Complete rejection. That was the general feedback that Heinävesi residents gave in spring 2022 to the planned development of Kermanranta Harbor. At the time, Virpi Pakarinen had moved back to Heinävesi and was just starting the harbor development project. As a skilled developer of tourism and services, Pakarinen was not intimidated by the feedback. She had a valuable tool: the will and ability to listen to people.
"Heinävesi is a rising star of tourism in the Lake Saimaa region and a treasure trove for boating enthusiasts"
Kermanranta Harbor is located about one kilometer from the village center at Kermajärvi. It has always been a popular meeting place for the locals. Its iconic scenery is also beloved by countless tourists.
- Boaters, fishermen and villagers chatting near the shore. Other curious people occasionally joining them. A slightly worn-out information board, a bench under the open sky, and an empty pickle jar, Virpi Pakarinen recollects the harbor's old appearance.
In 2020, the municipality of Heinävesi surveyed residents in order to plan future developments. Many of the respondents called for a facelift to the Kermanranta Harbor area. This was well in line with the municipality's strategy, as the development of nature and water tourism is one of its key projects. Heinävesi is a rising star of tourism in the Lake Saimaa region and a treasure trove for boating enthusiasts.
Decision-making can be a challenging process for communities. It can drift towards complete rejection when decisions endanger the environment or social, cultural and economic resources. This was also the problem with Kermanranta Harbor.
Consulting firm Sweco drafted a plan that would have completely changed the harbor area. The plan included things like a luxurious pavilion and a fancy beach boulevard. Such flamboyance was not appreciated by the locals.
- A walk around the harbor was organized for all those interested in the matter. And there were a lot of them: local residents, summer residents, entrepreneurs and elected officials of the municipality. Nearly 50 people in total. All of them wanted to make a difference. Instead of complete rejection, the project was now steered towards making the harbor into a lively local meeting place.
One step at a time
ELY funded 70% of the EUR 500,000 investment funding for the harbor and 80% of the EUR 120,000 development funding. Development was carried out in steps.
- The first step was to dry the wet ground in the area. After that, we could decide what we would build and what we could keep of the old harbor. It was clear that we didn’t have the budget for realizing all suggestions, Pakarinen recalls.
The next priority was a larger parking lot. The parking area had often become overcrowded, especially during large events. Preventing overcrowding also improved safety, as it helped ensure unobstructed movement for emergency vehicles.
Caravan parking spaces were increased from four to ten. All caravan parking spaces have electricity and follow safety regulations. A charging station for up to two electric cars was also installed at the harbor.
Renovation of the information board also included significant electrical extensions, made with possible future investments in mind. Four additional toilets were installed. The jetties and their 82 boat berths were constructed in the 1990s. They were now inspected and found to be in good condition. The worn-out boat spaces on the shore were renovated.
The opening ceremony of the harbor was held at the Satama Open event in June 2023. Construction had a tight schedule, but the results were good. The only exception were the containers used as service buildings.
- Two containers were ordered for the harbor; one became a small kitchen and washing point for caravan parking guests, while the other contains shower and toilet facilities. It was supposed to be a reliable solution, but the constant humidity is causing problems. We continue to work on the problem.
One of the best in Lake Saimaa
After renovations, the harbor is now one of the best in Saimaa; a very pleasant spot on the Heinävesi route and definitely worth visiting. Kermacotta is the core of the harbor's operations, and a great deal has been invested in its services. This is how the harbor is described on the Veneilysaimaa.com website.
On the left is Virpi Pakarinen, the development specialist of Heinävesi municipality, in the middle Laura Huoman and on the right is Anne Huoman, the entrepreneurs of Kermacotta Oy.
Kermacotta Oy is a company founded by Anne and Laura Huoman in 2022. Anne Huoman has 15 years of experience at the municipal kitchen of Heinävesi. When Kermanranta Harbor needed a new restaurant, Huoman rose to the challenge. Her daughter, Laura, manages the company with her while also studying in Joensuu to become a home economics teacher.
In addition to the harbor restaurant Kermacotta, the company also handles other things, such as renting caravan parking spaces and boat berths, managing the keys to the ice flake station, renting canoeing equipment as well as renting and cleaning the sauna.
