the inconveniences of a few hours a year and to offer a friendly and welcoming face to our visitors. You are the best promotion vehicle for Huntsville’s tourism industry.
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Hugh I would just like to say that if you think everyone in Huntsville has a high quality of life you better take your dark glasses off and take a good look around then ask why do we have so many people using the food banks.
As far as this iron man race is concerned if it’s a benefit to anyone it’s the rich sure dose nothing for the poor people except be a pain in the butt.
I see no shortage of tourists here in the summer no matter if there is an event going on or not but then I only go to town early in the morning to stay out of the crowds.
Most residents would welcome you!
Nothing wrong with a little debate online ahead of time, change only occurs as a result of polite complaint and sharing of ideas.
Honking at cyclists…. no wonder they flip you the bird. Just go around, your vehicle has hundreds of horse power, you are slowed down for a moment, relax.
“A good community is one where neighbours take pride in their living environment, respecting and supporting one another in their jobs, interests, and passions, regardless of age, gender, race or creed. A good community is a cohesive, safe, confident, prosperous and happy place. It is free of poverty and crime, providing a high quality of life for everyone that lives there.”
Thank you Don and all the other community volunteers that dedicate endless hours to make Huntsville such an interesting, vibrant and fun community to live in.
Interesting article. I am a former Ontario resident. I still have a family cottage near Haliburton. I know Huntsville well. I am a “wanna be athlete” as one of the respondents put it. Triathlon is a sport and hobby for me. It gets me out in the country to ride and run. Most triathletes participate in a few races a year. For us, it is a big deal. I train up to 20 hours a week. I plan a number of races around vacations or interesting places I wish to visit. Last year I raced in 4 events. A local event near my home in Pennsylvania, a 4 day event in Ohio, a half IM north of New York City and a full Ironman in Lake Placid NY. In each case I chose the events because they have a great reputation. 1. An exciting course is a top priority. 2. An interesting destination. 3. A well run event.
I’m sorry many of your readers are not happy when an IM event comes to town. Triathlon is a road course event (all but the swim of course). Races held off road are not triathlons and don’t have the same wide appeal. I haven’t done the race in Huntsville, I’m not sure I would knowing I wouldn’t be welcome by the residents. I hope this is not true, I have family and friends in the area and was considering racing in Huntsville this summer or 2021.
Best regards, Wayne
Rich Trenholm says “you can’t run 21 k around a track” I think I could do it. If everyone donated a Loonie per k to Christine’s place.It might take awhile and I’d have to train but I think I could do it. Michael O’Mara
Totally agree with Ray. And its not just a couple of hours for us being locked in. They have had this before and kept one lane open. Why can’t we do that.
George We have a thousand or more people moving here every year that have nothing to do with sports of any kind. You say you live in the affected area and all you need is a little planing please tell me just how you plan for an accident or a fire where you need the EMS just as fast as they can get to you. Yes we can plan to just not go into town that day no big deal but there is no way to plan for emergencies of any kind. This is what we complainers are worried about. Has nothing to do with sport or the athletes at all. Just should not be allowed to close any road for any reason except unforeseen things like washouts nothing you can do about nature.
You ever go around a corner at 60 or 80 k on a hill and have a bike rider doing 5 or 10 k have way out to the center lane and you have to jump on the brakes because you cant pass him or her. I have come up behind them on a strait and hnked to let them know i’m coming some still will not move over and give you the finger to boot.
Don you are absolutely right in your explanation of the benefits this event and others bring to Huntsville. One of your respondents points out another long term benefit of being in the sports event tourism business saying they liked what they saw and moved here.
What if just one person moved a business to Huntsville because they liked what they saw. More jobs prosperity. There is a bigger picture. A few hours of inconvenience is a small price to pay and yes I live in the area that will be affected. Just need to do a little planning.
Well Stan if I didn’t have flaws i would be something real special and for sure I’m not that just an old man with my own opinions.
Excellent article Don. I too was heavily involved in the organization of the World Triathlon Championship in 1992 – despite being the least athletic person on the planet.
I believe that it was a watershed moment for Huntsville in terms of a move toward health, fitness and competition becoming a priority for many. I was born in Huntsville and I can hardly remember seeing an adult on a bike before that.
While the staging of sports events and festivals are aimed at the development of tourism benefits also accrue to local residents as well when they participate and/or volunteer.
There is inconvenience in events like triathlons, but in my opinion, those small annoyances pale in comparison to the benefits, which you have laid out so well.
Ray, I think I read the Doppler as much for your almost daily comments than the Doppler in general. But this is one of those rare occasions when I roundly disagree with you. It’s almost refreshing to see you have flaws. LOL
Good work, Don: You presented a well reasoned argument for all running events; and incidentally every event that is Huntsville-hosted and attracts tourists. Yet the majority of the comments are no less than curmudgeonly. I have volunteered for, perhaps, 90% of the events in town since relocating here 10 years ago. In all that time, from the inaugural Provincial Winter Paralympics to last weekend’s Snowfest; I’ve yet to hear one negative comment from the participants.
