About Us

Canoe Kayak Canada is the national body for competitive paddling in Canada. We are a volunteer lead and staff driven organization made up of a community of paddling enthusiasts – athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and supporters – from coast to coast.

Our Values

We Paddle – The Canadian Sport for all families, communities and champions.

Our MIssion

To encourage Canadians to enjoy the sport of paddling and achieve success at all levels of competition.

OUR CORE VALUES

Canoe Kayak Canada has identified and defined a core set of values that inspire us. We use these values to guide our decisions and strengthen our relationships.

Achievement

We support the dedication and commitment to paddling at all levels. We embrace the thrill of personal accomplishment and the joy of paddling.

Inclusion

We create a safe environment for all people. We welcome all abilities and all disciplines connecting our diverse cultures and perspectives. We promote lifelong healthy active living.

Integrity

We stand up for what is right. We foster a mindset that cherishes and rewards fair play for all involved. We are committed to instilling a culture of trust and accountability.

Collaboration

We are united in purpose while respecting the unique ways that people contribute to our sport. We share openly to support our collective progress towards our goals.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in our organization, our people and our performance. We celebrate the rich history of paddling and recognize our successes.

About Us

Canoe Kayak Canada is the national body for competitive paddling in Canada. We are a volunteer lead and staff-driven organization made up of a community of paddling enthusiasts – athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, and supporters – from coast to coast.

Canoe Kayak Canada is a member-based organization which includes an intricate network of clubs as well as provincial and divisional paddling associations for the disciplines of sprint, whitewater and marathon. Elite National Teams proudly represent Canoe Kayak Canada at various competitions around the globe – most notably the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, ICF World Cups as well as Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships.

Canoe Kayak Canada is recognized by its partners at the International Canoe Federation, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Sport Canada as the designated authority for the sport in Canada.

What We Do

Canoe Kayak Canada administers programs at the national level to enable Canadians to enjoy the sport of paddling and achieve success at the highest levels of competition.

Canoe Kayak Canada manages sport science and research efforts behind the sport to develop high-quality programs focused on long-term athlete development. At the grassroots level, the organization promotes the sport and provides resources to clubs and padding associations. Canoe Kayak Canada runs the National Coach Certification Program to ensure effective leadership and inspire excellence through coaching.

On the high performance side, Canoe Kayak Canada trains competitive National Teams and equips them with the coaching, resources, and support services they need to be the best. The organization establishes selection criteria and runs trials to name the top athletes to teams that rival the top paddlers in the world. These athletes become icons in their communities and in turn inspire others to pursue extraordinary goals.

History

Canoe Kayak Canada was founded in 1900 as the Canadian Canoe Association. With early ties to the American association, the Canadian Association broke apart on its own as it took a great focus on war canoe racing. The war canoe remains a uniquely Canadian boat and a staple of the club system.

In 1936, sprint paddling was introduced to the Olympic Games and Francis Amyot won Canada’s first gold medal. Since then, Canoe Kayak Canada has continued to excel internationally. Having won 29 Olympic and Paralympic medals, it is one of Canada’s most successful summer sport organizations. The organization has had an enormous impact at the international level by championing initiatives to advance inclusion in the sport and has hosted several World Championships with great success.

The sport has evolved and grown to include many different types of paddling. New events, clubs and champions have emerged over the years to continue a steady flow of stories with every generation of paddlers.

Awards

The R. Edgar Gilbert Award recognizes those volunteers who have made significant and exemplary contributions to the Sprint Racing Discipline of Canoe Kayak Canada in any one or more of the Builder, Official, and Coach Category. For full details on eligibility and nominating process see:

Gilbert Award Policy

Edgar Gilbert

Edgar Gilbert began his association with canoeing at the Valois Boating Club in the Eastern Division (now the Quebec Federation). But it was as an administrator rather than a competitor that he excelled, first with the Valois Club then with the Eastern Division. He served continuously as Secretary of the Division from 1926 to 1950. In 1928 he was first elected Secretary of the Canadian Canoe Association for a one year term, then re-elected in 1931 to the position he held until April 13, 1950 when he resigned his positions at the division and national levels for reasons of ill health. At the national level his term as Secretary was characterized by selfless dedication to the work of the Association and meticulous attention to the details of the job. His Annual Reports are still models to be emulated. He was appointed Manager of the abortive Olympic Team of 1940 but was chosen again in 1948 to accompany the team to London. On his retirement from active participation in 1950, the Board of Directors created and bestowed upon him the office of Honorary Commodore, a position he held until his death in 1966. It is fitting that the Canadian Canoe Association awards for its volunteers should commemorate the name of one who served the sport and the Association for so long with such distinction.

Tom Hodgson

The art reproduction used for the Gilbert Award is from an original oil painting by Tom Hodgson, created expressly for this award. The oil painting was completed in 1983, donated to the Association by the artist and is placed on permanent display at the national office. Hodgson is a well-known Toronto artist whose work resides in a number of prominent galleries: National Gallery of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Lyn Wood Gallery. More importantly he is a paddler who competed under the blue and white of the Toronto Island Canoe Club for whom he garnered twelve national championships. He won his first championships, Intermediate and Junior Single Blade Fours, in 1941. But it was in Single Blade Tandem that he excelled winning Senior titles first with Art Johnson in 1948, 49, 50 and 51 and then with Bill Stevenson in 1953 and 1956. He was selected to the Olympic teams in 1952 and 1956. He retired from competition after 1956 but returned in 1981 at age 57 when the Masters Class events were introduced for the first time. The Gilbert award perpetuates not only the name of Edgar Gilbert, it perpetuates the name of Tom Hodgson, artist and remarkable paddler.

