Priority Projects - War of 1812

The province has developed 7 regions across the province that are initiating activities to commemorate the War of 1812-14. Region 7 is referred to as the Western corridor and consists of Hamilton; Halton Region; City of Burlington; County of Brant; City of Brantford; Six Nations of the Grand River Territory; Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations; Oxford County; Middlesex County; City of London; Elgin County; Haldimand County; and Norfolk County. RTO #3 has been identified as the lead organization for the Western corridor from a funding standpoint and has developed the following priorities:

Priority #1: Implementing the hiring of a full-time/contract Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance Regional Manager. Adrienne Horne has been hired for this position and began her contact in September.

This staff position will work with the Western Corridor Alliance Executive Committee and Regional Steering Committee to coordinate the priority projects and activities of the Alliance. The duties include administration, project management, planning, board management, communication, product development, and marketing.
An overall War of 1812 Bi-centennial program strategic actioon plan will be established and managed by the Regional Manager with input from the Executive Committee and Steering Committee for this initiative.
Ensure linkages with the other War of 1812 Regions, War of 1812 Provincial Secretariat and Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
The Regional Manager is working with the Alliance to complete the following priorities over the course of 2010/11:

Priority #2: Create a central resource of materials to avoid duplication and leverage resources for Alliance partners.

Priority #3: Implement a communications strategy for the bicentennial commemoration to increase the profile of the Region. This will include the development of a database of attractions, sites, landmarks, special events, projects and programs that relate to the 1812 initiative in this area.

Priority # 4: Develop opportunities for product development including the creation of a series of 1812 trails (Brock's Walk) and packaging initiatives for the group and FIT market.

Priority # 5: Deploy the 2010/11marketing plan that will include:
a) Development of a brand and support messaging for Region 7
b) Support the Local History Multi-Media Association (LHMA)- Rural Raids and Divided Loyalties in the War of 1812 multi-media project and leverage the website component of this project to create a Western Corridor 1812 portal.
c) Promote the 1812 initiative to travel writers/journalists interested in this topic and to a variety of qualified media outlets in the primary target area.
d) The development of a War of 1812 promotional map (ex. Brock’s Walk, McArthur’s Raids) and calendar of events that can be enabled on-line as well as used as a fulfillment tool.

For further information contact project lead Maria Fortunato.