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Tourism Chilliwack rolls out mobile visitors’ centre in an RV called Winston

Part of an innovative recovery plan following the hit local tourism has taken from COVID-19
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Alisha Rhonda, summer staff member with Tourism Chilliwack, stands outside their new mobile visitors’ centre – an RV called Winston. (Jenn Kleingeltink/ Tourism Chilliwack)

If you see Winston out in your travels throughout Chilliwack, make sure to stop and see what it has to offer.

Winston is a mobile visitors’ centre in the form of an RV that was rolled out by Tourism Chilliwack on Canada Day. It will be going to places where locals and visitors will be hanging out this summer to bring suggestions of things to do and places to see while in the area.

It’s part of an innovative recovery plan following the devastating hit local tourism has taken from COVID-19.

“We’re not waiting for them to come to us, we’re going to them,” said Allison Colthorp, Tourism Chilliwack executive director. “Going out into the community and the areas people are, like camp grounds and parks, allows us to share the great experiences and adventures.”

The recovery campaign plan “Return to Good” is multi-phased and focusses on a gradual approach that is respectful of the Phase 3 re-opening guidelines set out by the provincial government. The campaign plan focuses on a “summer camp” theme, added Colthorp.

In partnership with Fraserway RV, Winston which is a 25-foot motorhome wrapped in a local outdoors scene, made its first public appearance at Cultus Lake on July 1.

“It was a great start and not only did we hand out lots of information and experience ideas, but we sold our Tourism Chilliwack apparel which has been a very popular addition to our offerings,” Colthorp said.

Folks can see Winston on Thursdays through Saturdays at high-traffic locations including Lindeman Lake, downtown Chilliwack and Vedder Park.

“We have so much to offer and not just for out-of-province visitors. Everyone who lives here needs a break and what better way to refresh yourself than to explore our own backyard?”

Tomorrow (Saturday, July 4) Winston will be at Cultus Lake, outside Lakeside Beach Club, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Next week, from Thursday to Saturday, it will be at Vedder Park.

Additionally, Tourism Chilliwack was able to hire two summer staff positions that have been 100 per cent funded by the federal government under the Canada Summer Jobs program which helps employ young people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Federal government to pay for 100 per cent of wages for students hired under the Canada Summer Jobs Program


 

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Tourism Chilliwack’s new mobile visitors’ centre is an RV called Winston. (Tourism Chilliwack)


Jenna Hauck

About the Author: Jenna Hauck

I started my career at The Chilliwack Progress in 2000 as a photojournalist.
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