The Smoky River Tourism Visitor Information Centre along Highway 49 at Falher.

Smoky River tourism council discussed some interesting advancements to the visitor’s centre at its annual general meeting April 2. The group talked about ways to make our area more appealing to travellers. They believe with the high gas prices, people from surrounding areas will be more likely to visit closer to home this summer. “More and more people are becoming aware of our region and realizing how beautiful it is,” says tourism president Carmen Ewing. “As we try and bring people to our region, as tourists or potential residents, it is important that we keep shouting from the rafters that this is a great place to be.” In the past year Smoky River tourism has completed a number of projects in an effort to attract new visitors. Advertising was distributed by working in partnership with La Chambre economique and Mighty Peace Tourist Association. Landscaping was completed at the tourism centre with Junior Forest Wardens and Katimavik helping to plant new trees and shrubs. Grant received A grant was received from Alberta Parks and Recreation for about $30,000 that will be used this year to install lighting around the tourism centre’s grounds. “This year we will be once again hosting the Country Promenade,” says Ewing. “This is (an event) so people from the region and tourists can learn more about the area.” Ewing explains that the promenade allows tourists to enjoy a day of experiencing what makes our area so outstanding. “This past year has shown that the continued hard work of all our association members is indeed making a difference in the community,” explains Ewing. “The Visitor Centre is looking good, partnerships with other organizations are going well, and we are now in the financial position to be able to move forward with the other items on our strategic plan.” This year the tourism association will be uploading a web site onto the Internet. The plan is to have events from around the region posted so both local people and tourists will know what is going on in the surrounding communities. In other related news, Ewing was re-elected as the association president for 2008.