So these comments come from our townsfolk. Maybe, they are mostly elderly and set in their ways: I respectfully accept that. But why does that entitle them to pick and choose who visits town for what purpose? We also have many young families with children (who had a ball at Snowfest, despite poor weather and a poor turnout). And guess what? Most Main St. businesses reported July sales.
My advice: If you are able, please attend at least a few of these events. I am certainly elderly, and I attend them all.
Queen’s ’59 alumnus (which I append for fellow alumnus, Don)
Ray.
Cyclists are NOT the biggest hazard on the road. Cyclist and cars together are a hazard. If both parties share the road the hazard is significantly reduced. Cyclists need to stay to the right and ride single file when cars are approaching and cars need to pass with a minimum of 1 meter space. If that means slowing down and waiting then that is the safe thing to do. The vast majority of cyclists do adhere to and know the rules of the road. The ironman and cycling and running or walking all promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Something we should encourage not discourage with off the wall comments that paint all cyclists as non law abiding hazards.
That was a well-written article Don. Thank you.
it seems that whatever the TriSports team does to make this event as seamless as possible, there will be a certain group of folks that will not like it. When the run course travailed regional rd 23 and 9 and then along 60 the outrage was equal to the noise we hear now. Instead of complaining about this road or that road getting shut down for 4-6 hours on a Sunday, come up with an alternative.
The 2020 Ironman 70.3 Muskoka race is not an international competition or game. The fact that we meet people from many countries among the participants of this event cannot pretend to be world class. Everyone can take part in the event.The sponsors of the event Subaru company is focused not on quality but on quantity. My previous speakers are throwing numbers.The event generates between $500,000 and $1,000,000. What makes you think that? It’s the middle of summer. Thousands of tourists every day. How can we find out how much money is left by the participants of this event?. As far as I know, on average around 800 volunteers take an active part in this event every year. Have any of them been rewarded in some way over the years for what they do?. My last question. What tangible benefit does our town have in allowing this event to take place?. Thank you
You don’t have to have an oval track fix up one of the snow machine trails and make it into a track . I don’t know just where these guy’s are running but it’s sure not 21 kl from north mary lake rd into town so why is this getting shut down.
It is an interesting read and I would like to clarify that I believe this community has been ery receptive to these events and in fact embraced them . This issue however is not in line with a respectful relationship between the public and the private event schedule. This explanation that emergency services will be unhindered is completely unprovable and therefore irresponsible. We have hosted events like this for years without closing a main road so lets find a way . The competitive nature of an Ironman event is not like a normal race, it is extremely competitive and racers are spending big dollars and many are going to international standings.
Lets imagine the road is closed , there are Police at every intersection , there are pylons down the center line of Brunel with racers moving in both lanes in different directions . This is the reality of what will face an emergency vehicle that day and it will require the racers to move off the lines to allow them through and with the actual speed of a response be hindered by the mechanics of making a route ?
The plan seems to be that there will be no emergencies and that is completely unacceptable. It will also be unacceptable to the people participating and truly unfair to them. One emergency would in fact ruin the race for many…
If there is a fire out Brunel and three fire trucks and an ambulance have to go that way , the race would be over and it will take years for our reputation as a great place for these events to recover.
It just makes no sense to put anyone at risk..
Rich
I didn’t say the EMS would be denied. It will however be delayed . You know the urgency of EMS and the length of time. Lets face it, how do you get up to 1500 people (and I know they won’t all be there at once) out of the way in a mannerly fashion if an EMS is required. I worked (volunteered) the Band on the Run and had an experience with that.
I worked in Emergence Services for 30 years and have some experience.
And for Mr. Doyle that was in Toronto AND I also lived in Flood Prone area in Huntsville.
I required EMS 7 years ago and I know the feeling what it is like to be having a Heart Attack and waiting for the Ambulance. That route was Brunel Rd that the ambulance had to come out.
I just don’t know how a road can be completely closed without Parallel entry for EMS which Brunel Rd . route does not have.The decision has been made and I will live with it but not without voicing my opinion.
I went to the Information Meeting.. I talked to the people, made my concerns known in a very professional way and left a written concern. Left my phone number as ALL the people giving information said I would be contacted. No Contact. I watched the final council meeting. Not once did I see a Contingency Plan from the Police or Ambulance . Only a verbal report from Chris Pilling and OWNER of Trisport Nick Stoehr.
That is another subject.
I am sure there will be a plan come out eventually.
Like I said , I was never against the event. I have a family member in Iron Man competitions.
Just against a road being completely closed and how it was all put together before the public could have a say.
