Who We Are »
We work together with tourism businesses, professionals and destinations at a local, regional and global level to build a strong tourism industry in the North.
Originally named Tourism Northern Ontario, Destination Northern Ontario is an organization formed at the direction of the northern Ontario tourism industry and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. There was a clear message from tourism businesses in the North that a pan-northern organization was needed to lead economic growth in tourism for the region.
Destination Northern Ontario is one of 13 regional tourism organizations and operates in the area north of the French River, west of the Ottawa River to the Manitoba border, and north to the salt water coast.
Our pan-Northern structure allows for the development of innovative and nationally-significant tourism programming that is tailored to and implemented at the local destination level. 100% of Destination Northern Ontario expenditures support tourism growth in Northern Ontario. 75% of expenditures support local organizations, businesses and partnerships, growing capacity in Northern Ontario. Just 10% of our core budget is dedicated to administration costs.
Destination Northern Ontario directly supports tourism businesses and communities to build better quality experiences that resonate with consumers to grow the industry by increasing visitation and yield. Destination Northern Ontario is aligned with the priorities of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and works collaboratively with Destination Ontario.
Through partnership, Destination Northern Ontario is able to efficiently execute innovative and multi-faceted tourism programs which support growth in the industry and leverage resources.
In order to ensure the industry’s best interests are represented at a decision making level, over 50% of Destination Northern Ontario’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from private sector businesses.
” Having been fortunate enough to spend the last 35 years making a career out of fishing from one coast to the other, I must tell you…. there’s no place like home. Ontario, in particular Northern Ontario, has the best fishing and fishing culture in this country. The reason is simple, “fishing” is in our DNA. From North Bay to Kenora the currency is “fish”. Whether it’s a waitress in Wawa or the Mayor of Nestor Fall’s they all rely on this world-class fishery that supports their family, friends and communities.
Thankfully due to the tremendous efforts of Tourism Northern Ontario, its Angling Product Team, [sub-regional partners] and various other sub groups, Ontario’s fishing future is in good hands and this unique fishing culture has become the talk of the town…world wide. Keep up the great job! “
– Ang Viola | Fish’n Canada -Host
Regional Tourism Organization #13
Our Vision »
Northern Ontario will be a unique and distinctive tourism destination wherein high-quality products and experiences resonate with consumers, entrepreneurship is valued, and tourism provides local, regional, and global connections for the entire region.
Our Mission »
Destination Northern Ontario will take a leadership role to strategically guide and champion growth in Northern Ontario’s tourism industry through strong communication, collaboration and partnerships with industry.
Our Values »
Destination Northern Ontario’s Board is committed to focusing on the vision in an “innovative, results-based, effective and fiscally responsible manner, with a foundation of strong governance and management leadership.” Destination Northern Ontario’s Board also recognizes the following values as important aspects of the strategic plan:
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
- Integrity
Our Team » Empowered by a prosperous Northern Ontario.
Staff Expand- David MacLachlan » Executive Director
- Stephanie Hopkin » Senior Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
- Tiina Keranen » Visual Communications Designer
- Sara Currier » Industry Communications Coordinator
- Gord Knowles » Senior Coordinator, Investment Attraction & Economic Development
- Kathy Carlson » Senior Coordinator, Corporate Services
- Karen Poirier » Office Administrator
- Karen Peacock » Senior Coordinator, Workforce Development & Industry Training
- Gillian McCullough » Online Learning Coordinator
- Erica Richard » Workforce Development Coordinator
- Julia Dufour » Workforce Development Advisor
- Kaiya Nyabeze » Workforce Development & Industry Training Intern
- Mike Wozny » Special Projects Coordinator
- Pat Forrest » Northern Ontario Tourism Specialist
- Ian McMillan » International Marketing Specialist
- Marla Tremblay » Francophone Tourism Specialist
- Marty Kalagian » President / Operator – Retired
- Gerry Webber » Vice President / Public Service Sector – Retired
- Betty McGie » Treasurer / Private Sector
- Heather Group » Secretary / Economic Development
- Guy Lamarche » Director / DMO – Retired
- Ray Nadeau » Director / Private Sector
- George Stivrins » Director / Private Sector
- Lori Branch » Director / Private Sector
- Tammy Frick » Director / Film & Television
- Ian Wood » Director / Municipal Government
- Shannon McMullan » Director / Perivale Gallery
- Laurie Brownlee » Advisor / Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
- Isabelle Denault » Advisor / Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines
- Melanie Robert » Advisor / Destination Ontario
- Nancy Rosset » Advisor / Innovation, Science and Economic Development / Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- Shannon Lawr » Advisor / Ontario Parks
- Chad O’Halloran » Advisor / Parks Canada
Want to learn more?
Media Relations
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PDF Word documentAnnual Report
Download our latest annual report here:
Annual ReportGet in touch! » Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or using the form below.
Destination Northern Ontario 111 Elgin Street, Suite 304, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario P6A 6L6
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