Attendance at FONOM:
- In partnership with Destination Northern Ontario, NOTO attended the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities conference as did Northeastern Ontario Tourism.
- Had the opportunity to meet several municipal leaders to encourage broad tourism support
- Discussed opportunities to align and collaborate on issues related to northern transportation
- Messaging included the need for the province to consider tourism’s potential as it focuses on “unleashing northern Ontario’s potential” to create a stronger Ontario.
LUPs & Leases:
- NOTO continues to meet with MNR, MECP, and the Surveyor Generals office to discuss processes and policies surrounding moving from LUPs to longer term leases.
- We had a very positive discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and are currently exploring potential partnerships opportunities to promote and support operators located in Parks.
Border Waters and US Angling Guide Issues:
- Both OPP and MNR COs on Lake of The Woods and Rainy Lake are preparing to increase presence at season opener this spring.
- NOTO participated in a TIAO Forward Motion podcast regarding the issue to raise awareness. Listen at the link below.
- Met with TIAO to gain their support of our efforts.
- Meeting in the next few weeks with Border officials to dive deeper into the issuance of work permits to US angling guides