September 2003 - Sudbury Tourism Partnership

A little bit of Sudbury was on display at Sassafraz in Yorkville on September 23, as Sudbury Tourism hosted TMAC Ontario’s September M & M.

Dynamic Earth and the Real Sudbury was the theme of the evening as presenters countered the myths and jokes about Sudbury and introduced the exciting new earth sciences centre, Dynamic Earth.

Covering nearly 2 billion years of history, the presentation started with the event that makes Sudbury unique; the meteorite impact that created our distinct landscape and our mineral riches. Dr. David Pearson, an award-winning professor from Laurentian University, appeared via video to explain the meteorite impact in vivid language. He also countered the myth that Apollo astronauts visited Sudbury to practice their moon walking skills. They actually came to hone their skills in geology.

The environmental devastation resulting from mining and smelting activities was acknowledged and the inspirational land reclamation program that has “re-greened” our city during the last 25 years.

Staff from Dynamic Earth, Sudbury’s newest family attraction, was on hand to present an overview of the visitor experience and show snippets of some of the multi-media shows that have been developed for the facility, which opened in May of this year. Located at the site of the Big Nickel, Dynamic Earth has been developed by the same team that operates award-winning Science North.

Dynamic Earth incorporates an underground tour, a multi-media elevator experience and several galleries that help visitors to understand the geologic processes of the earth, the mineral riches that are derived from the earth, and the amazing history of Sudbury, North America’s largest and most important mining centre.

Also on hand was the coordinator of Partners n EcoAdventure Tourism (PEAT), a network of ecotourism operators based in Sudbury, offering trips across the Northeast.

The Real Sudbury is a city of 155,000, just a half-day drive from the GTA. Sudbury is the largest concentration of attractions and events north of Toronto. With 16 golf courses, 330 lakes, a thriving arts and festivals scene, and great restaurants, the message of the day was, “Check us out.”

Thanks to those who attended for their attention and overwhelming response. Thanks also to Sassafraz for a great venue and great food. We look forward to hosting you here in Sudbury.

For more information contact Ian Wood, Coordinator of Convention and Visitor Services, ian.wood@sudbury.ca, or one of the following web sites:

www.sudburytourism.ca
www.dynamicearth.ca
www.peat.on.ca