Guelph - Volunteers, supporters, staff and local dignitaries gathered today at River Run Centre for the official launch of THE RIVER RUN TENTH, the performing arts centre’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Details of the celebrations, which will culminate in a weekend of festivities, October 4-6, were announced on the Main Stage, where so many memorable performances have captivated audiences since Opening Day, October 4, 1997.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the celebratory events at River Run Centre. Canadian Juno Award-winning soul band Jacksoul will perform with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony at THE PARTY, an evening fundraiser to support River Run programming on Thursday, October 4. The following night will feature THE CONCERT, an intimate evening with Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy and his band, The Jim Cuddy Band.

On Saturday, October 6, River Run will open its doors to the community for THE CELEBRATION. This free all-day event will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the theatre through a series of hands-on activities for the whole family. Finally, later that afternoon, THE REUNION will bring together hundreds of current and past volunteers and staff to celebrate ten years of excellence and friendship.

“The support the community has lent to River Run since it opened its doors on October 4, 1997 has been nothing short of astonishing. Our anniversary celebrations are designed to thank everyone who has contributed to our success over the past ten years, and to welcome those who have not yet had a chance to experience this great facility,” said Colleen Clack, River Run Theatre Manager. “If there’s one thing River Run knows how to do, it’s put on a show. And that’s exactly what we plan for The Tenth.”

“River Run Players” entertained the audience with an energetic performance of the top 10 reasons for our community to celebrate River Run Centre. The crowd in attendance at today’s event were invited to share their most memorable River Run experience by posting their comments in the lobby before leaving. Over the next few months, River Run will encourage members of the public to submit their favourite memories, which will be shared with the community through the Centre’s website and other media.

“This is the community’s theatre, so it’s wonderful and entirely appropriate that everyone in Guelph will have a chance to share their memories and participate in the celebrations,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators and honourary chair of The Tenth.

Will Mactaggart, chair of the River Run Centre Board of Directors, also announced that The Co-operators is the anniversary celebrations’ Diamond Sponsor. Sapphire sponsors are Blackmont Capital, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Guelph Downtown Board of Management, Guelph Tool Inc., Knar Jewellery, MacMillan Marketing Group, Reid’s Heritage Homes, and Stone Road Mall. Barzotti Woodworking Limited, Colt Reproductions, eBiz Professionals Inc. and the Guelph Chamber of Commerce are Emerald sponsors; Ampersand Printing, Synnex Canada, Woolwich Arms and Arrow Pub and Zehrs Markets are Ruby sponsors; and Syngenta is sponsoring The Jim Cuddy Band.

Tickets for the October 4 and 5 events go on sale April 20. For more information on The River Run Tenth, please visit riverrun.ca.

An Anniversary Weekend
October 4 – 6, 2007

THE PARTY · October 4
An Anniversary Fundraiser
An elegant and fun-filled evening featuring 10 entertaining stations throughout the building, exquisite cuisine and a sizzling Main Stage show with Canadian Juno Award-winning soul band Jacksoul and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

THE CONCERT · October 5
The Jim Cuddy Band
An intimate evening with Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy, whose captivating voice and fine song writing place him among Canada’s best.

THE CELEBRATION · October 6
A Community Open House
A free all-day event featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the theatre through a series of hands-on activities for the whole family. It’s Your Turn on Stage!

THE REUNION · October 6
A Volunteer & Staff Social
Celebrating ten years of excellence and friendship.

Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism (T&T) industry, according to the very first ranking of its kind in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007, released by the World Economic Forum. Iceland, the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom complete the top ten list.

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Overall tourism spending (resident and non-resident) was up 1.8% in the fourth quarter. Tourism demand has been on the rise since the second quarter of 2003.

Tourism registered its third consecutive year of solid growth in 2006 following a downturn in 2003 related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the war in Iraq. Tourism demand climbed 4.6%, following gains of 3.9% in 2005 and 5.2% in 2004.

Tourism spending (in current dollars) in Canada reached $66.9 billion in 2006. Canadians accounted for three-fourths of this total, a proportion that has risen from two-thirds during the late 1990s.

Tourism spending by Canadians in Canada rose last year at its fastest pace in a decade, while spending by foreign visitors fell for the second year in a row.

Tourism spending by Canadians continues upward trend

Domestic tourism spending in Canada rose 2.0% in the fourth quarter, bringing the annual gain to 7.7%, the strongest annual advance since 1997. Solid gains in personal disposable income (+6.1%), low unemployment and a healthy labour market stimulated domestic tourism.

Canadians travelling abroad also spent more in the fourth quarter, boosting the country's international travel deficit to a record $2.1 billion. A deficit indicates that Canadian travellers spend more abroad than international travellers spend in Canada. The record deficit occurred despite increased travel spending by non-residents in Canada.

