If you’re a tourism industry leader in Kawarthas Northumberland, Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) could use your expertise.
The not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming is seeking tourism professionals to serve as volunteer members of its governance-focused board of directors beginning in June.
RTO8’s board is a group of dedicated local industry experts and leaders who are passionate about the organization’s mission to be a destination that drives its visitor economy, with balanced and purposeful year-round visitation that meets current and future capacity and community development needs.
“Becoming a part of the RTO8 board of directors allows you to actively contribute to shaping the community’s future as a tourist destination,” says Laurie Dillon-Schalk, chair of the RTO8 Finance Committee.
“Whether you’re a seasoned board member or new to this role, being part of RTO8 provides a unparalleled window into the region’s opportunities and challenges allowing board members to leverage their tourism expertise, and actively participate in supporting the growth of Kawarthas Northumberland.”
Many of the towns and villages in Kawarthas Northumberland, which also features more than 350 lakes and rivers, are connected by the Trent-Severn Waterway, a national historic site.
The importance of the Trent-Severn Waterway to Kawarthas Northumberland’s visitor economy is reflected in the vision statement in RTO8’s 2025-26 business plan:
“By 2026, Kawarthas Northumberland communities will be recognized as one of the leading travel destinations in Ontario for experiencing soft outdoor and rural adventure connecting Canadian waterway heritage.”
To help realize its mission and vision, RTO8 is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to fill six vacancies on its board effective June 12 for one, two and three year terms.
Board members will be required to attend RTO8’s virtual annual general meeting on the morning of June 19, attend a full-day orientation session in Peterborough on June 25, and a full-day strategic planning session in September. Board members are also required to attend at least six board meetings per fiscal year and to sit on a committee of the board that meets as required virtually.
Prospective board members must be Canadian citizens of at least 18 years of age. Preference will be given to business owner-operators or individuals who are working within the Kawarthas Northumberland tourism industry.
RTO8 encourages those interested in becoming a board member to read RTO8’s 2025-26 business plan and then complete the 2025-26 RTO8 board application form, both of which are available at rto8.com/eoi-rto8-board/, where you can also find more details about the requirements and responsibilities of board members.
All applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The appointment of directors will be confirmed at the RTO8 board meeting on Thursday, June 12.
This story was created in partnership with Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8). If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