The Fair Play Award is presented to recognize an act of fair play by an athlete or team during the year, up to and including the Canadian Sprint Canoe Kayak Championships.

Fair Play Award Policy

The Canadian Masters Championships awards are voted on by the Masters Committee and presented at the CanMas Dinner post races. Nomination process opens prior to CanMas every year.

Russ Dunn Achievement Award

Russ Dunn was the founder of the Canadian Masters Championships (CanMas). He is recognized for his many contributions to the sport since 1948 as an athlete, administrator in several roles, and of course as the founder of CanMas.

Previous Winners

Criteria for Nomination

Nominations for this award should be considered to have had significant impact in the master’s community at their club and/or their Division and/or at the National level.
They would be considered Builders in master’s development or participation, whether through their career as an athlete, coach, official, administrator, volunteer, or a combination of any or all of those.
They embody CKC’s values and promote lifelong participation and success at all levels and roles in the sport.
Clubs may nominate only one candidate.

CKC Excellence Awards

The Club Development Award, the Coach Developer Award and Coach Recognition Awards are presented on an annual basis to coaches and club leaders who have made significant achievements in their communities. Nominations for the awards take place at the end of the competitive season and the awards are presented at Canoe Kayak Canada’s annual Summit.

Club Development Award

The Club Development Award is presented annually to a coach, club leader or volunteer who has clearly demonstrated his or her abilities at developing a club or the sport through grassroots programs such as creating a new club or program or promoting the sport through the club. This could be evidenced or demonstrated through the following:

Development of a new program within their club
Increase of membership in a specific program in the club
Increase in membership through means other than programming; or increase in membership in a specific program
Improvement in performance at the Provincial and National level
Demonstrates concern for the all-around development of the athlete (sport, social, educational needs, life skills)
Coach attended and supported athletes at the National Championships and/or National Team Trials

Coach Developer Award

The Coach Developer Award is presented annually to a coach who contributes to the training of new Canoe Kayak coaches outside of, or in addition to their regular coaching duties. This could be evidenced or demonstrated through the following:

Positive image of coaching, role of coach and NCCP and CKC conduct and ethics ambassador
Member of a national or provincial committee
Involved in coach education through facilitation of coach training workshops
Involved in outreach programs with other clubs, regions, or countries
Coach leads and supports other coaches in the training and/or competitive environment
Coach is involved in mentorship of other coaches

Coach Recognition Award

The Coach Recognition Awards are presented to coaches who achieve the following:

i) coach an athlete or crew who win a gold medal at the Canadian Sprint Canoe Kayak Championships

ii) coach an athlete who is nominated to a national team (Senior World Championships, Junior World Championships, Carded Athlete, or National Development Team

No nomination is required for the Coach Recognition Award.

Canoe Kayak Canada has a vibrant collection of trophies that are awarded for particular races at the Championships. Many of these trophies bear significant historical value and have been donated to honour individuals and organizations.

SENIOR EVENTS

Senior Men’s C1 1000m
Aubrey E. Ireland Trophy
Donated – 1921
Island Amateur Aquatic Association

Aubrey Ireland Sr. was a top single blade singles paddler in the Western Division before and after World War 1. A leader in his club, the Island Amateur Aquatic Association, in the sport of swimming and canoeing, he became Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1924 and Commodore of the American Canoe Association in 1928.

Senior Men’s C1 500m
Mike Scott Trophy
Donated – 1976
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by the Rideau Canoe Club in 1976 to honour R. Patrick “Mike” Scott for 25 years of dedication not just to the Rideau Canoe Club but to canoeing. In 1985 Mike completed his 25th successive year as Commodore and thirty-three years on the Board of Directors. Mike was honoured by his sport with the Edgar Gilbert Award for Builder in 1985.

Senior Men’s C1 200m
William “Bill” Cleevely Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1995
Otterburn Canoe Club

Donated by the Cleevely Family. Bill Cleevely was Commodore of the Otterburn Boating Club, Flag Officer of the Eastern Division (now Quebec Division), and Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1946. Bill was chosen as manager of the Olympic team for Rome, 1960, and was given the title of Honourary Commodore in 1972.

Senior Men’s C2 500m
John Wood Trophy
Donated – 1976
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated by the Mississauga Canoe Club to honour John Wood, winner of the silver medal at the 1976 Olympics. Wood’s medal was the first Olympic medal for Canadian paddlers since 1952. His medal had a significant impact on a national team programme that had suffered through a twenty-five year medal drought, including Larry Cain who took great encouragement from Wood’s Olympic success.

