An article in the Times Colonist recently started me thinking again about the possibility for a Heritage Economy. The editorialist of the said piece remarked that $11.5 million was a lot of money to spend "on plaques, monuments, battle re-enactments, films, plays and concerts to recognize a war on Canadian soil declared, largely fought and concluded by other players."

It might be noted that figure is less than half of what had originally been allocated.

And while $11.5 million might seem like a lot to most of us, especially compared with the average Canadian individual salary, it's a drop in the bucket when compared to bigger expenditures, such as international meetings. It's also a little more than double what is allotted annually to a tribunal set up to deal with public sector job disputes - except that $11.5 million must fund three years of events and projects across Canada.

The Times Colonist article also discredits deeper strategies for economic development, which begs the question, is it possible to leverage the War of 1812 Bicentennial to foster a Heritage Economy? In offering a place to connect business owners, craftspeople and tourism operators, do we not have an opportunity here for lasting change?

Personally, I think in Eastern Ontario we have a golden opportunity - and to that end, let's think beyond events and plaques, and show naysayers what can be done.

What are your thoughts?