That you Don for clearing that up at least that gets rid of one concern but I for one am still not happy with closing the road or any road for that matter. I’m not against sport of any kind but it should not interrupt the lives of people who care less about it no matter what sport it is. As for bringing money into town there are lots of events that do that with no interruption except maybe an increase of traffic downtown. But it’s not just on race day we have to contend with bike riders on Brunel Rd most of the summer they are the biggest hasard on the road and most don’t adhere to the rules of the road if they even know them ask anyone that drives Brunel on a regular basis. Bike riders should have to have insurance and a licence if they want to ride the hwy and a rear view mirror just like cars .
I believe the emergency services issue has been addressed. EMS vehicles have priority on the road use and the athletes know they have to give way to them. With no other vehicles on that section of the road the response time might well be faster than it normally would be.
Since I have not heard any EMS person condemn this arrangement it gives me reason to believe the EMS are satisfied that this is workable .
Also, if some one needs to transport a family member to a medical facility in their automobile in the case of an emergency they need only make a police officer directing traffic along that part of the route aware of this and they will also be given priority treatment.
Ray. I have commented before. You can’t run 21km around a track.
Emergency services are never denied access to any resident. Ever.
Well Mike You are welcome to your opinion just as much as all of us are and most of us don’t care if they have a iron man race every weekend just get them off the darn roads and stop closing roads of for a bunch of would be athletes. If these races mean so much to the businesses in town then get them to pay for a track there must be enough area around where you can build one that would be better than the roads are anyway. You want to showcase the town then do something special for these events. If they are not worth that then cancel them. I just hope nothing bad happens and there are some lawsuits over it just think if there happened to be a house fire out here and the fire trucks can’t get here as fast as they should and the insurance decide they were in arer and sue. sure could be bad for everyone .Maybe the people from Toronto still think we have a nice quaint little town but ask a few folks what they think that have lived here all there life you may get a different answer.
I have also not seen a plan, but I have 100% faith that emergency services will always find a way to make it to an emergency,
I have also questioned in other posts, why fully close the road? Is there not a way to take turns running opposing traffic down one lane using sign / flag staff just like construction.
Happy to have events like the Ironman here, but not sure why a full road closure is necessary.
Thanks, Don…. I think the first triathlon was in the 1980’s and then we had a Canadian one in Huntsville and than the next year we hosted the World Triathlon…great times….
I moved to Huntsville last June. I chose Huntsville because three years ago I came up from the city to see the half Ironman being run out of deerhurst. Prior to that I had no idea what a quaint & beautiful town Huntsville was. I’m only one voice but I’m proud to see our town hosting such a world-class event and drawing positive attention. I will be on the street on race day encouraging the athletes to do their best. If the inconvenience affects you directly I suggest you take a drive down to Toronto before the road closures start and have lunch. By the time you get back two things will have happened, the roads will be reopened and you’ll be so happy to get back to Huntsville after being in Toronto you’ll appreciate what we have.
I agree road closures are a pain for everybody especially when it goes past your house. I live in an area that is subject to high water every spring that would have me adding 30 to 60 minutes to reroute or even prevent me from getting to my house for a lot more than 4 to 8 hours. When mother nature decides to take control, it doesn’t shine a positive light on our town.
You should be asking yourself is this event good for our town. I think most people would agree it is.
Don makes it sound like a few hours of road closure is minor as did the people doing the presentation at the Living Centre. I hear the Police and EMS were talked to but I have yet to see a Contingency plan if an emergency happens in a home in the Brunel Rd area that day. The organizers make it sound like all is OK. We will just move the runners and bikers over to get through . REALLY. I worked in Emergency Services and have some insight on what could be involved.
This was a set up from the start as the decision was made and then the organizers got backed into a corner and had to have an Open House which was too late for the people affected by the closures. Kind of putting the cart ahead of the horse in my opinion.
I just wonder who will be responsible if something (emergency) does happen that day. Will the organizers step up to the plate on that one.
I am not against the race as I have a nephew that travels the world for the Iron Man. I have actually watched it down town a few years ago.I am against people thinking that closing off a main artery of road completely without having a parallel route for emergencies is a minor issue.
The decision is made so we have to live with it. HOWEVER I hope this is a one year issue.
Well Don a lot of what you say is true but I guess you don’t mind having your life interrupted for awhile but a lot of people including myself do not like to be landlocked for even a few hours. I always wonder just what will happen if I or someone I love needs an ambulance in a hurry and my hwy. is shut down for 4 or 5 hours sooner or later someone is going to die because of this.
I agree tourism is a huge part of living here but I don’r see any day in summer that the town is not busy Race or no race. In my opinion if you are going to hold these races every year then build a special track for them and get them off the roads. Make it safer for everyone and no inconvenience for anyone. If these races bring in so much money after 20 years you should have enough money to build a track. We have baseball tournaments and hockey tournaments that bring in just as many or more people with no interruption to any roads or streets at all. Living out Brunel Rd every time there is a race of any kind it seems we get stranded for a few hours it’s time to start thinking about another route and getting these things off our roads.