Senior Men’s C15 1000m
Colonel Herbert Molson Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1931
Lachine Racing Canoe Club

Mr. C. N. Valiquet, a Past Commodore of the Lachine Racing and Canoe Club, presented this trophy to the Canadian Canoe Association, a donation of Colonel Herbert Molson, with assurances that it was not a “Brewery Trophy,” but rather a personal gift of the Colonel.

Senior Men’s K1 1000m
Bert Oldershaw Trophy
Donated – 1957
Island Canoe Club

Bert Oldershaw, Olympic competitor, organiser and promoter of canoe sport, grew up on the Toronto Islands and joined the Island Canoe Club in 1939. Oldershaw reached the finals in his events at three Olympic Games, 1948, 1952 and 1956. In 1956 he founded the Canadian Canoe Association annual Yearbook dedicated to the promotion and development of canoeing across Canada; he was a founder of the Mississauga Canoe Club in 1958 and an enthusiastic promoter of canoeing locally and nationally.

Senior Men’s K1 500m
Alvin Brien Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1983
Banook Canoe Club

Canadian Champion kayak paddler, Alvin was selected to the 1980 Olympic Games Team but unfortunately could not compete due to the boycott. He raced at the Senior level for five years before his untimely death. An elite athlete and successful coach, Alvin tragically died after a sailing accident in the West Indies.

Senior Men’s K2 200m
Scott Oldershaw Trophy
Donated – 2024
Burloak Canoe Club

Scott Oldershaw’s impact on the sport of Canoe/Kayak is immeasurable. As an athlete, Scott competed at 12 World Championships and the Olympic Games in 1984. He won National Championships with the Mississauga, Quebec, and Burloak (form. Oakville) Canoe Clubs. As a coach, he led the Burloak Canoe Club to seven overall Championship Burgees, as well as 19 Sr Mens Burgees. Scott has coached at 14 World Championships and 5 Olympics Games; athletes he coached have won 5 Olympic medals, including a gold medal in 2004.

Senior Men’s K2 500m
Pierre Tremblay Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1975
Quebec Canoe Club

This trophy was offered to the Association by Michel Hebert, Commodore of the Lachine Racing Canoe Club on behalf of “a group of competitors and officials,” in memory of Pierre Tremblay, a young paddler from the Quebec Canoe Club who was killed in an automobile accident. Tremblay paddled single blade and in 1971 placed 1st in Junior Fours 1000m, 3rd in Junior Tandem 1000m and 2nd in Senior Fours 1000m.

Senior Men’s K4 500m
William L. “Bill” Patterson Trophy
Donated – 1972
Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club

Bill Patterson was a builder and organizer who had a significant impact on the course of development of paddling in his native province of Nova Scotia. He was instrumental in bringing Mic Mac into the CCA in 1956 to form the Maritime Division. Patterson was elected Commodore of the CCA in 1961, Flag Officer for the Atlantic Division in 1960, Honorary Commodore of the CCA 1974-1975, and a recipient in 1988 of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award – Builder Category.

Senior Women’s K1 1000m
Shirley Horne Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2008
Banook Canoe Club

Donated by the Society for Canoe Championships. Shirley contributed to most facets of the Canadian canoe world as a parent, competitor, national official, Divisional Officials Coordinator and Club Director of Banook Canoe Club. Shirley was the recipient of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in 2004 in the Officials category.

Senior Women’s K1 500m
Tom Dienstmann Trophy
Donated – 1967
Lachine Racing Canoe Club

This Hungarian émigré settled into the Montreal community paddling for the Lachine and Cartierville clubs in the 1960s. The trophy was donated in 1967 by Dienstmann in memory of his infant son Eric who died shortly after his birth. Tom Dienstmann served as the Technical Director for Canoeing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Femmes Senior Women’s K1 200m
Karen Furneaux OLY Trophy
Donated – 2023
Cheema Aquatic Club

Donated by Karen Furneaux OLY, former National Team member. Karen is a three-time Olympian, representing Canada in 2000, 2004 and 2008. She is a double World Champion, 9-time Worlds medalist, Pan-Am Games and University Games Champion. Karen was inducted to the NS Sport Hall of Fame in 2016 and awarded the QE2 Golden Jubilee Medal. She is an honourary Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Senior Women’s K-2 500m
M. McTavish Trophy
Donated – 1973
Island Canoe Club

M. “Sandy” McTavish was a former Secretary to the Canadian Canoe Association Board. Sandy was associated with the Island Canoe Club in the 1950s and later took out membership in the Mississauga Canoe Club, lured there by former Islanders, Bert Oldershaw and Bill Collins.

Senior Women’s K4 500m
Susan Holloway Trophy
Donated – 1978
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by Thea and Morris Holloway, parents of 1980 and 1984 Olympic paddler Sue Holloway. Sue had an illustrious paddling career from 1973-1984 including Junior World bronze, and a double medal performance at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Sue was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and was the first woman to compete in both Winter and Summer Olympics (1976 Cross-Country Skiing and Canoeing).