- And when large events are planned in the area, Anne is always there to coordinate, build and organize. She has an amazing network of business contacts, Virpi Pakarinen notes.
Communality nurtures new operating methods. This is also the idea behind increasing cooperation between the municipality, local entrepreneurs, villages and Business Joensuu. The coming summer is expected to be quite lively, as Kermanranta Harbor will host the Old Ships Regatta in July 19–21. The regatta will turn the harbor into a cheerful festival site.
- Kermacotta alone can’t organize large events or serve large crowds. Success comes from good cooperation with all interested local actors. Working together brings benefits to all of us, and everyone is welcome to join. The harbor is a place where entrepreneurs and other local actors can demonstrate their skills. Developing the municipality’s vitality is a joint effort, entrepreneur Anne Huoman notes.
Free publicity available
One half of Virpi Pakarinen's day is spent on work as the development specialist of Heinävesi. The other half is spent working on her doctoral dissertation at the University of Eastern Finland. Her doctoral thesis concerns the use of digital tools in the development of changing rural networks.
Traditionally, community has been defined as households, family relations and villages. Modern tribal communities, on the other hand, form in the internet around shared hobbies, activities and ways of thinking. This crossroads of communality is where the topic of Pakarinen's dissertation meets the reality of Heinävesi.
Heinävesi is a municipality of many villages. Traditionally, cooperation has been village-based. Over time, villages have become smaller as their population has aged and diminished. When developing municipal vitality, listening to the opinions of people like summer residents is important; Heinävesi has approximately 3,000 inhabitants, but the number increases by about one third during the summer period.
The world is changing, but we’re not giving up, Pakarinen says. Her goal is to create new contact between the villages by having their villagers meet each other.
- The Visit Heinävesi website was one of our development measures. It works as a communication channel for tourism in the municipality. Companies and organisations can market themselves on the website for free. In the same vein, the municipality's digital billboards are also available to various actors for increased visibility.
Progress has been promising after a slow start. And others are still welcome to join. If necessary, Pakarinen also provides free assistance in creating the marketing content.
- Among other things, the Visit Heinävesi website acts as a channel for local villages to introduce themselves. Villages can provide information on their attractions, typical features, village associations and activities. We are trying to create a wide digital record of live and events in the villages.
Regenerative tourism
A recent opinion poll conducted at the Kallasvesj’ fair gave Pakarinen further confirmation of the villages’ ongoing new renaissance.
- We asked visitors what they would like to experience in Heinävesi. There was an overwhelming number of answers. By far the highest demand was for small events focusing on villages and traditions. We can answer this demand with our rich history and active associations. The Visit Heinävesi website contains information on this topic as well.
Pakarinen is taking part in the international CE4RT project that focuses on regenerative tourism. A hundred participants from five different countries are represented in the project. What is good regenerative tourism like?
- Regenerative tourism aims for a balanced collaboration between tourists, locals and nature. Tourists should create added value for regions and communities instead of burdening them. Natural and cultural environment provides a framework for acting in an economically sustainable manner while taking into account environmental care and the strengthening of local culture and community.
Heinävesi is a perfect place for finding friendly villages and genuine local experiences.
- This can mean simple things: listening to stories and experiencing the atmosphere of small events; working with locals to remove invasive plant and animal species; canoeing in the local waters; fishing with the locals; or just walking around in the forest. Breathing clean air in peace without any hurry. Heinävesi is the perfect place for all of this. We can feel proud to be residents of Heinävesi. No need to be modest about it.
Text: Sirkka-Liisa Aaltonen/Viestintä Ässä Oy
Photos: Jarno Artika
Further information:
Virpi Pakarinen, Development Specialist, Municipality of Heinävesi
+358 50 473 7310, virpi.pakarinen@heinavesi.fi
Kermacotta Oy, Anne and Laura Huoman
+358 40 585 1350, kermacotta@gmail.com
Heli Hirvonen, Business Specialist, Heinävesi Municipal Representative at Business Joensuu +358 400 956 178, heli.hirvonen@businessjoensuu.fi
