The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) kicked off the upcoming summer tourism season with its Annual General Meeting and Tourism Awards on April 29, 2025, at the always-popular Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown. Over 70 tourism operators, municipal leaders, and community partners came together to connect, reflect on the past year’s achievements, and celebrate the bright future of tourism in the Ottawa Valley.
The event included networking, updates from the OVTA team, and the election of a new board of directors for the 2025–26 term. The incoming board reflects a diverse mix of voices from across the region’s tourism landscape:
· Craig Brooker, Brooker’s Cider
· Councillor James Brose, Renfrew County Council
· Chris Hinsperger, Bonnechere Caves
· Meghan James, Somewhere Inn, Calabogie
· Joel Kowalski, Wilderness Tours
· Michelle Logan, Comfort Inn Pembroke
· Elijah McKeown, City of Pembroke
· Jill McLellan, End of the Leash Pet Boutique & Watch My 6
· Richard McNish, Dog House Brewing Company
· Jolene Meloche, Renfrew County ATV Club
· Emily Stovel, Arnprior & District Museum
· Councillor Rob Weir, Renfrew County Council
· Stefani Van Wijk, Madawaska Kanu Centre
The chair and vice chair for the new term will be selected at the board’s first meeting in May.
Emcee of the evening and 2024-25 Board Chair, Stefani Van Wijk, remarked, “It’s an exciting time for tourism in the Ottawa Valley, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a passionate and experienced group of leaders,” said Stefani. “This board brings fresh ideas and a shared commitment to collaboration, which is exactly what we need as we continue to grow and showcase the best our region has to offer.” With such a dynamic group at the helm, the Ottawa Valley is well-positioned to continue growing as one of Ontario’s top tourism destinations.
The OVTA is the destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents more than 300 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and outfitters, accommodation, food, beverage and retail establishments, artists and galleries, municipalities and community organizations, as well as media and industry suppliers. The OVTA is supported by the County of Renfrew, Renfrew County municipalities and the City of Pembroke.