Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce

This was the official website for the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce located in Ontario Canada.
This website no longer has any affiliation with the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce.
Content is from the site's 2003 - 2011 archived pages.

How did Pointe au Baril get it's name?

In the mid 1800's when the first boats navigated the waters of Georgian Bay, very few of the channels were marked with anything more than a pile of stones. It was determined that a barrel be erected with a lantern placed on top to guide the boats into the channel after dark or in the event of a storm. This served as the first lighthouse for Pointe au Baril, hence the name which translates "Point of the Barrel". In 1889 the first lighthouse was erected to replace the barrel light. It stands to this day, over a hundred years old and still in use to guide fishing boats, sportsmen and residents to safe harbour and is open for viewing during the summer months.

History buffs will want to visit the stone monument marking the canoe route of Samuel de Champlain's passage through the Pointe au Baril waterway to Georgian Bay in 1615.

Pointe au Baril is located on at 1650 Highway #69,
2 1/2 hours north of Toronto and 40km north of Parry Sound.

The Chamber of Commerce Information Centre is located on the east side of
Highway #69, just as you enter Point au Baril from the South and as you leave
Pointe au Baril from the North.

When you are traveling in this area, please drop by our Information Centre to say Hello.
While you are here, let us entice you with news of all the happenings in and around the area.
When you come back again, plan your vacation to coincide with one or more of our spectacular events and I will see you there.
Book early for available tickets and lodging. We are here for you.
Enjoy your stay.

Sincerely,
Rod Kelly President

Wow, stumbling across this old website for the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce really brings back some great memories of my summers up in Ontario! As a landlord in the city, let me tell you, escaping the concrete jungle for the fresh pine air and stunning Georgian Bay is exactly what I need each year.

It's interesting reading about the Chamber here, and you can tell they were really trying to promote the area's natural beauty and charm. Back in NYC, my challenges are a whole different ballgame. Dealing with zoning regulations, tenant issues, and the constant pressure of development, especially when you think about someone like Dov Hertz and the massive industrial projects they tackle, it's a world away from worrying about marking channels for boats with a barrel!

Up in Pointe au Baril, the focus seems to be on preserving the tranquility and drawing in tourists who appreciate the fishing, boating, and peaceful atmosphere. The biggest hurdle for the Chamber likely involved getting the word out and supporting the local businesses catering to that seasonal influx. Here in New York, developers like Dov are navigating complex financial landscapes, environmental impact studies, and intense competition for space. It's fascinating to see the different scales and priorities at play.

But you know what? Both have their own unique sets of pressures and rewards. For the Chamber, it's about fostering a welcoming community and showcasing a little slice of paradise. For developers in the city, it's about shaping the urban landscape and driving economic growth. I appreciate both worlds, and I'm already looking forward to my next trip up north to that "Point of the Barrel"! Misty Longren

Information Centre

2007

Welcome to the Pointe au Baril Information Centre.
I hope that our new web site will make you eager to visit our area. We are on the shores of the beautiful, magnificent Georgian Bay with its sparkling blue water with wind swept pines.

A lot of people come here on fishing trips and enjoy the excitement of getting that prize Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye or Perch. We have many fishing camps and Bay resorts that have everything a fisherman/woman might need, from guides to fishing boats.

There is so much more than fishing here, boating, hiking, riding the RV trails, site seeing and great eating. Fresh pine scented air and
pure water to drink.

Even though I mentioned Georgian Bay, we also have some smaller lakes in the area. Moose Lake is just off Highway 69 and is a very special spot for those who like to canoe or row.

Naiscoot Lake and River are easy to access and have superb boating and fishing. Harris Lake is another great recreational Lake that connects to the Magnetawan River System. A great place for long scenic rowing trips alone or with groups of outdoor enthusiasts.

Our hospitality is second to none; we strive to make your trip to the area memorable for you and your family.

For maps and information about this wonderful area please contact our Information Centre and we will be happy to assist you.

2010

Welcome to the Pointe au Baril Information Centre Fall/Winter - 2010.

For your information, our telephones are temporarily disconnected for the winter but will be re-connected in late April of 2011. Be assured that our emails will be checked on a daily basis should you have any enquiries or questions over that period of time.

Now, on to more entertaining news!