Senior Women’s C1 1000m
Sheila Kuyper Trophy
Donated – 2012
Burloak Canoe Club

Sheila’s international lobbying efforts and mentoring of women canoeists influenced the introduction of women’s canoe at the ICF World Championships in 2001. Her dream of seeing women’s canoe at the Olympics became reality in 2021 in Tokyo as Canada claimed two medals. For her efforts, Sheila received the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Builder category in 2022

Senior Women’s C1 200m
William “Bill” McKee Trophy
Donated – 2018
Grand Trunk Boating Club

Donated by Canoë-Kayak Quebec. Respected National and International Official, Bill was a proud supporter of women’s canoeing. Bill served as Quebec’s Flag Officer for a record 28 years from 1987 to 2014. One of the “old boys” from the former Grand Trunk Boating Club, Bill received the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in 1986 in the Officials category.

Senior Women’s C2 500m
Bob Kay Trophy
Donated – 2024
Cartierville Boating Club

Bob Kay began paddling in 1958 when he joined the Cartierville Boating Club as the club established a record setting streak of eight consecutive National Club Championship burgees. Bob represented Canada at the North American Championships, winning three gold medals in C2 and C4. Bob was also selected to the Pre-Olympic competition in Mexico in 1967. Bob competed in five World Masters Games and five ICF World Masters. A milestone attained in 2023 was competing in CANMAS at age 80. Bob Kay’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to paddling, sportsmanship, and fostering a healthy lifestyle.

Senior Women’s C15 500m
Harry L. Butler Trophy
Donated – 1949
Rideau Canoe Club

In 1946 women were permitted to race in the Canadian Canoe Association Championships for the first time; the event was an exhibition women’s war canoe race. It was 50-year-old Harry L. Butler who donated the trophy in 1949 for the event which became official in 1965. On the occasion of the trophy’s first presentation, the Ottawa Citizen referred to the prize as the “Rideau Cup.”

JUNIOR EVENTS

Junior Men’s C1 1000m
Tom McHugh Trophy
Donated – 1934

At the 1934 CCA meeting, Commodore Frank Clement advised the Association that he had accepted a trophy for the Junior Single Blade Singles event from “an old friend of the paddling game, Mr. Thomas McKeown.” The membership approved the action but the mystery remains as to who Tom McHugh really was.

Junior Men’s C1 500m
Glen Adams Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2019
Otterburn Boating Club

Glen Adams was a member of the Otterburn Boating Club who served as Commodore of the CCA in 1972. He was a member of the Board of Directors for thirteen years and served on the Olympic and International Committee where he provided forceful leadership and sage advice. Adams received the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Official Category in 1982

Junior Men’s C1 200m
Centenarian of Club de Canotage Lac Sergent Trophy
Donated – 2009
Club de Canotage du Lac Sergent

Donated by Club de Canotage Lac Sergent and the City of Lac Sergent in celebration of the Club’s 100th anniversary. Founded after the turn of the century, Lac Sergent was absorbed by the Quebec Canoe Club in 1945. The club became a separate entity again in 1989, continuing to contribute to the rich sporting history in the region.

Junior Men’s C2 500m
Jacques Turcot Trophy
Donated – 1978
Quebec Canoe Club

Presented by the family of Dr. Jacques Turcot, a noted surgeon in Quebec City, following his death in 1975, in recognition for his devotion and service to canoeing spanning a period of over 35 years. Jacques served as Commodore of Le Club de Canotage de Quebec in 1949, and Flag Officer of the Quebec Division 1971-1973.

Junior Men’s C2 200m
George “Ginger” Powell Trophy
Donated – 2013
Otterburn Boating Club

Donated by Otterburn Boating Club, to honour George (Ginger) Powell for his commitment to the Club for over 50 years either as a coach or administrator. Ginger has been a constant member of Otterburn since he began paddling with the Club at the age of 12 years

Junior Men’s C4 1000m
John W. Black Trophy
Donated – 1928
St. John’s Yacht Club

It took three years before the Canadian Canoe Association finally accepted the offer of the Black Trophy from the St. John’s Yacht Club, Quebec. It was first offered in 1925, but not accepted, pending resolution of a dispute between the club and the Eastern Division executive. “The Black” is a much-coveted trophy by Canadian paddlers. It is the largest amateur sports trophy available for competition in Canada.

Junior Men’s C15 1000m
Francis “Frank” Amyot Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1964
Britannia Yacht Club

Donated by the Britannia Yacht Club in loving memory of Frank Amyot who had been a life member of the club. Frank won his first Senior Singles Championship in 1924 for the Rideau Aquatic Club. In 1936, he won Canada’s first gold medal for canoeing. He retired from competition after the 1936 Olympics but continued his involvement with canoeing as a member of the Olympic and International Committee of the CCA and as an official at local competitions. He is a distinguished member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Junior Men’s K1 1000m
Gordon Potter Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1972
Gananoque Motorboat & Canoe Club

At a meeting in February 1972, Committee Chair Ken Lane informed the Association that Mrs. Gordon Potter of Gananoque had offered a trophy to the Association in the name of her late husband, Gordon Potter who had been a member of the 1936 Olympic Team. Potter was an instrumental part of Gananoque’s 3 National burgees 1933-1935.

Junior Men’s K1 500m
Don Ring Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2007
Banook Canoe Club

Donated by the Ring family of Nova Scotia to recognize Don’s commitment to the sport in various capacities with the Banook Canoe Club and the Atlantic Division and instilling in his family the need to give back to the sport. The bowl, both the original and the new, is genuine Atlantic crystal.

