Tourism and the impact of climate change in Muskoka

Anne Larcade.

Thousands of activists from hundreds of environmental, social justice and community groups marched on Washington this past weekend, in the biggest climate rally ever held in the U.S. capital. Activists both called on President Obama to make good on his climate change policy promises and protested the Keystone XL Pipeline project.
Partially due to recent extreme weather events, the issue of climate change is at the forefront of American politics. A survey carried out by the League of Conservation found that 65 per cent of American voters were in favor of “the President taking significant steps to address climate change now.” What is ironic is the Canadian government, who has been a leader in past when it comes to the environment, seems to think differently now. Is this a question of greed over good? Pipeline revenues over environmental concerns? The debate of the facts becomes confusing, but one fact is clear: Our environment is changing ahead of scientific predictions, and without focus and adaptation, our children will have a threat to their economic and physical survival. I grow increasingly concerned that we must find ways in which to balance the climate’s health with the economy.
Seven indicators are rising: air temperature over land, sea-surface temperature, air temperature over oceans, sea level, ocean heat, humidity and tropospheric temperature in the “active-weather” layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth’s surface. Three indicators are declining: arctic sea ice, glaciers and spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere.
While we put pressure on our governments to address the environment, we must also consider what this will mean to Muskoka and how we can adapt to these changes, socially, politically and economically.
Muskoka’s tourism sector is projected to experience some challenges, but there may be some positive opportunities as a result of our changing climate. Tourism operators will have the benefit of several recent studies that provide either Muskoka or Central Ontario-based data, and valuable insights related to future directions.
“In 2008, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism reported that tourism accounted for $17.3 billion in the economy of Ontario in 2007, accounting for 3.4 per cent of the province’s GDP. In Muskoka the 2007 visitor spending was $350 million and the sector employed 4,800 people,” sites Ministry of Tourism trends report.
Tourism and weather are a key part of the lifestyle that attracts and holds both seasonal residents and retirees to Muskoka. Many resort operators in Muskoka directly link weather patterns to revenues and consequently jobs.
Picture a Muskoka where snowmobiling is no longer a sport that can be relied upon for 69 days per year. In 2020 snowmobile seasons are projected to be shorter by 30-47 days and by 2050-2080 the season could be eliminated. Ditto this for the ski and snowboard sector in Muskoka.
By contrast, activities like golf are expected to increase to be approximately 16 days longer in the 2020’s, 37 days longer in the 2050s and 68 days longer in the 2080s. However, two notes of concern related to golf and food crops. During the summer, moisture deficits are projected to increase, becoming particularly severe in the Great Lakes region (increasing 24 per cent in the 2020s, 40 per cent in the 2050s and 85 per cent in the 2080s).
As well, some aspects of pest and disease management could also be impacted by projected changes in the climate, posing challenges to the maintenance of golf course conditions and the perception of what a healthy golf course resembles. Warmer average winter temperatures and less natural snow cover could reduce some winter turf grass diseases (e.g., snow moulds), but summer diseases that thrive in warm humid conditions (e.g., brown patch and dollar spot) could become more problematic.
Muskoka can expect longer seasons for recreational water sports such as swimming and boating. However, numerous studies support the concerns identified in the report of the International Joint Commission in 2003 entitled, Climate Change and Water Quality in the Great Lakes Basin, which concludes that warmer summers may have a negative impact on water quality. Climate change may cause beach closures and swimming bans due to bacteria growth.
Muskoka summers will grow hotter and longer but winter-based tourism will erode. Successful adaptation will require strategies to transition.
In my opinion the change has begun. In business we must effectively plan for our future now. Prime Minister Harper on the other hand, must provide leadership on this issue.
Foods, droughts, hurricanes and earthquakes, “oh my.”
Anne Larcade lives in Huntsville with her two sons. She is the president and COO of Sequel Hotels and Resorts, which manages hotels and resorts throughout Canada, and is based here in Huntsville. She is a well known speaker and has appeared in national media, television and radio on subjects such as tourism, services and rights for severely challenged children, and on leadership values and culture in business.

Small - Large
|
Print
|
Email
|
|