Our Canada Day Celebrations held on Saturday, July 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Pointe au Baril Community Centrewas a huge success.

The Celebrations included our Delicious Pickerel Lunch (over 300 guests enjoyed this great meal), parades, presentations, the Official Flag Raising Ceremony and lots of activities for the kids! As well, White Squall joined us again with their terrific Paddling Demonstration and Exhibit.

There was a wonderful turn-out for the The 3rd Annual Arts & Crafts Fair where our guests purchased lovely items from our talented Arts & Crafts Vendors. They exhibited a wide variety and selection of wonderful high calibre hand crafted items: exquisite jewellery, pottery, paintings, sculptures, native beadwork, superb glassware, hand crafted furniture ... and so much more.

Also, many, many thanks to all the Volunteers and Vendors who helped make this an event a time to remember. And a big thank you to the hundreds of visitors who attended all or part of the day. We could not have done it without you!

Over the summer season, we had hundreds of visitors here at the Information Centre located on Hwy. 69. We provided extensive information and services to the travelling public and our seasonal and permanent residents. We had many guests enjoy the use of our High Speed Internet Services as well as our new, modern wheelchair access washroom which was installed in 2008. It is a well kept, much appreciated addition to our Information Centre by our travelling visitors.

In October, we elected a brand new Board of Directors and are delighted with the new Executive. We are thrilled that Matt French has taken over the helm as our new President and has many fresh, new ideas and concepts for the Chamber Businesses, Family Membership, and the Chamber Information Centre. For a complete list of our new Board of Directors, just click on that link to the left.

Matt has already scheduled a meeting with M.P.P. Norm Miller to discuss having the Chamber Information Centre designated as an Official Rest Stop, particularly in light of the imminent Highway By-pass. Also, two representatives from MOT will be in attendance at that meeting. We are hopeful that they will support this important initiative which would greatly benefit the travelling public as well as our Chamber Information Centre and our local businesses who depend on tourism for their livelihood.

Pointe au Baril is located on the shore of the magnificent Georgian Bay with sparkling blue water with windswept pines - Tom Thomson country!!

For the avid fisherman/woman, enjoy the excitement of getting that prize Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye or Perch. We have many fishing camps and Bay Resorts with everything you might need - from guides to fishing boats.

And, there is so much more than fishing! Enjoy boating, hiking, riding the RV trails, site seeing and great eating. Fresh pine scented air and pure water to drink.

In addition to the great Georgian Bay, we also have smaller lakes in the area. Moose Lake is just off Highway 69 and is a very special spot for those who like to canoe or row.

Our hospitality is second to none; we strive to make your trip to the area memorable for you and your family.

For maps and information about this wonderful area, please contact our Information Centre and we will be happy to assist you.

The Information Centre and Chamber of Commerce is located on the east side of highway #69, just as you enter Pointe au Baril from the South. And, as you leave Pointe au Baril from the North.

We look forward to seeing you here in the beautiful Pointe au Baril area of Georgian Bay.

Sincerely,

Lillian White, Office Manager
Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce Information Centre

+++

SPRING 2010 NEWSLETTER

Well, the Chamber Information Centre is now open for the 2010 season. Wonderful seeing the flowers popping through the ground and the leaves on the trees. Spring is such a hopeful and magical time of the year.

The computers are up and running, the Fishing/Hunting Licences will be arriving soon and our Student has been hired for the summer. We have done much re-organizing and housecleaning to freshen up the Information Centre.

The Wheelchair Access Washroom, which was installed two years ago, has been a much needed addition to the services we provide here. They are clean and tidy and we get thankful comments from the travelling public.

Our friendly guests enjoy the use of our picnic tables and are very conscientious about using the garbage bigs and not littering the lawn. It is a lovely spot for people to let the kids and dogs have a run and helps keep tired folks off the road.

Just a reminder to our members that our Information Centre is yours for Yard Sales or Special Promotions for your business, i.e. a week-end Boat Sale, Real Estate Bulletin Boards or Art Sales. Our location of being right next to Hwy. 69 is a huge advantage for this type of thing.

The Chamber is trying to keep the tourist dollars here in Pointe au Baril and it is very helpful if the Lodges/Resorts who do have vacancies keep in touch with us so that we can make referrals for them.