Junior Men’s K2 200m
Ken E. Smith Trophy
Donated – 1965
Chateauguay Canoe Club

Ken Smith, Vice Commodore of the CCA, presented his trophy to the Association at the semi-annual meeting in 1965. Ken was a member and past Commodore of the Chateauguay Aquatic Club of the Eastern Division and served as Commodore of the Association in 1966. Ken served as a flag officer of the Quebec Division in 1965 and was a recipient of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award – Official Category in 1983.

Junior Men’s K2 500m
Judy Tutty Trophy
Donated – 2008
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated by Western Ontario Division. Judy Tutty served as Flag Officer of WOD from 1992 to 2011 and was the recipient of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award not once, but twice, as a builder and as an official. Judy has been a member of various Divisional, Provincial and National committees.

Junior Men’s K4 500m
Richard Chapman Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1966
Cartierville Boating Club

Introduced in 1966, the trophy was donated by the family in memory of their son, Richard, who paddled for the Cartierville Boating Club and drowned during a K4 training session. The original Richard Chapman Memorial Trophy, donated in 1966, was lost in the summer of 1989 and replaced with the current trophy in 1991.

Junior Women’s K1 500m
Marjorie Homer-Dixon Trophy
Donated – 1973
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated in 1973 by Marjorie Homer-Dixon who competed for the Mississauga Canoe Club during the 1965-1972 period. In 1967 she won her first national medals. She, along with Claudia Hunt and Betty-Ann Gowans, were the first women selected to an Olympic Canoeing team in 1968. She was challenged by Claudia Hunt in 1969 and 1970 but came back in 1972 to claim Women’s K1 again.

Junior Women’s K2 500m
Kevin Duffey Trophy
Donated – 1973
Chateauguay Canoe Club

This trophy was donated by Kevin Duffey, a long time Commodore of the Chateauguay Boating Club and a Director in the Eastern/Quebec Division of the Canadian Canoe Association.

Junior Women’s K4 500m
Frank Clement Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1970
Lachine Racing Canoe Club

From the Lachine Racing Canoe Club, Clement was Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1934 and remained involved at the division and national levels as administrator and official afterwards. He served in the very demanding position of Secretary-Treasurer 1965-1969. The trophy was initiated by the CCA Executive Committee and paid for with contributions from the divisions.

Junior Women’s C1 1000m
Russ Dunn Trophy
Donated – 2007
Balmy Beach Canoe Club

Donated by the Balmy Beach Canoe Club to recognize Russ for his many contributions to the sport since 1948 as athlete, administrator in several roles, and founder of the Canadian Masters Regatta (CanMas). Russ was Commodore of Balmy Beach from 1959-1968.

Junior Women’s C4 500m
Island Canoe Club Trophy
Donated – 2004
Island Canoe Club

Donated by the “Island Four from ‘54” to commemorate 50th anniversary gold performances by Jack Hayward, Gus La Mantia, Paul Lambert and Art Dierden in Junior and Senior C-4 events. The Island trophy has already come to fame having been dubbed “The Pink” alongside the Black Trophy awarded to the Junior Men’s C-4 event.

Junior Women’s C15 500m
Mike Moir Trophy
Donated – 1990
Mohawk Canoe Club

Donated by friends of Mike Moir in recognition of his contribution to the Mohawk Canoe Club as founder, administrator and coach. Mike was Flag Officer of the Western Ontario Division 1970-1974, 1989-1991, Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1975 and Commodore of both Mohawk Canoe Club and Ak-o-Mak Canoe Club. He was the recipient in 1987 of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Official Category.

OPEN EVENTS

Open Men’s C2 1000m
Harry L. Butler Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1952
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by the Rideau Canoe Club in Butler’s memory. The Butler medal holds a unique place in the Royal Canadian Mint’s Coin collection. Near the end of the war, in 1944, Rideau lost its clubhouse; Harry was one of the small group of members who banded together in 1946 to re-establish a new club on Mooney’s Bay. He was elected the first Commodore of the new Rideau Canoe Club.

Open Men’s K2 1000m
Henry James Harper Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1958
Gananoque Motorboat & Canoe Club

The Henry James Harper Memorial Trophy was donated in 1958 by the Gananoque Bar Association to honour the life of Gananoque resident Henry Harper. Harper’s greatest achievement took place in 1948 when he and Gerald Covey came out of nowhere to win selection to the 1948 Olympic Games team where they managed a seventh-place finish. Harper was a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Police, serving in the Gananoque region of Ontario when he was tragically killed in a traffic accident.

Open Women’s C2 1000m
Len B. Johnson Trophy
Donated – 1964
Island Canoe Club

Len B. Johnson was a member of a paddling family that had a significant impact on the paddling community of Toronto’s Centre Island. He kept the Island Club open and active by drawing young teen-age boys to the sport in what was to become a new Juvenile class. He was a Commodore of the Island Canoe Club and served as Commodore of the CCA in 1945.