The increase in Canadian travel abroad was reflected in the 3.1% hike in domestic spending on air transportation in the fourth quarter. In this release, Canadians' spending on travel with Canadian carriers is counted as spending in Canada and is thus included in domestic demand. In 2006, domestic demand for air transportation jumped 10%, the third consecutive annual double-digit gain since 2003.

As for other tourism commodities, Canadians' spending increased by 1.5% for accommodation services and 1.6% for food and beverage services in the fourth quarter. The year 2006 was a good one for accommodation services, with domestic demand up 10%, the strongest annual increase in nine years.

Increase in international tourism spending

Tourism exports were up 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2006. This occurred despite a decline in the number of international visitors to Canada, which was driven by a substantial drop in same-day travel from the United States.

The number of travellers staying more than one day was up in the fourth quarter, however, with 3.4% more American visitors and 2.3% more visitors from other countries. On average, overnight visitors stay three or four days in the country and spend eight times as much as same-day visitors.

The results for tourism exports for the quarter were mixed. Non-resident spending on air transportation (+4.8%) and accommodation (+1.0%) recorded gains, reflecting the greater number of travellers visiting for more than one day. Spending on food and beverage services (-0.2%) and on vehicle fuel (-2.4%) on the other hand was weak, reflecting fewer same-day travellers.

Tourism exports fell 3.9% in 2006, following a similar decline in 2005. Declines were widespread across spending categories. Outlays on vehicle repairs and parts and fuel, items associated with same-day visits to Canada, fell sharply. For the year as a whole, the number of same-day travellers from the United States was down 12%. This was the seventh straight year of decline, bringing the number of these travellers to half of what it was in 1999.

Tourism employment continues to grow

Tourism employment rose 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2006, pushed up mainly by job gains in food and beverage services (+0.9%) and recreation and entertainment. Employment in accommodation services and in the travel agency industry edged down.

For the year 2006 overall, tourism employment advanced 1.4%, almost three times the average pace of the previous five years (+0.5%). Half the increase came from the accommodation industry, which registered its strongest job gains (+3.0%) since 1990. Gains were recorded in all other industries, with the exception of travel agency services and rail transportation, which lost jobs.

Tourism gross domestic product outpaces overall economic growth

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2006, nearly five times the 0.4% growth in economy-wide GDP. The strength this quarter came from the transportation sector (+2.2%), due mainly to the solid performance of the airline industry. Accommodation services also posted healthy gains.

Tourism GDP grew 4.2% in 2006, the third consecutive annual increase since 2003 when it declined 2.3%. Tourism's share of economy-wide GDP was 2.1% in 2006, up from 2.0% three years earlier.

Looking ahead

According to the Business Conditions Survey for the Traveller Accommodation Industries, 73% of hotel operators expected almost the same or higher occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2007, while 27% expected them to fall.

The Canadian dollar lost ground against its US counterpart and the euro early in the quarter, making it less expensive for Americans and Europeans to shop and travel in Canada. This also made it more costly for Canadians to travel to the United States and to Europe.

Finally, implementation of the requirement for passports to enter the United States by air could adversely affect travel, in the short term at least, between Canada and the United States.

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Fourth quarter 2006	Third to fourth quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at 1997 prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	13,847	14,024	14,220	14,371	14,636	1.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,559	3,488	3,541	3,449	3,500	1.5
Tourism domestic demand	10,287	10,536	10,679	10,921	11,136	2.0
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	5,162	5,214	5,327	5,395	5,513	2.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	918	894	883	861	881	2.3
Tourism domestic demand	4,245	4,320	4,444	4,534	4,632	2.2
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	1,934	1,967	1,989	2,004	2,030	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	821	808	829	803	811	1.0
Tourism domestic demand	1,114	1,158	1,160	1,201	1,220	1.5
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	1,912	1,950	1,961	1,981	2,002	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	563	550	560	549	548	-0.2
Tourism domestic demand	1,349	1,400	1,401	1,432	1,454	1.6
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,360	2,399	2,412	2,428	2,456	1.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	476	465	475	457	466	1.9
Tourism domestic demand	1,883	1,934	1,937	1,970	1,990	1.0
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,479	2,495	2,530	2,563	2,634	2.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	782	771	794	779	795	2.0
Tourism domestic demand	1,697	1,724	1,736	1,784	1,840	3.1