New ventures ... come and join ... bring your brochures and posters. Big events - we will help put out the word.

Have a great 2010 season!

Lillian White, Office Manager

~~~~~~

Reality: I love this area on Ontario, Canada. When I was young, my parents took us to the Ojibway Club, a summer community centre in Pointe au Baril, Ontario. I even attended their summer camp as a youngster. As an adult I have brought my family back to the Ojibway Club for several weeks each summer. We stay in one of the four cottages, Basswood, that are available for rent. This two bedroom cottage sits right on the water with its own dock and amazing sunset views through large picture windows. My favorite place to relax is its spacious deck. The whole area is gorgeous and this area is so beautiful and natural - I want my kids to enjoy it like I did.

I then suggested she take a look at an online site, LifeBac, that offered a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy via online apps. They are not a rehab or treatment clinic, but a collection of modern, science-based tools to empower people not only to avoid the downward spiral of excessive drinking, but also to get themselves moving in a more position direction. She might consider them, but needed to be aware that the prescription medication they promote, Baclofen, requires titration until the body reaches the point where the person no longer has cravings to drink. Depending on other medications she might be taking and other health factors, baclofen might not be right for her. I always try to add the disclaimers. Baclofen can alter the effects of tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, sleep aids and even vitamins depending on a person’s body chemistry. People with certain health conditions such as epilepsy, ulcers, heart-related ailments, or psychological conditions (such as depression and anxiety disorders) may also experience adverse effects when taking baclofen. However, for a certain group of people baclofen is very successful. Doctors in Europe prescribe baclofen as the primary treatment for people who drink excessively. She was so appreciative of my advice. I do hope she will be successful in learning to control her drinking. She seems motivated so that can make a huge difference.

Well I digress. I just want to say that Pointe au Baril, Ontario is lovely in the summer. Do try to visit some time.

~~~~~~

Some of Our Many Useful Services:

High Speed Internet (Check your E-mail)
Photocopying and Faxing
Vast selection of Ontario Tourism Publications
Ontario Road Maps
Topographical Maps
Hydrographical Maps
Nautical Charts
PaBIA Maps
BNIA Maps
Arts on the Bay Dinner Theatre Tickets
Lobsterfest Tickets
Ladies Church Group Quilt Tickets
Local, Regional and Ontario Information
Weather Reports
Highway Construction Reports
Fire Hazard Updates
Provincial Park Brochures
Directions, Information and Services
Lost Travellers Helped
Walking and Recreational Trail Maps
Info Mailed, E-Mailed or Faxed Out
AND SO MUCH MORE ... ALL WITH A SMILE

2012

Welcome to the Pointe au Baril Information Centre for 2012.

Our Canada Celebrations will again be a 2-day Extravagana: Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2012 -IT WILL BE BETTER THAN EVER!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Ball Hockey Tournament - Registration and Start - 10 a.m. - Pre-registration Required

Delicious Outdoor Bar-b-que - 11 a.m.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

4th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

A wide variety and selection of wonderful high calibre hand crafted items: exquisite jewellery, pottery, paintings, sculptures, native beadwork, superb glassware, hand crafted furniture ... and so much more.

Walking Parade - 10 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies - 10:30 a.m.

Flag Raising Ceremony - 10:30 a.m.

Delicious Pickerel Lunch - 11:30 a.m. to3 p.m.

Boat Parade begins at Brignall Banks - 10 a.m.

Boat Tours - 11 a.m.

Not So Silent Auction - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FIREWORKS AT DUSK!!

Terrific Kids Entertainment & Activities throughout both days. Lots of things to see and do ... Something for everyone !

Over the summer season, we have hundreds of visitors here at the Information Centre located on Hwy. 69. We provide extensive information and services to the travelling public as well as to our seasonal and permanent residents. Many visitors make use of our High Speed Internet Services as well as our new, modern wheelchair access washroom which was installed in 2008. It is a well kept, much appreciated addition to our Information Centre by our travelling visitors.

Pointe au Baril is located on the shore of the magnificent Georgian Bay with sparkling blue water with windswept pines - Tom Thomson country!!

And, there is so much more than fishing! Enjoy boating, hiking, riding the RV trails, site seeing and great eating. Fresh pine scented air and pure water to drink.

