'Green' resort to replace wind power as engine of economic growth

Avril Fultz | Mar 31, 2016

North Frontenac/Addington Highlands

Preliminary plans were announced this week at a joint meeting of AHEAD (Addington Highlands Economic Advancement Directorate) and the North Frontenac Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) for the development of a new kind of 'green resort' for the Vennachar/Denbigh to build on the success of Bon Echo Park.

The group behind the project first came together last year to propose alternatives to wind power proposals in the two townships.

At that time the idea of a resort that featured “local organic gardening and livestock incorporated into cooking workshops with guest chefs, local craft beers, and outdoor activities in both summer and winter” (edition 15-26 – July 2 – page 2) was proposed by Ashby Lake summer resident Stan Crothers, who claimed to have $5 million already committed towards the project.

Now that proposals for industrial wind turbines in the two townships have been rejected by the IESO (Independent Electrical Systems Operator) what advocates describe as 'fun' initiatives are back on the table.

“We did a scan of the tourism sector in Ontario and particularly Eastern Ontario, with the help of the Highlands Tourism Organization in Pembroke, and have determined that the Land O'Lakes region lacks the identity of other regions, such as the Kawarthas and the Muskokas,” said Crothers, a high tech entrepreneur from Ottawa who is looking to diversify his business interests. “Without something unique a resort would not be viable here. That got us thinking about innovating to change that picture.”

Crothers did extensive research on economic development in Frontenac County, and eventually got a hold of an old study for the Frontenac Centre project, a proposal from the year 2001 that never got past the idea stage. He followed up by contacting Brian Ritchie, the first Economic Development Officer for Frontenac County, who spent an afternoon going over the details of the proposed resort with him.

Crothers came out of the meeting enthused about the concept behind the Frontenac Centre.

“Ritchie's idea was to invite emerging chefs and artists for residency at the resort, so visitors could mingle with them in a wilderness setting, but with modern amenities. I love the idea,” said Crothers

Wanting to keep to the movement towards local food and beverage experiences, but being aware of the head start places such as Prince Edward County, and even Hastings have in terms of breweries, wineries and specialty food products, Crothers and his group decided they needed to focus on the 'wilder' side of life.

“What we have here is wilderness, we have unspoilt lakes, and knowing that it will take at least 5 years to develop a resort we thought that by that time marijuana will be legalized,” said Crothers.

He said that there will be a raft of marijuana artisans in Ontario once it is legalized.

“Not only growers, but artisans making edible products will be literally coming out of the wilderness. That has been the case in Colorado, where the market for specialty products has mushroomed over the last two years. Someone is going to jump into that space, why not us.”

Crothers idea, which has been endorsed by AHEAD and EDTF, is to immediately commence a search for a large parcel of land, at least 500 acres, which can be “transformed into a magical wilderness adventure resort that will be suitable for the entire family.

“You can imagine hiking and canoeing, followed by a fine meal, local beer, cheese, meat and fine garden greens from Frontenac and L&A Counties' finest producers, with a selection of the finest locally grown and fashioned marijuana products for those who are so inclined,” he said.

Anticipating complaints that he is developing a resort only for adults, Crothers pointed out that even “Disney World has licensed areas. The trick is to keep substances, be they wine, beer, or marijuana, away from children. There are many ways to do that.”

Crothers added that while the marijuana focus is likely to get media attention, the Wild Frontenac/Addington resort will be “a multi-faceted facility that will focus as much on showing visitors how to gather wild leek and morels in the spring and catch bass in the summer, as harvest marijuana in the fall.”

Crothers added that he has been talking to a an expert in bio-fuel who said it might be possible to grow enough hemp and other high fibre grasses locally to power the entire resort.

“Given how we got together last years in response to an irresponsible large scale hydro project last year, it would be fitting for an off-grid resort to come out of all that,” he said.

Crothers is waiting for endorsements from the full Councils of North Frontenac and Addington Highlands, MPP Randy Hillier and MP Scott Reid before seeking more investors for the project.

“We will need 5 years and $30 million or more to make this happen, but when it does direct jobs and spin-offs will change the area forever,” he said. “I'm confident this will work. All we need is political support and I am willing to invest $2 million of my own as seed money for the project.”

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins, who attended the meeting, said he does not want to comment on the proposal until North Frontenac Council has a chance to consider it. Their meeting is set for Friday, April 1.

Addington Highlands Reeve Henry Hogg could not be reached for comment.