Open Women’s K2 1000m
Peter McCabe Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2022
Grand Trunk Boating Club

Peter McCabe began his canoeing career as a young boy in 1952 at the Grand Trunk Boating Club of Montreal. McCabe served as Quebec Division Flag Officer from 1980-1983, helping to found the Cloverleaf Regatta. Internationally, Mr. McCabe was selected as the Chief Starter for the 1985 World Championships, and subsequently for three Summer Olympics. McCabe was honoured in 1985 with the R. Edgar Gilbert Award. He was nominated to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2000 and again in 2009.

Open Men’s K4 200m
Fred Johnston Trophy
Donated – 2020
Sudbury Canoe Club

Fred Johnston began paddling in Sudbury in the 1950s and helped rejuvenate the Cataraqui Canoe Club in Kingston. He served as the EOD Flag Officer from 1973-1976 and Commodore from 1978-1979. Fred acted as chair of the ICF Public Relations Committee for sixteen years and received the R. Edgar Gilbert award in the Builder category in 1983. Fred is most known for his historical contributions, in particular, “The Book of Champions” listing medalists dating back to the first championships in 1900.

Open Men’s IC4 500m
E. Gowling Trophy
Donated – 1922
Rideau Aquatic Club

This trophy was named after its donor, Wesley E. Gowling, President and Principal of the Gowling Business College in Ottawa. He was a founding member and Commodore of the Rideau Canoe Club in 1902, Commodore of Rideau again from 1908 to 1926, and Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1911.

Open Women’s K4 200m
James “Jim” McGown Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2004
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated by the McGown family and Western Ontario Division. James was an R. Edgar Gilbert Award recipient in the Official category in 1996 and remembered as an outstanding volunteer at the Mississauga Canoe Club for over 30 years.

Open Women’s C4 200m
The Burloak Trophy
Donated – 2024
Burloak Canoe Club

The Burloak Canoe Club has a notable history in the Senior Division at Nationals. The Men’s Burgee has been won by Burloak a record 24 times, and the Women’s Burgee a total of 9 times. Burloak’s high level of coaching has produced numerous Olympians and National Team members whose commitment to teamwork, and dedication to the success of the club is best demonstrated in both the Sr Men and Women’s C15 record setting gold medal winning streaks.

Open Women’s IC4 500m
Henry “Hank” Farintosh Trophy
Donated – 1995
Balmy Beach Canoe Club

Donated by his son Jim Farintosh, Hank was an Honorary Life Member of Balmy Beach Canoe Club. He was Flag Officer of Western Ontario Division in 1952 and Commodore of the association in 1954. Active as on-water official for many years, Hank was instrumental in the adoption of our motto “per aquas ad fraternitatem” (through the waters to friendship).

U18 EVENTS – FORMERLY JUVENILE/U19

U18 Men’s C1 1000m
Ken Stroulger Trophy
Donated – 1991
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by Rideau Canoe Club Boosters. Ken was Canadian Canoe Association Commodore in 1950, manager of the 1956 Olympic Games Team and long-term member of Rideau Canoe Club. He served as Flag Officer of Eastern Ontario Division in 1949 and Commodore of the association in 1950. Ken was also Honorary Commodore of CCA from 1986-1990.

U18 Men’s C1 500m
J. “Bill” Colligan Trophy
Donated – 1946
Grand Trunk Boating Club

J. Colligan (1911-1975) donated the trophy bearing his name. He was elected Commodore of the Grand Trunk Boating Club for three years. At the national level he served his long apprenticeship culminating as Commodore in 1962, after which he habitually served as an official at the National Championship Regatta.

U18 Men’s C2 1000m
David M. Jones Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1987
Banook Canoe Club

Donated by the 1985-1986 National Team in memory of David M. Jones, competitor, coach, volunteer, and national team manager. David became involved with the National Team and served as manager for several tours. When David died in 1985, members of the national team donated funds for the purchase of a trophy in his name.

U18 Men’s C2 500m
Mac Hickox Trophy
Donated – 1977
Mississauga Canoe Club

Presented by the Mississauga Canoe Club’s Ladies’ Auxiliary to honour the coaching contribution Mac Hickox made to the sport. Mac was John Wood’s personal coach leading up to the Montreal Olympics and was selected as a coach to the 1976 Olympic Canoeing Team, receiving the Air Canada Amateur Coach of the Year award. Mac was a recipient of the R. Edgar Gilbert award in the Coach Category in 1996.

U18 Men’s IC4 500m
Ralph Reilly Trophy
Donated – 1952
Island Canoe Club

Ralph Reilly of the Island Canoe Club earned a reputation for his organisational abilities which served him well in the Canadian Canoe Association. He was Vice Commodore in 1950 and moved up to Commodore in 1951. In 1957 he was appointed Secretary-Treasurer by the Board and again in 1970. He served as Executive Director for five years, helping to establish our first National office. The Reilly Trophy has been affectionately dubbed the “Baby Black.”

U18 Men’s C15 500m
K. Joseph Geisler Trophy
Donated – 1959
Otterburn Boating Club

K. Joseph Geisler paddled for the Otterburn Boating Club in the pre-WWII years where he was a founding member and Commodore. He was elected Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association in 1958. Upon retiring he donated a trophy to the association for Men’s Juvenile War Canoe. In 1980, just before his death, Joe exchanged his trophy for a plaque.