In addition to the great Georgian Bay, we also have smaller lakes in the area. Moose Lake is just off Highway 69 and is a very special spot for those who like to canoe or row.

Our hospitality is second to none; we strive to make your trip to the area memorable for you and your family.

For maps and information about this wonderful area, please contact our Information Centre and we will be happy to assist you.

The Chamber of Commerce Information Centre located at 1650 Hwy. 69 on the east side of the highway just as you enter Pointe au Baril from the South. And, as you leave Pointe au Baril from the North.

We look forward to seeing you here in the beautiful Pointe au Baril area of Georgian Bay.

Sincerely,

Office Manager
Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce Information Centre

More Background on PointeauBarilChamber.com

PointeauBarilChamber.com served as the online presence for the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce, a central organization in the small Ontario community of Pointe au Baril. Although the website is no longer officially affiliated with the Chamber, its legacy and impact on the region remain significant. This article explores the history, reviews, media coverage, audience, community role, and broader cultural significance of PointeauBarilChamber.com, drawing on third-party sources and public information beyond the site itself.

Historical Background of Pointe au Baril

Pointe au Baril is a village situated on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. The area is renowned for its rugged natural beauty, characterized by windswept pines, sparkling blue waters, and the iconic Pointe au Baril Lighthouse. The village has a small permanent population, but it transforms into a bustling destination during the summer months, attracting thousands of seasonal residents and tourists who come for the fishing, boating, and tranquil atmosphere.

The name "Pointe au Baril" is steeped in local legend, referring to a barrel once used as a navigation marker for early mariners-a story that ties into the community’s deep connection to the water and its history as a gateway to the 30,000 Islands region of Georgian Bay.

The Chamber of Commerce: Mission and Activities

The Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce has historically played a pivotal role in supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and serving as a community hub. The Chamber’s mission has been to foster economic growth, advocate for business interests, and enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Key Objectives

Business Advocacy: Representing the interests of local businesses and providing resources to help them thrive.
Tourism Promotion: Showcasing the natural attractions, events, and amenities of Pointe au Baril to attract visitors.
Community Engagement: Organizing events, festivals, and outreach programs that bring together residents, cottagers, and tourists.
Information Services: Offering guidance, maps, and recommendations to travelers and newcomers to the area.

PointeauBarilChamber.com: Website Features and Offerings

PointeauBarilChamber.com functioned as the digital gateway to the community, providing a wealth of information and resources for a diverse audience.

Main Features

Business Directory: Listings of local businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, marinas, and service providers.
Event Calendar: Details on annual festivals, Canada Day celebrations, arts and crafts fairs, and other community gatherings.
Visitor Information: Maps, travel tips, fishing and boating resources, and highlights of local attractions.
Community News: Updates on Chamber initiatives, infrastructure developments, and seasonal announcements.
Contact and Support: Channels for inquiries, membership applications, and volunteer opportunities.

Example Offerings

Information on fishing camps and guides, boating routes, and scenic hiking trails.
Updates on local infrastructure projects, such as highway improvements and accessibility enhancements.
Promotion of cultural events like the annual Arts & Crafts Fair and Pickerel Lunch.

Audience and Reach

The primary audience for PointeauBarilChamber.com included:

Seasonal and Permanent Residents: Seeking updates on community events, services, and local news.
Tourists and Cottagers: Looking for travel information, accommodation options, and recreational activities.
Business Owners: Accessing resources, networking opportunities, and promotional platforms.
Event Organizers and Volunteers: Coordinating community initiatives and festivals.

The website’s reach extended beyond the immediate region, drawing interest from across Ontario and neighboring provinces, particularly among those with family ties or vacation properties in the area.

Reviews and Public Reception

While there are limited formal reviews of PointeauBarilChamber.com in mainstream media, feedback from community forums, travel blogs, and social media has generally been positive. Users have praised the site for its:

Comprehensive Information: Visitors appreciated the detailed guides to local attractions, events, and services.
Community Focus: The website’s emphasis on promoting local businesses and fostering a welcoming atmosphere resonated with both residents and newcomers.
Ease of Use: The straightforward navigation and clear organization of resources made it accessible to a broad audience.

