Dave Fortin ’76

Fortin, a longtime TV news reporter for WPBN/WTOM 7/4 in Traverse City, has been sharing Northern Michigan’s everyday stories for more than four decades. His wry sense of humor and enthusiasm for reporting have earned him a place of honor on local television screens.

He is a proud citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and serves on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Indigenous Task Force which works to “foster and promote indigenous design throughout Canada”. Additionally, he has taught design-build studios using straw bale construction methods with Northern Cheyenne tribes in Montana as well as rural Kenya.

Early Life and Education

David Fortin was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan and graduated from high school before attending Northwestern Michigan College. Following college, he worked as a meteorologist and reporter for TV 7/4 News in Traverse City.

Dave Fortin, a reporter, has interviewed many famous figures such as Johnny Cash, Bob Hope and President George Bush. His reporting has earned him several awards and he is widely respected throughout Northern Michigan for his expertise.

He is also a singer/songwriter and member of Les Colocs, a folk rock band. His songs often address more serious social issues like poverty, loss of community and emotional dependence.

Professional Career

Fortin has mastered the craft of storytelling through years on local TV in Northern Michigan. This skill set has made him the go-to man for many local news stories.

After weathering the ups and downs of his career, he is now one of the longest-serving news anchors at WPBN/WTOM 7/4 in Traverse City. His coverage encompasses a wide variety of topics – from agriculture to environmentalism – with expertise that is unsurpassed.

On Thursday, Laurentian University announced that Fortin would become the next director of McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA), succeeding founding director Terrance Galvin who will conclude his third three-year term this December. His appointment was confirmed by Vice -President Academic and Provost Pierre Zundel upon recommendation by both his dean at Science, Engineering & Architecture Faculty as well as a selection committee comprised of MSoA faculty members.

Achievements and Honors

Dave Fortin ’76 was an outstanding student athlete. During his time at Biddeford High School, he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. Furthermore, he earned a football scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston MA where he played both offensive tackle and defensive linebacker.

As an architect, his work with Metis and Indigenous communities has been recognized. He holds a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, Master of Architecture degree from the University of Calgary, and registration as an architect in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

In 2018, David T Fortin became Canada’s first Indigenous architect by leading David T Fortin Architect, a small design firm that works with Indigenous communities across what is now Canada.

Personal Life

Dave Fortin had an infectious sense of humor and loved to have a good time in life. He enjoyed going on adventures and spending quality time with his family.

Dave Fortin had a passion for music in his free moments. He was part of the Boston rock band Six Day Slide and enjoyed performing live.

He achieved great success as a musician and had many admirers. Due to his success, he was able to travel the world and perform in multiple countries.

He had a deep-seated passion for children, and he enjoyed teaching them of all ages. He would often share stories and advice with them to help them learn and develop.

Net Worth

Fortin is the cofounder and board member of Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store chain which owns Circle K stores across Canada and the United States. With annual revenues totaling $63 billion, this company operates 14,000 locations throughout both countries.

He owns stakes in Transcontinental, a Canadian publishing and packaging company, as well as the National Bank of Canada. Furthermore, he created the Lise et Richard Fortin Foundation to support causes that benefit children and the elderly.

In addition to his involvement in the business world, he owns a family steel business which he shares with brothers Barry and Alan Zekelman. Furthermore, he holds two Ontario telecom businesses. With an estimated net worth of $1.10 billion USD ($1.33 billion CAD), Forbes magazine lists him among the richest people on Earth.