Tourism Series: Profile on Dehcho RTO

News Type: 
Blog Entries

Find our social media handles here.
See all the challenges so far here.

After working as the Dehcho Regional Tourism Development Officer (RTO) with Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) for six years, Marion Storm’s favourite part of the job is still meeting travellers.  

“I spend my lunch breaks walking along the Mackenzie River and meeting visitors as they pass with hearty smiles and excited greetings. That’s the best part – meeting visitors in awe of this amazing place that I get to work and live,” Marion says. “I also get the opportunity to travel throughout the Dehcho Region to promote ITI programs. It’s an exciting process to see dreams and ideas transform into tourism businesses and products. That’s the most satisfying part of my job.”

Based in Fort Simpson, Marion’s job is to support tourism development in the Dehcho Region. It’s a job that involves wearing many hats – including providing funding to support tourism businesses and projects; assisting with the promotion of tourism products and services; licensing tourism operators; and enforcing the NWT Tourism Act.

ITI Projects in the Dehcho Region:

  • Through the Community Tourism Infrastructure program, ITI contributed $90,000 to Jean Marie River’s log school renovation. The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is also contributing funding to complete the project where it will serve as a café, museum, arts and crafts shop and Visitor Information Centre. Through ITI’s Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program and in partnership with CanNor an additional $150,000 was put towards the project.
  • ITI, in partnership with CanNor, contributed $150,000 towards the rebuild of the beautiful 50-foot-tall log teepee at Fort Simpson’s Papal Site, which was done by expert log-smiths, the Timber Kings.
  • ITI, in partnership with CanNor, contributed $150,000 to the Fort Simpson Historical Society’s project – the Heritage Centre. In addition, since 2008 ITI has supported the Heritage Centre with past contributions of $335,000. The Heritage Centre will house the Open Sky Creative Society which will display art exhibitions as well as offer workshops and demonstrations. Visitors will be able to visit the Historical society’s museum and purchase local arts and crafts.

RTO Tips: Not to Miss

  • As the gateway to Nahanni National Park, Fort Simpson is a popular landing spot for tourists. Be sure to take extra time to explore. Make your first stop the Visitor Information Centre to get the scoop on local events, such as traditional workshops, feasts and historical walking tours. Bonus: they’re all free!
  • Pack a picnic and head to Sambaa Deh Territorial Park. With stunning views of thundering waterfalls and hiking trails, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy lunch with a view. Keep an eye on the ground – there are many fossils clearly visible in this area.