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2005	First quarter 2006	Second quarter 2006	Third quarter 2006	Fourth quarter 2006	Third to fourth quarter 2006
	millions of dollars at current prices, seasonally adjusted					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	16,078	16,337	16,739	16,881	16,987	0.6
Tourism demand by non-residents	4,321	4,263	4,365	4,252	4,324	1.7
Tourism domestic demand	11,758	12,073	12,374	12,630	12,663	0.3
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	6,022	6,049	6,330	6,370	6,317	-0.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,216	1,191	1,201	1,172	1,221	4.2
Tourism domestic demand	4,806	4,858	5,129	5,198	5,096	-2.0
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	2,431	2,502	2,568	2,588	2,621	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,031	1,029	1,069	1,035	1,029	-0.6
Tourism domestic demand	1,400	1,473	1,498	1,553	1,593	2.6
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	2,363	2,429	2,458	2,486	2,528	1.7
Tourism demand by non-residents	696	685	702	687	693	0.9
Tourism domestic demand	1,667	1,744	1,755	1,799	1,835	2.0
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,678	2,718	2,740	2,771	2,807	1.3
Tourism demand by non-residents	566	557	569	550	560	1.8
Tourism domestic demand	2,111	2,161	2,170	2,221	2,247	1.2
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,586	2,639	2,645	2,667	2,714	1.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	812	801	824	808	821	1.7
Tourism domestic demand	1,773	1,838	1,821	1,859	1,893	1.8

Note to readers

Levels and shares of tourism spending are expressed in current dollars, adjusted for seasonal variations. Growth rates of tourism spending and GDP are expressed in real terms (i.e., adjusted for price changes) as well as adjusted for seasonal variations, unless otherwise indicated. Employment data are also seasonally adjusted. Associated percentage changes are presented at quarterly rates.

The University of Guelph’s Scottish studies spring colloquium March 31 will explore religion and military history.Members of the public, the media and the academic community are welcome to attend.

Four experts will discuss historical military and religious conflicts throughout the day. The event will be held at the University of Toronto’s Knox College, 59 St. George St. in Toronto.

The conference talks will begin at 1 p.m. Stuart Macdonald, a University of Toronto professor, will examine the legacy of Margaret Wilson, who was allegedly drowned in 1685 for refusing to swear loyalty to the king.

“Historical debate has raged over whether the execution ever took place, and Margaret Wilson has become a major figure for historians of 17th-century Scotland,” said Graeme Morton, U of G's Scottish Studies Foundation Chair. “Dr. Macdonald will explore Wilson’s heritage as ‘martyr, mascot or icon.’”

U of G post-doctoral researcher Karly Kehoe will examine the status of Scottish Catholics and their relationship to a national identity that was long based on Presbyterianism.

Also from Guelph’s Scottish studies program, Prof. Kevin James, a panellist for History Television’s Ancestors in the Attic will take participants behind the scenes of the fast-paced new series. On the show, James uses his expertise in Scottish and Irish history to explain the potential limits of using different kinds of archival sources.
U of G PhD student Kris Gies will discuss how the British territorial force was reformed after the Boer War and immediately prior to the First World War.

Cost of the conference is $25 general, $20 for members of the Scottish Studies Foundation. Lunch and refreshments are included.

For more information or to register, call 519-824-4120, Ext. 53209, or send e-mail to scottish@uoguelph.ca. For more details about the colloquium, visit the Scottish studies website: www.uoguelph.ca/scottish.

As the first Canadian baseball championship hosted by Guelph, this event attracted more than 300 participants, 8,000 spectators and 150 volunteers to the Larry Pearson Complex. Funded by the City of Guelph’s Special Event grant program to the tune of $40,000 over two years, the economic impact generated by the four day event was $1.4 million. Part of the surplus was invested in a permanent scoreboard for one of the secondary fields at Larry Pearson Complex, adding to its appeal and functionality for future provincial and national events.

“The success of this event has confirmed that Guelph has the facilities and the volunteer strength to host national or international baseball events,” said Sue Trerise, Senior Business Development Specialist for the Tourism Sector. “Nomination for a national award is a great tribute to the hard work and commitment made by the events’ volunteer committee,” she added.

The CSTA leverages its expertise and leadership as a catalyst to grow the $2 billion a year sport tourism industry in Canada, promoting the development of partnerships between events rights holders and host cities. The PRESITIGE Awards recognize people and organizations that have achieved excellence in this field.

What is Quebec culture becoming in times of Internet and the planet?

MONTREAL - Quebecers from all regions are invited to participate in an unprecedented forum on their culture. Following the success of the meetings on February 2 and 3, with the participation of 850 citizens throughout Quebec, people in great numbers are expected at the next debate on March 16 and 17. The theme will be What is Quebec culture becoming in times of Internet and the planet? Held simultaneously in nine cities, this second regional meeting will be followed by a national rendez-vous in Montreal on April 27 and 28.

In times of new digital technologies, iPods, cell phones and the Internet - in brief, the global village - we ask ourselves: how does all this influence Quebec culture and what are our future avenues? Is globalization threatening our culture? These are some of the important questions that will be debated this weekend at the Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture, organized by the Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM).

