Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council
Chilko Lake | David JacobsonCariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism marked Earth Day 2022 (April 22, 2022) by taking a further step in enhancing sustainability in the local tourism sector with the launch of an industry-led council focused on sustainability.
The council builds on the announcement that the region had become North America’s second Biosphere Certified Destination.
Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council Members
Josie Dix
Bella Coola Heli Sports and Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Josie had been focused on leading the conversation on sustainability throughout her career, from her time at Whistler Blackcomb to her current role at Bella Coola Heli Sports. Josie is studying part time for her advanced diploma in Sustainable Business Leadership at BCIT. She is excited to be a part of this industry steering committee, as well as working to make Bella Coola Heli Sports a model for sustainable and responsible travel.
Julie Gilmore
South Cariboo Visitor Centre
Julie worked on a wide range of sustainable tourism projects on behalf of the 100 Mile Development Corporation. The Catalyst Project, The Gold Rush Trail, and local Mountain Bike Trails have all shown the importance of incorporating sustainability into efforts to grow tourism and local visitor attractions.
Melissa Normandin
Central Cariboo Arts + Culture Society (CCACS)
A transplant from the prairies of Saskatchewan, Melissa arrived in Williams Lake in 2016, and began working for the Williams Lake Stampede Association. Melissa participates as a Board Member with the Station House Gallery and is a member of the Cariboo Potters’ Guild. She is currently the Executive Director at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and the natural beauty of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Melissa believes that the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has the chance to be a leader on sustainability in the tourism sector and in our communities and embraces the work and mission of the Sustainable Tourism Advisory Committee with the CCCTA.
Camille Sangarapillai
Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
Camille works on programs aimed at protecting the landscape and communities of the land without limits from the impacts of invasive species. These efforts also help protect the tourism sector that depends on sustainable environment to be enjoyed by visitors.
John Walker, RFP
Williams Lake First Nation
As the Stewardship Forester for the Williams Lake First Nation, John sees that value of ecosystem-based management. The approach will benefit the Nation the surrounding community and enhance tourism for the region. A number of projects John has under way compliment the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Marshall Fremlin
Vice Chair, Board Liaison
As an owner and GM at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, Marshall Fremlin of 70 Mile House is passionate about experiential travel and hospitality. He brings grass-roots knowledge and a wealth of operational experience from his 15 years in the tourism sector, where he has worked almost every role available in a wilderness resort setting. He comes from a family with a long history of guest ranching and has stayed in the tourism sector because of all the opportunities to find meaning in the work.
Marshall takes a holistic and authentic approach. He likes being in the tourism business to deliver experiences that are the highlight of the year – and maybe a lifetime – for a family. This has helped Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort grow into a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and a recent two-time award-winner with Condé Nast Johansens’ luxury hotel and resort brand.
His boots on the ground expertise is complimented by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for leading teams, honed through a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC Sauder School of Business, where he graduated with honours. Having grown up on the land, he is deeply passionate about sustainability, stewardship, and protecting the natural resources that Canada’s tourism industry relies on.
- You should know:
- Having lived in the wilds for most of his life, Marshall is a skilled woodsman. He finds sharing the pastimes and experiences of his youth to be immensely rewarding, and as such he can often be found guiding others in his favorite activities.
- Favourite thing to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
- Fishing – he’s an avid angler.
- Dream Destination:
- No one favorite comes to mind. Just as long as it’s wild in some way.
- Heroes:
- Mom, partner Shan, and Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z.