519 Area Home Coming

A FastCompany cell , "London Think & Do Tank", was to help identify community problems to be tackled by retirees using Web tools. A good target emerges from old posts on regional roads and the South West Economic Alliance.
Suggested is a project called "519 MMX Home Coming" where 5 areas participate over the first 19 days of August. MMX is Latin for 2010. Areas are roughly defined as: Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay, Thames Valley, Huron Shore and Erie Shore.
This would be a great time for family and school reunions, community festivals and vintage auto tours. Cultural events -always big draws during prosperous times- need to garner support during lean times; ditto for the hospitality industry and golf courses, which as prime beneficiaries, might step forward as sponsors. Farm organizations, historical societies and tourist associations can help propel the band-wagon.
In spite of job-creation efforts, we will likely still be in recession in 2010. Many south-western Ontario families will have slim budgets for entertainment and vacation travel; they will welcome the down-home variety. With widely promoted mid-summer events, there could well be an influx of visitors from across Canada and the US.
There is still enough lead time for home-owners to setup for Bed & Breakfast and for farmers to create tent-camping sites.
August 2010 is just 15 months away; not much time for organizing, planning and promoting. Municipal governments are too slow to get the job done. And, Chambers of Commerce will have to learn to collaborate. We cannot assume "George will do it." Who then besides u & i?
Students might set up a Wiki site. Retirees and service associations could lend a hand. First Nations would be encouraged to participate. Timely press releases would help the media spread the word. And, software shops can design the all-important umbrella Web site.
If you see merit in such proposal hit the little "envelope icon" (below ) to bring your contacts on board.