MPP Stéphane Sarrazin explained why the provincial government is thinking about closing the tourism information centre at the Québec border.

The problem, the MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell said during an interview September 2, is not enough tourists seem to be going there to get information. The provincial government hasn’t decided if it will close the office.

“We’re still working on that,” said Sarrazin.

The MPP explained that the provincial tourism ministry has reviewed three years worth of visitor use information on the centre located on Highway 417 at the border of Ontario and Québec. The site is located off the westbound traffic lanes and sees most of its visits originating from Québec and points further east.

Analysis of the data indicates that some travellers who stop at the centre may get information about tourism attractions or services in the area or elsewhere in Ontario. But more often people who stop at the centre do so as a break from their drive and to use the washroom.

The provincial government has offered to turn the centre building and site over to East Hawkesbury Township. The MPP noted the township has not expressed interest in the offer.

“We know that there’s investment needed in (upgrading) the building and the surroundings,” said MPP Sarrazin.

He noted that one option the provincial government might consider is downgrading the status of the information centre to a form of roadside pull-off site along the highway at the border. There would be washroom facilities for motorists to use. Whether there would be any staff on site is not known at present.

For now the centre will continue to operate as is until a final decision is made about its future.