Congratulations go out to our Director Mal Tygesson for receiving the President’s Award at the NOTO conference.

I am honoured to recognize Mal Tygesson who has dedicated over 40 years of service in the resource-based tourism sector in Northern Ontario. He began his career with a major lodge operator in Northwestern Ontario and later fulfilled his ambition of owning his own business, Evergreen Lodge, with his late wife, Pat.

Beyond successfully operating an American plan lodge, Mal has devoted significant time to volunteering on tourism organization boards, including NOTO and the Kenora District Camp Owners Association, since the late 1980s. He has contributed extensively to committees and working groups, advocating for sector solutions and protections through initiatives such as Ontario Lands for Life and local fisheries advisory groups.

Mal’s expertise in policy and regulation has strengthened advocacy efforts for NOTO and KDCA. He has consistently represented the interests of Northern Ontario’s tourism industry, articulating its unique challenges and collaborating on effective solutions.

Mal has received several awards over the years for his work on various initiatives.

  • In 1991 he received the Conservation award for his involvement in the development of stringent fisheries regulations on Eagle Lake. 
  • In 1999 he was awarded the Executive Director’s award for his assistance on a number of forestry and wildlife related issues. 
  • And in 2009 Mal was presented with the Bob Giles Award from the Deputy Minister of Tourism at that time for his tireless efforts toward the Ontario Living Legacy initiative.
    Within the sector, he continues to serve as a reliable liaison and mentor for new business owners entering the tourism industry. He has been a regular NOTO convention and Northern Ontario Tourism Summit attendee who always has time to share tips of the trade or learn something new. In fact, last year was the first annual tourism conference he had missed since 1987.
    Within the last few weeks, Mal successfully sold his business, and we wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.