Photos Julia Lucio and Mai-Liis Renaud
Cornwall, Ontario – The DEV Hotel and Conference Centre played host to one of the more exciting evenings the local business community has seen in a while. Five finalists went head to head in the inaugural Tourism Innovation Challenge, pitching their ideas in front of a live audience and a panel of judges for a shot at $25,000.
The competition capped off a five-week program that gave each participant the chance to develop their concept with the help of coaches and mentors before stepping up to make their case on pitch night. By the time the evening wrapped up, it was clear the experience had meant a great deal to everyone involved.
The Five Finalists of the Tourism Innovation Challenge
The businesses that made it to the final pitch were:
- Sip & Scoop Canada, represented by Jehan Shorish
- Big Ben Ski Centre, represented by Sylvia McDonald and Jack Arnold
- Drone Sport by Aero Concept Systems, represented by Paul St. Onge
- Fin & Flow Cornwall, represented by Annette Labonte
- Cornwall Downtown BIA, represented by Debbie Burns
(Who sadly had lost her voice, so the pitch was done by Ross Butterworth)
The People Behind the Night
The evening was hosted by MC Shannon Ferguson, who kept things moving with energy and warmth from start to finish. Thom Racine kept the pitches on track as timekeeper, making sure every finalist got their fair shot without running over.
The panel of judges brought a strong mix of local business experience, tourism know-how, and community roots to the table:
- Carol Ann Baxter, owner of Archie’s Family Golf Centre and an LPGA and PGA of Canada Golf Professional with nearly 30 years running one of Cornwall’s most beloved local landmarks.
- Karina Belanger, Tourism Supervisor with SDG Counties, whose work spans tourism, marketing, and economic development, including overseeing operations at the Historic SDG Jail where she delivers everything from guided tours to paranormal investigations.
- Kris McCarthy, Co-Founder and COO of FanSaves, an award-winning digital platform connecting fans to deals from their favourite teams and communities across North America. A retired professional hockey player, 40 Under 40 recipient, and Secretary for Centraide United Way Cornwall SDG.
- Sue Stewart, a Cornwall-based realtor with RE/MAX Affiliates Marquis and community advocate with a passion for showcasing the people and places that make local tourism what it is.
- Brittney Waldroff, General Manager of Aultsville Theatre, where she oversees operations, community engagement, and strategic development for the regional performing arts venue. A local who grew up in the area, she brings a strong background in communications, events, and philanthropy.
Everybody Got Their Moment
Before the judges delivered their verdict, the hosts made a point of recognizing every single person who had competed over the past five weeks. Karen, one of the evening’s hosts, addressed the finalists directly.
“You are all winners, and we are just so proud of each of you,” she told the crowd, and it came across as genuinely felt rather than just something you say at these things.
Big Ben Ski Centre Takes the Prize
After the judges finished deliberating, the room got quiet. A drumroll rolled through the crowd, then another, a little louder this time. When the name was finally called, Big Ben Ski Centre had won the first-ever Tourism Innovation Challenge and the $25,000 that came with it. Sylvia McDonald and Jack Arnold were the faces behind the winning pitch.
Their reaction said it all.
“Thank you, everyone, so much. It literally means the world to us,” one of them told the room. “It’s our foresight, and we’re so excited for this journey, and we’d like to have you guys all be a part of it.”
Locals looking to get involved won’t have to wait long. Big Ben Ski Centre’s new tow rope is expected to be up and running by November.
More Than Just a Competition
At its core, this was a community event. The organizers made sure to thank the judges, coaches, and mentors who had put in the time to help these businesses grow, as well as everyone who showed up on the night to cheer them on.
“Thank you for showing up,” the hosts said as the evening wound down, and given the energy in the room, it was clear that people were glad they did.
If this first edition is anything to go by, the Tourism Innovation Challenge has found a home in Cornwall.
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