U18 Men’s K1 1000m
Jean Fournel Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1999
Pointe Claire Canoe Club

Donated by the Pointe Claire Canoe Club and the Lachine Fire Department in memory of Jean Fournel. He was selected to the 1976 and 1980 Olympic teams. Jean was the co-founder of Pointe Claire on Valois Bay.

U18 Men’s K1 500m
Gabor Joo Trophy
Donated – 1967
Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club

Gabor Joo left his homeland in the wake of the 1956 Hungarian uprising and made Canada his home. With him, he brought Hungarian kayaking experience, with its classical style and dedication to year-round training. A young John Wood learned much of his early training routine from Gabor. He was selected to the Olympic Games teams of 1964 and 1968.

U18 Men’s K1 200m
Michael Schaus Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2009
Banook Canoe Club

Donated by Laura Tupper-Ring and the Banook Canoe Club in memory of Michael Schaus, member of the 2005 Junior World Team and 2005 Pan American Team. Michael was a Banook coach and youngest ever board member who passed suddenly in February 2009.

U18 Men’s K2 500m
Kenny “Ken” Jewer Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2006
Orenda Canoe Club

Donated by the Jewer family, the trophy was hand-crafted by Harold Jewer, Ken’s father. Kenny and brother Rick were the first crew to win the Juvenile Men’s K-2 500m race in 1967.

U18 Men’s K4 500m
David M. Smith Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1999
Burloak Canoe Club

Donated by the Smith Family, in memory of David Smith, member of the national team. The sculpture was crafted by family friend, Milt Jewell. David was a promising junior paddler at the Burloak Canoe Club in the early 1990s, competing at Junior Worlds in 1993.

U18 Women’s K1 1000m
Lucy Slade Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2013
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by family and friends of Lucy Slade (1972-2011) of Rideau, former National Team and Ontario Team athlete, a member of the 1991 Pan American Games Team who won a medal in Havana, Cuba. Lucy was a four-time gold medalist at the 1989 Canada Games and won many provincial and national medals throughout her career.

U18 Women’s K1 500m
William J. Crocker Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1975
Mississauga Canoe Club

Dorothy Jamieson of the Mississauga Canoe Club presented a trophy at the annual meeting of 1975, a donation by the John Mansville Company to honour the career in sport of William Crocker. The membership voted to accept the William Crocker Memorial Trophy.

U18 Women’s K2 500m
Chris Hook Trophy
Donated – 1976
Banook Canoe Club

Presented in 1975 by Clary Hook, in honour of his son. Chris was an outstanding paddler from the Maritimes who raced for the Banook Canoe Club. Chris won many North American C-1 titles and was selected to the 1968 Canadian Olympic team.  Hook was the first Nova Scotian paddler to graduate from national to international competition and served as inspiration for those who followed in the 1970s.

U18 Women’s K4 500m
Frank Garner Trophy
Donated – 1975
Mississauga Canoe Club

Frank began at Mississauga Canoe Club. Under the watchful eye of mentor Bill Collins, Frank led Mississauga to four successive National Championships, 1963-1966. Frank studied in Nova Scotia and began as head coach with the newly established Cheema Aquatic Club in 1969, winning the Atlantic Division’s first CCA burgee in 1977. He was Head Coach in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics and won many coaching awards, along with the Canadian Canoe Association’s Gilbert award for Coaching Excellence. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.

U18 Women’s C1 500m
Gananoque Cup
Donated – 1997
Gananoque Motorboat & Canoe Club

Donated by the Gananoque Canoe Club to recognize Lesley White who, in 1995, was the first Women’s C-1 national champion in the Juvenile category. Gananoque was one of the early clubs to promote and foster women’s canoeing at an elite level.

U18 Women’s C2 1000m
Darren McPhee Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2007
Otterburn Boating Club

In recognition of dedicated service for 25 years to the Otterburn Boating Club including eight years as head coach. Darren was a beloved member of the club, coxing most, if not all of their war canoes. Darren passed away in early 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer.

U18 Women’s IC4 500m
Balmy Beach Canoe Club Centennial Trophy
Donated – 2005
Balmy Beach Canoe Club

Donated by the Balmy Beach Canoe Club on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, and to recognize its many members who have contributed to the sport. Balmy Beach, the “Legend by the Lake,” has been a stalwart and successful member club of the Canadian Canoe Association, 5-time national champions and more than 18 Divisional titles.

U18 Women’s C15 500m
Wilf Simon Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1982
Cartierville Boating Club

Donated by the Quebec Division. Wilf was a senior member of the Cartierville Boating Club, Flag Officer of the Quebec Division 1969-70 and CCA Commodore in 1973. He served on many committees right up until his sudden death in 1980.

U16 EVENTS – FORMERLY MIDGET/U17

U16 Men’s C1 1000m
Donald Stringer Memorial Trophy
Donated – 1988
Sudbury Canoe Club

Donated by his father Weir Stringer, Don was a member of the Sudbury Canoe Club and a member of the Canadian Olympic Team in 1956 and 1960. Don represented Canada at the North American Championships from 1953-1958 winning many gold medals and setting multiple event records.

