Petrie Island Canoe Club will close on November 1, 2026, unless we raise $78,000.
What's happening
Our boathouse opened in 2024. It took much longer to build than planned and cost double the original estimate.
Owning the boathouse adds $78,000 a year to our operating costs. Our volunteer board has done everything it can to absorb those costs. Each year, the club has fallen further behind.
In August, the club passed a special resolution. Petrie Island Canoe Club will fold on November 1 unless we find a solution.
What $78,000 does
It keeps the club open for about 1 year. It won't pay off the construction debt.
We need that year. We're working with the City of Ottawa on a solution that could see the City buy the boathouse and lease it back to the club. Those talks are ongoing and nothing is guaranteed.
What's at stake
- More than 230 kids came to our summer camps this year.
- Anyone can try paddling for free at our Wednesday Try-it-out nights. We've run them every summer since 2016.
- Special Olympics athletes and para-athletes train here.
- Young people from the community get their first jobs here as coaches and mentors.
- Kids who started here now compete at the national level.
- Families take part in French and in English.
Volunteers and neighbours built this club. We're asking you to help us keep it.
How you can help
- Donate. Every amount helps. Give to the Save the Club campaign
- Write to your city councillor. We've written the letter for you. Send a letter to your councillor
- Share the campaign. Send this page to friends and family, and post it on social media.
- Ask a local business. Encourage them to sponsor the campaign or match donations.
Winter programs are going ahead
All winter programs are guaranteed. Sign up for a winter program
For media
We'd be glad to have you visit the club on Petrie Island. You can meet athletes, families, coaches and volunteers. If the weather is good, we'll take you out on the water.
Spokespeople are available in English and in French. Photos are available on request.
Contact: Sarah Kennedy, Commodore, petriecanoe@gmail.com
Quick facts
- Founded in 2016
- Volunteer-run, not-for-profit community club in Orléans
- Programs for children, youth, adults and seniors
- Fundraising goal: $78,000
- Deadline: November 1, 2026