Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Increasing Accessibility Through Ontario Trillium Grant

Thanks to last year’s $15,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club increased the accessibility of its programs by purchasing a Kalandor Canoe to offer small-crew training for dragon boating.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

“The Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club remains committed to making this sport accessible for everyone. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant from the Ontario government, they've made significant strides in ensuring physically diverse individuals can fully participate in canoe and kayak programs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This is a prime example of how targeted provincial funding can empower local organizations to truly make a difference in people's lives and foster a more active and connected community.”

The purchase enables the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club to offer paddling and racing opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to enjoy the sport. Funds from the grant enabled the Club to purchase three new boats, a canopy and several life vests according to Peg Smith of Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club.

“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us invest in accessible boats and equipment to meet this objective,” she said. “Our expanded fleet of canoes and kayaks and mini dragon boat will ensure safety, comfort, and independence for all of our paddlers. Specifically, we have increased programming and racing opportunities for our Special Olympians, and we are better able to welcome seniors, and others with mobility concerns to the sport. We are excited to be expanding Peterborough’s paddling community, in this way.”

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Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Paddles On From Government Grant

After the last day of a canoe program, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club (PCKC) received a $15,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) on Friday.

The PCKC was established in July 2017. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Club members and city officials gathered at Johnson Park to watch young paddlers in fun races at Little Lake just off Beavermead Park. The final day was a showcase of the skills learned by the young paddlers as well as a recognition ceremony for the grant funding.

The club has seen a huge growth in numbers this year since 2020 where COVID-19 made it difficult for them to run its events.

“The year before, we've had 50 paddlers,” said Jim Stewart, PCKC commodore.” This year, we've had 150 plus padders plus another 30 in masters, paracanoeing and in learn-to-paddle programs.”

Most PCKC boats are racing boats that are expensive and unstable which are not rented out to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was used to help with staffing costs, buying new fencing, a rescue boat motor, installing new storage capabilities and a sanitizing station.

MPP Dave Smith presented the check at the presentation ceremony on OTF’s behalf. He said the PCKC fit the bill perfectly for the grant.

“It was about doing something for volunteers with a not-for-profit organization that provided an opportunity for youth,” he said. “It really was perfectly designed what Trillium was designed for.”

The OTF has nearly invested $112 million into 1,384 community projects and partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both Smith and Stewart agree that these programs that promote physical activity are beneficial for kids on several different levels.

“It's good for their physical health but the key is that it's good for their mental health,” said Smith. “They learn an activity they can do their entire life and they have fun doing it which is one of the best things that come out of it.”

“People are very pleased to be in the open air in the water,” reflected Stewart. “A sport that provides them with new friends, a learning experience and a chance to gain self-respect for being on the water.”

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