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Timmins tourism stalwart earns lifetime achievement nod

Attractions Ontario recognizes Guy Lamarche for four decades of work
2018-08-22 Guy Lamarche Kayak Challenge MH
Timmins' Guy Lamarche has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Attractions Ontario for his work in the tourism industry. Maija Hoggett/TimminsToday

A provincial tourism body has recognized Timmins’ Guy Lamarche with a Lifetime Achievement Award for more than four decades of service in the industry.

On June 1, Attractions Ontario presented Lamarche with the Colonel Don Dailley Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual general meeting held at Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, north of Toronto.

In a news release, the organization lauded Lamarche for his "progressive and proactive leadership in the tourism, recreation, leisure, and cultural sectors with emphasis on management, marketing, customer service, product development, community relations and corporate affairs."

Highlights of his long career include overseeing the $12-million development of the Eagle’s Earth Cree & Ojibway Historical Centre in Constance Lake First Nation and spearheading the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival in Timmins.

Upon his retirement in 2020, Lamarche was the manager of tourism and events for the City of Timmins, overseeing the development of a tourism marketing strategy and communication plan for the city.

He remains involved in the industry as a director on the board of directors for Destination Northern Ontario, where he sits on several product teams including snowmobiling, rail and international.

Lamarche additionally serves as the vice-president of the Timmins ATV Club and the past chair of Attractions Ontario.

For his work, Lamarche has been inducted into Festivals Ontario’s Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.

Additionally, he's received the President's Award from Destination Northern Ontario and was bestowed with the Bob Giles Award by Nature and Outdoors Tourism Ontario.