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.
