West Lincoln champions agricultural tourism, rural recreation at 2026 AMO Conference
Representatives from the Township of West Lincoln took part in the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held in Ottawa from August 16 to 19, where they met with members of Provincial cabinet to advocate for the inclusion of agricultural tourism in Destination Niagara and investments in Wellandport park and shoreline enhancements.
The AMO Conference is Ontario’s largest annual gathering of municipal leaders, providing a forum for communities to share priorities with the province and explore collaborative solutions.
West Lincoln’s delegation was led by Mayor Cheryl Ganann, Councillors Shelley Bradaric, Joann Chechalk, William Reilly, Regional Councillor Albert Witteveen, CAO Truper McBride and Director of Growth and Sustainability Gerrit Boerema.
“West Lincoln has a unique opportunity to showcase the strength, character and innovation of our rural community,” says Mayor Cheryl Ganann. “Our farms, local food producers, markets, heritage and agricultural businesses are not only important to our local economy; they are also destinations in their own right. We are pleased to bring that message directly to the Province and advocate for greater recognition and investment in agricultural tourism across Niagara.”
“Investing in rural recreation and agricultural tourism is an investment in the long-term vitality of West Lincoln,” says CAO Truper McBride. “At AMO, we had the opportunity to demonstrate how strategic Provincial partnerships can help us deliver projects that support economic development, quality of life and strong, sustainable rural communities.”
Innovative Rural Destination Niagara Opportunities
The delegation met with Effie Triantafilopoulos, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, requesting that agricultural tourism be recognized as a core pillar of the Destination Niagara strategy.
West Lincoln is positioned to be a key municipal partner in developing and promoting agricultural tourism initiatives, such as a modern agricultural festival, agricultural tourism routes, and partnerships connecting visitors with farms, local food, markets, craft beverages, and heritage sites.
Overall, the goal is to strengthen the local economy, encourage longer visitor stays and establish rural Niagara as an essential part of the Destination Niagara experience.
Wellandport Community Park & Shoreline Enhancements
The delegation met with the Hon. Doug Downey, Interim Minister of Tourism, and Parliamentary Assistant Natalie Pierre, requesting support for the Wellandport Community Park project.
The project would enhance the existing 7.7-hectare area and create new, accessible opportunities for active living, waterfront recreation and year-round community programming in the rural area.
The area has served as a recreational and social hub and this project represents a valuable investment in rural recreation. The Township is seeking continued partnership and engagement as the project progresses through assessment, funding and construction.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Beth Audet, Communications Specialist
baudet@westlincoln.ca
905-957-3346 ext. 6737