Joey Payeur
The most recent picture posted on the Facebook page for the North Western Ontario Tourism Association was two months ago, which showcased a spectacular sunset over one of the region’s innumerable lakes.
Now the sun has set on the organization itself.
In a letter sent out to its members last Thursday, NWOTA’s board of directors said the group will shut down immediately.
“Assets will be disbursed, current bills paid, and a small account will be left for a time when it may be needed to advocate for tourism interests again,” read part of the letter.
It noted after meeting last month, the NWOTA executive commissioned a survey that was sent out to all current members and newsletter subscribers.
“From the survey results, financial reality, the few comments generated, and polling at our Dec. 15 meeting, the NWOTA executive has decided that it is no longer viable to continue operation of the organization as it now exists,” stated the letter, which cited aging membership, few new recruits, rising costs, and busier lifestyles as problems affecting it.
Wayne Helliar, owner/operator of Helliar’s Resort in Nestor Falls and an NWOTA board member for the past 20 years, said it was a matter of all missions having been accomplished for now.
“The purpose of the organization is to lobby the government about the things they’re doing,” he explained.
“When the government made moves like cancelling the [spring] bear hunt or there being more people turned back at the border, we would get lots of people out at our meetings,” Helliar noted.
“But everything is pretty stable right now,” he remarked.
“We’re responsible for collecting dues and we’re spending other people’s money, and they’re not getting real value for it.”
The departure of one of the organization’s main cogs, coupled with the impending exit of another, has Helliar believing the dissolution of NWOTA was inevitable.
“Our secretary, Cindy Miller, has been the backbone of the association but she is leaving to help her husband with his business,” he noted.
“As well, [president] Lucas Adams is stepping down.”
Helliar said the money in the organization’s savings account will be put in a trust in hopes NWOTA will be resurrected in the future if needed.
There will be an attempt to maintain a mailing list and the group’s Facebook page, with plans to invite comments or host informal gatherings to discuss issues that affect the NWOTA membership the group feels should be brought to the government’s attention.
“We could start back up at any time,” Helliar stressed.
Meanwhile, the letter urged NWOTA members to explore other options that may work for them when it comes to small business and/or tourism advocacy.
Those include the Kenora District Camp Owners Association (KDCA), the Northern Ontario Tourism Organization (NOTO), and local chambers of commerce.
“The KDCA represented the northern part of the region more than NWOTA did,” said Helliar. “We were more tied to the southern end.
“People will probably be tempted to join [KDCA].”
Helliar has a long-time personal connection to NWOTA.
“My father and grandfather were involved and, I believe, were both former presidents at the time,” he recalled.
“It’s disappointing to see an organization that’s almost 100 years old fold up.”
