2010-2011 Activities and Accomplishments
Environment Committee
WTAY remains passionately involved in the protection of our environment by creating an unquestionable link between the wilderness tourism industry and the conservation of the western Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic. Over the past year our Environment Committee has been particularly active, developing and carrying out several major initiatives.
These projects include:
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WTAY has put forth a tireless effort to protect the Peel Watershed, by
remaining an active participant in the on-going dialogue between the government
and conservation groups. In July 2011,
the Peel Watershed Planning Commission released its final recommended plan, which
states that 80% of the central Yukon wilderness area will be safeguarded from
industrial development. Although, WTAY
would like to see the entire area to be declared off-limits to development, or
at the very least, more stringent legal guidelines, we are encouraged by the
recognition that the Peel’s environmental and cultural value rests in its
untouched preservation.
At present, WTAY is working with the Yukon Conservation Society—with the
support of the Yukon communities and local governments—to address the growing
concern of motorized vehicles in off-road environments. The main objective of this project is to help
curb conflicts on popular multi-use trails, which would ultimately minimize ORV
impact on wildlife habitats and sensitive wilderness ecosystems.
Considering the significant amount of mineral exploration that is occurring in the territory, WTAY will stay dedicated to analyzing, evaluating and responding to all future YESAB reviews that concern the wilderness tourism industry.
Lands Committee
Regardless of our ardent determination to see the adoption of a ‘Commercial Wilderness Lands Policy,’ there has still been little success in this area. That being said, we plan to once again make this issue a priority in 2012 and hope to encourage a more inclusive dialogue with all those who have an invested interest in backcountry lands.
Currently, we are patiently awaiting the release of information concerning the site applications for the Lone Wolf Outfitters and the Bonnet Plume Outfitters under the ‘Big Game Outfitters Policy.’
Education Committee
WTAY’s Education Committee has been extremely busy this past year. We began the year by offering education and training programs for members with the assistance of grants from the Canadian Tourism Industry Association. When that funding ran out, WTAY and the Yukon Government partnered through the Product Development Partnership Program to continue providing professional development and training opportunities for those in the wilderness tourism sector.
The following are some of the workshops that WTAY made available for its members:
Crisis Communication Workshop
WTAY contracted Keith Davis of Davis Communications Group to provide a one-day workshop on how to communicate with the media in times of crisis. The workshop’s objective was to provide the necessary information, resources and tools to educate new and existing tourism businesses on how best to handle the media when dealing with a crisis. This workshop was very successful, with many of the participants requesting a follow-up session for 2012.
Natural History and Interpretation Workshop
WTAY offered a Natural History and Interpretation workshop to members and public. This all-day, hands-on workshop supplied new and returning guides with knowledge and skills on the Yukon’s wilderness and biodiversity, as well as demonstrating interpretive techniques to make nature easily accessible and entertaining for clients. As many tourists have indicated the importance of a knowledgeable guide, WTAY believes that making this workshop repeatedly available to its members will be of great value to our industry.
Transport Canada Marine Training
Responding to an immediate industry need, WTAY offered a 4-day-course to certify any individual who operates a small commercial vessel. In the spring, WTAY learned of the legal requirement (as of November 2010) that any businesses operating small boats under certain conditions must have more extensive training than what is expected to obtain the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. As the course is usually only offered out of territory, WTAY—with the assistance of YG Tourism and Culture—organized and carried out this workshop at a much reduced cost to its members. Due to the necessity of such certification for many of our members, WTAY intends on making this workshop available in early 2012.
Along with workshops such as these, WTAY will continue to explore professional development and training opportunities that we foresee benefiting wilderness tourism operators and their staff.
Marketing Committee
In the past year, WTAY received funding from the YG to develop a new and more user friendly website for Yukon Wild. As marketing Yukon Wild is such a major part of what we do every year, these activities are detailed in a separate report, available upon your request.
Representation on Non-WTAY Committees
· Tourism Industry Association of Yukon Board of Directors
· TIAY Senior Marketing Committee
· Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund Review Committee
· Yukon Tourism Training Fund Review Committee
Input / Consultation
Outside of committee activities, WTAY is frequently consulted on a wide range of projects and issues. Staff or directors may review projects, make submissions or be actively involved with project development. After considerable WTAY input, the Department of Tourism released both the Yukon Wilderness Tourism Status Report and the Yukon Wilderness Tourism Status Report Summary. Copies are available through the WTAY office.
Partners
In the past, WTAY worked in conjunction with North 2 Knowledge, to complete our online and printed Best Environmental Practices on Yukon Rivers brochures.
Prior to the October 2011 election, WTAY worked alongside the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Yukon Conservation Society, Friends of McIntyre Creek, and Raven Recycling to host the 'All Parties Environment Forum.' This event gave the public an opportunity to understand each party's position on important Yukon environmental issues.
After the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon's Fall Round Up and Retreat, their President (and former WTAY President) Neil Hartling, stated that TIAY is in a good position to work with WTAY to protect wild spaces. As well, WTAY continues to participate extensively in the Tourism Development Business Planning process. Due to this partnership, WTAY members are now entitled to a free TIAY membership.
WTAY works closely with all levels of government to ensure wilderness tourism interests are understood, protected and enhanced. WTAY acknowledges the ongoing support of the Yukon Government, in particular the Department of Tourism & Culture and Minister Mike Nixon. The Department of Environment continues to generate valuable data on wilderness tourism activities. Wilderness Tourism Licensee trip reports help us to monitor and ensure the protection our most valuable resources. Federally, Parks Canada provides valuable opportunities and services to the wilderness tourism sector.
WTAY is always open to partnering with other organizations. If you would like to discuss partnering please contact the office at wtay@klondiker.com.
Information
With the prompt support of our membership, and support of our treasurer, WTAY has successfully changed our fiscal year end to March 31st. This will match the year end of the YukonWild Marketing Program. The result will be a simplified year-end for our staff, treasurer, bookkeeper and accountant.
WTAY’s main communication tool is the E-News which provides short bulletins with links to where you can get more information. Members used the E-News to sell canoes, vans, trailers and to find employees. WTAY staff will continue to upload content on our members’ website www.wtay.com
The WTAY Board of Directors meets once a month, September through May. If you would like to receive meeting minutes, please contact the office.
Administration
Justine Hobbs is the WTAY office manager. This is a .75 time position supporting the work of the nine-member Board of Directors. Justine is available by appointment and is happy to answer any and all question. The office in located upstairs in the Horwood’s Mall at First Avenue and Main Street, in downtown Whitehorse.
Your comments and questions are always welcome!
Review our past achievements:
