Reaction to Skyrocketing Fees for Outfitters

A war of words between the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association and area lodge owners.
Paul Boucher says many camps feel betrayed by the Association after their land use permit fees went up 800%.
Boucher believes that NOTO has become the lap dog of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
He stresses the Association could have chosen to support tourist outfitters who are in dire need of support and going through the worst business climate ever.
Boucher adds they weren’t properly consulted.
NOTO is standing by its decision to move to a market value rent system.
Executive Director Doug Reynolds says the industry knew the fees were coming for over 3-years and he negotiated the best deal he could.
Reynolds notes while he doesn’t want to see a rent increase, the Province couldn’t stick with the 12-year-old system.
He stresses the Association tried it’s best to reach a fair compromise.
The Association is responsible for negotiating the rental fee system with the Provincial Government.
Tourist outfitters used to pay a $125 administration fee and now pay $825 in rent.