The Highland Companies has updated its efforts to attract YMCA programs and services to a region including Amaranth, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Shelburne and Southgate.

The company began by contacting the YMCA last June. It then approached area municipalities to determine their level of interest, organizing two briefing meetings involving YMCA personnel and municipal representatives and co-ordinating a recent site visit to YMCA facilities in Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.

The firm has indicated that it would pay the cost of studies normally funded by municipalities as part of an assessment of the region conducted by the YMCA. Most recently, Highland worked with the YMCA and the municipalities on taking the process to the next level.

The mayors of the six municipalities have signed a letter to the YMCA formally requesting an assessment of the area as a candidate for the provision of 'Y' programs and services.

Highland says that if the mayors' request is approved, the YMCA will conduct a series of research projects in the coming months to determine whether the area meets its assessment criteria. "The mayors and the Company have acknowledged that there are no guarantees as to the outcome of that process and that the findings themselves will determine the YMCA's decision."

The company and municipalities see both a need and a desire in the region for the kind of programs for which the YMCA is well known. These programs cover such areas as health, fitness and recreation; child, youth and family development; and, employment and community programs. The YMCA has a long history of enriching the lives of children, families and communities.

"The Company and the municipalities believe that these programs and services would benefit residents of the region," Highland said.

The letter to the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Toronto was signed by: Amaranth Mayor Don MacIver, Melancthon Mayor Debbie Fawcett, Township of Melancthon; Mono Mayor Lorie Haddock, Mulmur Mayor Gordon Montgomery, Shelburne Mayor Ed Crewson and Southgate Mayor Don Lewis.

In the update, Highland said it believes "that economic growth and diversity are essential if the community is to create local jobs, fund government services and amenities for people, and ensure a sustainable future."

Established in 2007, The Highland Companies is now the largest grower, packager and distributor of potatoes in Ontario. Its farming business operates primarily in Melancthon Township through brand names like Downey Farms and Wilson Farms.

The firm has prepared an introductory DVD outlining "our commitment to the future of our community."

The sound track notes that since Melancthon was incorporated in 1853, the township has continually grown and evolved.

"Its early economy was based on forestry, mills and local commerce in the settlements that took root.

"The railway arrived in 1873, ushering in the steam era with the first passenger train from Toronto to Owen Sound. Wallington Place, known more locally as 'the mansion' in Horning's Mills, became a popular stopover spot. In 1907, Dufferin Light and Power was formed to generate hydro electricity from the Pine River for Horning's Mills, Shelburne and Orangeville.

"Today, Melancthon Township is home to three local industries based on the area's natural resources: agriculture, wind energy and aggregates. Thanks to the fertile Honeywood loam soil, Melancthon is the largest potato farming area in Ontario. With some 15,000 acres under production, the Township accounts for about 50% of all potatoes grown in the province. Operations like Downey and Wilson Farms have made the area synonymous with quality potatoes.

"With our strong and steady winds, Melancthon is home to a growing wind energy industry. In fact, the area is known as 'the rooftop of southern Ontario.' Wind farms operated by Canadian Hydro Developers and the Plateau Wind Project provide thousands of kilowatt hours of clean, renewable power to Ontario homes.

"Beneath our feet, Melancthon is rich in aggregates such as sand, stone and gravel. Aggregates are used in everything from buildings to toothpaste and are literally the foundation of today's modern society. Local operators like Greenwood, Moyer and Strada produce millions of tonnes of aggregate for customers throughout Ontario."

It says agriculture, energy and aggregates "reflect Melancthon's spirit, its evolution and its ability to adapt to changing times. The responsible development and use of our local natural resources is a hallmark of the area's past and is helping to shape its future as we continue to become a more self-sufficient and sustainable rural community."

The DVD adds that Highland is "pursuing our vision of restoring the rail service that once ran from Toronto to Georgian Bay. Today, rail service runs as far as Orangeville. By extending the line further north, we hope to attract economic activity to our area, reduce truck traffic on our roads, and improve the quality of the air we breathe."

As well, Highland was working to bring family doctors to the area and taking a leadership role in attracting new amenities like the YMCA. "We support our local students by providing scholarships. The Highland Companies sponsor youth programs such as minor hockey, figure skating, and soccer. And take a look at the Honeywood Arena. We donated the new scoreboard and helped buy the Zamboni. Our farms contribute annually to community events like Canada Day and the Old Time Fiddle Championship. We proudly support special occasions, like the historic visit of the Stanley Cup.

"As The Highland Companies grow, we will continue to support our community. Our focus is on harnessing and protecting the area's natural resources; operating in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible way, and helping to make Melancthon the model of a self-sufficient, sustainable rural community."

The six-minute video is being distributed to households throughout the community beginning this week.