It has come to my attention that there is a strong possibility that we may very soon lose a unique area treasure. Discussions are ongoing concerning the fate of Wilderness Discovery Resort and Conference Centre. The Provincial Government is deciding whether to renew the resort’s lease. HAGI is debating their future involvement in the project.
I know this resort is well-known to many in these parts. What you may not be aware of is how special this facility truly is. My wife and I have cared for a disabled veteran for nearly 25 years. The ability to travel and find suitable accommodations is an immense challenge. There are so many obstacles to the disabled that you may not realize. Hotels and resorts do not cater to people with special needs because they don’t really have to. They typically do the bare minimum required by law. This leads to unpleasant surprises and compromises in safety and comfort. Personally, I find that very unfair to the brave individuals that have served for us and unfair for anyone who wishes only to be treated equally and fairly.
When we were fortunate enough to hear of Wilderness Discovery, we saw an opportunity to venture to a destination developed to accommodate people that had been neglected for far too long. The resort is barrier-free, managed by a compassionate organization, and provides a place for everyone to feel welcome. If there is another resort that comes remotely close to this, we have yet to find it. Trust me when I tell you that we have searched extensively for anything similar and nothing else compares.
Wilderness Discovery is a day’s drive for us from southern Minnesota. We rendezvous with others in Duluth and arrive at a beautifully scenic cabin where we spend precious family time and create irreplaceable memories. We love to dine, shop, and visit other attractions. We bring important tourist dollars to the area. We share our experiences with our neighbors and friends. We have brought this unique resort to the attention of nearly every department at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Disabled American Veterans.
Wilderness Discovery should not be disbanded. It should be expanded. Families should continue to have a refuge with their needs met by thoughtful design and a caring staff in a picturesque setting. To lose this would deprive some people of the only place of its kind. That would seem contrary to HAGI’s very mission and uncaring by the government in meeting the needs of those that need them the most.
As American tourists, we have been absolutely delighted by our travels to Wilderness Discovery. We have made new friends, been captivated by Ontario’s beauty and friendliness, and created lifetime memories. We increased our bookings to twice a year and bring more family with us each time. This facility is very important to us. I’m sure it is just as important to the many families and vacationers that appreciate this irreplaceable gem.
Please contact your Member of Parliament and urge them to renew the lease and allow this special place to continue. Also call HAGI Community Services For Independence at (807) 343-0414. Thank them for the wonderful work they do for us and show your support for making Wilderness Discovery available to families for generations to come.
Kevin Johnson,
Madison Lake, Minnesota