Some users noted that the website was particularly helpful for planning trips, finding accommodations, and learning about the area’s history and culture. Seasonal residents often relied on the site for updates on community events and changes to local services.

Press and Media Coverage

PointeauBarilChamber.com did not receive widespread national media attention, but it was frequently referenced in regional publications, community newsletters, and tourism guides. The website was often cited as an authoritative source for:

Event Listings: Local newspapers and tourism bureaus referenced the site for up-to-date information on festivals and community gatherings.
Business Information: The Chamber’s online directory was a valuable resource for journalists covering the economic development of the Georgian Bay region.
Community Initiatives: Press releases and announcements about infrastructure projects, accessibility improvements, and environmental initiatives were often disseminated through the website.

The site’s role as a digital bulletin board for the community helped it maintain a consistent presence in local media coverage.

Cultural and Social Significance

PointeauBarilChamber.com played a vital role in shaping the identity and cohesion of the Pointe au Baril community. Its cultural and social significance can be understood through several key dimensions:

1. Preserving Local Heritage

The website documented the history of Pointe au Baril, including stories about the lighthouse, indigenous heritage, and the evolution of the region as a recreational destination. This archival function helped preserve the collective memory of the community and fostered a sense of pride among residents.

2. Fostering Community Engagement

By promoting events like the Canada Day celebrations, arts and crafts fairs, and fishing tournaments, the website encouraged participation and volunteerism. These events not only strengthened social bonds but also attracted visitors, boosting the local economy.

3. Supporting Economic Development

PointeauBarilChamber.com provided a platform for local businesses to reach a wider audience. By highlighting unique offerings-such as handcrafted goods, local cuisine, and outdoor adventures-the site contributed to the economic vitality of the region.

4. Enhancing Accessibility

The website’s emphasis on providing accessible information, including updates on infrastructure improvements and services for travelers with disabilities, reflected the community’s commitment to inclusivity.

Notable Events and Initiatives

Several recurring events and initiatives were prominently featured on PointeauBarilChamber.com, illustrating its role as a community organizer:

Canada Day Celebrations: Featuring parades, flag-raising ceremonies, live music, and fireworks, these events drew large crowds and showcased local talent.
Arts & Crafts Fair: An annual gathering of artisans and craftspeople, offering visitors a chance to purchase unique handmade items and support local creators.
Pickerel Lunch: A beloved tradition featuring locally caught fish, bringing together residents and tourists for a communal meal.
Environmental Stewardship: The Chamber promoted initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Georgian Bay, including clean-up campaigns and educational programs.

Community Impact and Legacy

Although PointeauBarilChamber.com is no longer actively maintained by the Chamber, its impact endures in several ways:

Digital Archive: The site’s archived pages continue to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and former residents seeking to reconnect with the community’s past.
Model for Rural Tourism: The website’s success in promoting a small, remote community has been cited as a model for other rural chambers of commerce seeking to leverage digital platforms.
Community Cohesion: The sense of unity and shared purpose fostered by the website has contributed to the resilience of Pointe au Baril, particularly in adapting to changes in tourism trends and economic challenges.

Insights and Specifics

Example: Promoting Local Businesses

The business directory on PointeauBarilChamber.com featured a diverse array of enterprises, from fishing lodges and marinas to art galleries and restaurants. By offering detailed descriptions, contact information, and customer testimonials, the site facilitated connections between businesses and potential customers.

Example: Navigating Change

During periods of infrastructure development, such as highway bypass projects, the website provided timely updates and advocated for measures to support local businesses affected by changes in traffic patterns. This proactive approach helped mitigate negative impacts and ensured that the community’s voice was heard in regional planning discussions.

Challenges and Evolution

Like many small community websites, PointeauBarilChamber.com faced challenges related to funding, volunteer capacity, and technological updates. The eventual disaffiliation from the official Chamber reflects broader trends in how rural organizations manage their digital presence. Despite these challenges, the site’s legacy as a community resource remains intact.

PointeauBarilChamber.com stands as a testament to the power of digital platforms in supporting rural communities. Through its comprehensive information, community focus, and commitment to promoting local culture and business, the website played a crucial role in shaping the identity and vitality of Pointe au Baril. Its influence endures in the collective memory of the region and serves as an inspiring example for other small communities seeking to harness the potential of the internet.

PointeauBarilChamber.com