NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA PADDLERS
***********************
BLIND RIVER – On Thursday, MPP Michael Mantha met with the team at Algoma Canoe and Kayak Club Inc (Algoma Paddlers) to hear more about the $10,100 Resilient Communities Fund grant that it received in 2023 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Funds from the grant were used to recruit and train paddlers as trip leaders and instructors and fulfill positions in the Club’s executive.
“Algoma Paddlers offers the perfect blend of opportunities for people to learn and understand our rich Canadian heritage and at the same time connect with our unique world-class landscape and pristine environment,” said Michael Mantha, MPP. He had enjoyed the privilege of joining the Paddlers on big waters on previous outings, calling it an indescribable lifetime experience. “What’s more, they help people experience our region’s beauty and culture, imparting essential knowledge on how to do so while respecting the environment and safe canoeing practices.”
The project will improve the Club’s ability to provide certification and promote safe paddle skills, lead trips, and participate in community and events with its 36-foot Montreal canoes. The trip leaders and instructors now stretch into a wider geographic region of the Algoma region along the north shore of Lake Huron. And since receiving the OTF grant, the Club has recruited and arranged training of 11 new Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking (ORCKA) qualified instructors and trip leaders in 2023 and 2024.
The benefits of new instructors and trip leaders has had a ripple effect along the north shore of Lake Huron. The Club is exploring new waterways in its watercrafts, participating in community events again (such as 36-foot Montreal canoe rides), adult and youth lessons. Although different than the original KICK camp at this time, it has offered youth flatwater lessons and adult safe kayaking lessons in Thessalon. Bruce Mines has also trained personnel and is working on upcoming events. This had led to increasing the number of paddle members and monies coming into the Club. Since Covid, there has been an increase in people interested in paddling which has worked in its favour.
“There is no better way to get out and feel a connection to nature than by paddling a canoe or kayak,” said Cindy Goytan-Lipinski, President of the Algoma Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club. “At the same time, it is important to learn the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to do it safely. Never underestimate the power of nature.”
The Club was initiated 18 years ago for people of all ages as a non-profit, community oriented, naturebased organization, to further the welfare of individuals and communities in the Blind River area through the promotion of water safety and improved recreational skills and fulfillment. It is a year-round organization, and for more information on its programs, look for it on social media (ie Facebook and blog).
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Algoma Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
***********************