The population is also invited to debate these questions on the interactive forum at INM's website (www.inm.qc.ca Rendez-vous - Forum interactif section).

The objective of INM's Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture is to allow citizens, through dialogue with experts and practitioners, to suggest strategic choices on crucial cultural issues to public decision-makers and stakeholders from the various sectors in question. The co-presidents of the committee are Gérard Bouchard, sociologist and historian, professor in the Department of Humanities of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and holder of the Canada Research Chair on Comparative Dynamics and Collective Imaginaries, and Céline Saint-Pierre, sociologist and President of the Board of Directors of the Fernand Dumont Chair on Culture and past President of the Conseil supérieur de l'éducation.

"The Quebec cultural landscape has greatly diversified over the last decades and this trend seems to be increasing, notably due to the Internet and other recent means of communication that allow all individuals to build their own universe of reference," states Mr. Bouchard. "The result is a great diversification of cultural life with references, methods of production and consumption that are, at times, very individualized. Do these changes reflect an enrichment or a weakening of Quebec culture? In exchange for this 'individualized' culture, is there currently an emergence of new forms of a culture shared by the majority of Quebecers?"

"In the new communication space created by globalization, a threat or a new horizon of expansion and affirmation of Quebec culture can be observed," continues Céline Saint-Pierre. "In this regard, are Quebecers waiting, defensive and withdrawn? Or are they inventive, taking initiative and showing leadership? New information and communication technologies, given their potential and versatility, can contribute to making our culture more accessible to a greater number of citizens."

INM's Strategic Rendez-Vous on Culture includes the participation of some one hundred prominent figures, such as author Dany Laferrière in Montreal, and actress Marie Gignac in Québec City. The general public is invited to come and discuss Quebec culture in their company. Together, the participants will determine the strategies required to consolidate Quebec culture and ensure its dissemination and development.

"The purpose of the Rendez-Vous is to encourage citizens to reflect on the state of Quebec culture and provide them with the opportunity to debate its future," explains Michel Venne, Executive Director of the INM. "Choices, approaches and concrete suggestions will be brought out and the INM is committed to disseminating these on a large scale, particularly to decision-makers."

VANCOUVER - The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) is calling for Vancouverites to stand up and be counted among the current silent majority that wants Vancouver to be a City that welcomes peaceful protests, that encourages the civil expression of opinions and that is safe for all citizens to get together to celebrate.

The DVBIA's call comes in reaction to recent criminal and disruptive behaviour at Olympic-related ceremonies.

"We want Vancouver, in particular downtown Vancouver, to be a beacon for citizens of all stripes to congregate peacefully," says Bill Rempel, President of the DVBIA.

"This is a right for all Vancouverites and an illustration of our tolerance and acceptance of all ideas and people." Rempel says if local citizens don't feel safe enjoying a celebration of the coming 2010 Winter Games, for example, what hope do we have staging a Games that welcomes the world.

The DVBIA believes there are lawful ways to get your message heard that are respectful of both people and property. "Vancouverites should not let the criminal behaviour of a few dampen their enthusiasm to celebrate in public," Rempel says. "In fact, we hope it encourages more people to do it more often."

The DVBIA advocates on behalf of all 8,000 businesses that own or lease property within its 90-block area and champions for a vibrant, healthy and diverse downtown. As the largest business improvement association in the province, the DVBIA is the "Voice of Downtown Business." The 90-block DVBIA area includes 2,490 properties, 884 owners, and a combined assessed property value of $5.6 billion.

Nationally, The Weather Network and MeteoMedia is available to 10.1 million households representing 99 percent of Canadian cable and satellite subscribers. Weather forecasts can be localized for up to 1,200 communities across Canada. For 15 years The Weather Network has offered winter highway and road conditions via the web and television. The success of this feature has prompted the company to develop a national, robust year-round traffic and transportation product that will enhance the quality of a driver's experience by providing vital traffic information. Through points of interest, innovative features such as golf course, route alternatives, national park locations and weather conditions reports will support superior travel intelligence. Over time these new services will be available via wireless devices in order to serve consumers at any location.

"When planning these products we looked at several different offerings in the marketplace and found that DMTI Spatial had the most comprehensive, national data available," said Pierre Morrissette, President & CEO, Pelmorex Media Inc. "By increasing the amount of local content available to users in the traffic and transportation areas, we expect significant growth in our customer base by better meeting the needs of Canadians coast to coast." CanMap(R) RouteLogistics provides an exceptional map fabric for applications deriving location intelligence to support vehicle routing, personal navigation, site selection and customer serviceability. The Enhanced Points of Interest (EPOI) file is a national database of over 1 million Canadian business and recreational points of interest.