U16 Men’s C2 1000m
Ken Lane Trophy
Donated – 1981
Balmy Beach Canoe Club

Made and donated by his wife Madge Lane, Ken was a Canadian champion paddler, winning silver at the 1952 Olympic Games. Ken served as treasurer of Western Ontario Division 1944-1999, Flag Officer of Western Ontario Division 1959, CCA Commodore in 1960 and Honorary Commodore of CCA 1980-1983. Ken received the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Builder Category in 1984 and was inducted into Canada’s Olympic Hall of Fame in 2003.

U16 Men’s C4 1000m
Donald May Trophy
Donated – 2006
Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club

Donated by Don May, who has been active in the sport for over 58 years at the divisional, provincial, national, and international levels. Don was CCA Commodore 1980-1982, recipient of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Builder Category, and a national official.

U16 Men’s C15 500m
Bill Collins Trophy
Donated – 1979
Island Canoe Club

Donated by friends of Bill Collins, a member of the 1956 Olympic team; Bill was at various times a member of Mississauga Canoe Club, Island Canoe Club, Burloak Canoe Club and helped to found clubs in British Columbia, including the Port Moody Canoe Club.

U16 Men’s K1 1000m
Renn Crichlow Trophy
Donated – 2006
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by friends of Dr. Renn Crichlow, Olympian 1988, 1992, 1996. Renn was the first Canadian male to win a medal at the Junior World Championships in kayak, 1987 and also the first Canadian to win gold at the Senior World Championships in 1991. Renn served as the Vice Chair of the Canadian Olympic Association Athletes Council. Sculpture by family friend, Milt Jewell.

U16 Women’s K1 1000m
Caroline Brunet Trophy
Donated – 2007
Club de Canoë-Kayak Lac Beauport

Donated by Club de Canoë-Kayak Lac Beauport to honour Caroline, a four-time Olympian, and her extraordinary career over several years at the national and international levels. Caroline is a three-time Olympic medalist, winning silver in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, plus a bronze in 2004.

U16 Women’s K4 500m
Rideau Canoe Club Trophy
Donated – 2002
Rideau Canoe Club

Donated by the Rideau Canoe Club, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, to recognize its volunteers, and its contribution to canoe kayak. Carved by artist Jesper Lind. Rideau is reached the 10-burgee milestone putting the club into second place in overall national titles. The purple and white has sent many athletes over the years to the Olympics, Worlds and other International regattas.

U16 Women’s C1 1000m
Naomi Morris Award
Donated – 1997
Island Canoe Club

Donated by Sheila Kuyper to recognize Naomi Morris as a pioneer of women’s paddling C-boats and for her outstanding contribution to the sport of canoeing over 50 years. Naomi was a member of the Island Canoe Club and has been a strong advocate for parity in canoe-kayak for decades.

U16 Women’s C1 6000m
David G. Findlay Memorial Trophy
Donated – 2012
Carleton Place Canoe Club

Donated by the Carleton Place Canoe Club. Dave developed a vision that CPCC, despite being a small club, could compete on a national level. He was involved with CKC for over 20 years, serving as Treasurer as well as Commodore in 1963. He was Manager of the 1976 Olympic Team. In 1987 he was appointed Honorary CCA Commodore and in 1988 he received the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Builder category.

U16 Women’s C2 500m
Tamas Buday Sr. Trophy
Donated – 2012
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated by athletes, coaches and friends in canoeing, in recognition of Tamas Buday Sr. serving as Canada’s National Canoe Team Coach for 25 years, his enduring passion for the sport and his volunteerism. Following his successes as a Hungarian National Team canoeist, highlighted by Olympic medals, Tamas Sr. accepted a coaching position in 1987 with Western Ontario Division and shortly thereafter with Canada’s National Canoe Team.

U16 Women’s C4 1000m
Mississauga Canoe Club Trophy
Donated – 1994
Mississauga Canoe Club

Donated by Mississauga Canoe Club, on occasion of its 35th anniversary, to recognize winning 14 national burgees, and many national, international and Olympic athletes from Mississauga. To date, “Missy” is the most successful club in Canada with a record 19 burgees, over 40 divisional titles and hundreds of club regatta wins.

U16 Women’s C15 500m
Jim Mossman Trophy
Donated – 1995
Balmy Beach Canoe Club

Donated by Balmy Beach Canoe Club to recognize Jim’s 60+ years as a Balmy Beach coach and war canoe coxswain. Jim was Olympic coach in 1960, 1964, 1968, Commodore at BBCC, founding director of the Coaching Association of Canada, Technical Coordinator of the CCA and organizer of the first World Masters Games. Jim was the recipient in 1983 of the R. Edgar Gilbert Award in the Coaching category.

MASTERS EVENTS

Masters Men’s C1 500m
Tom Hodgson Trophy
Donated – 1995
Island Canoe Club

Donated by Masters at the Mississauga Canoe Club to recognize and honour Tom’s 60+ years of continuous active participation in paddling. Originally competing for the Island Canoe Club representing Canada at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, Tom is the artist of the prestigious R. Edgar Gilbert Award.

Masters Men’s K1 500m
Alan McCleery Trophy
Donated – 2023
Cartierville Boating Club

Donated by Alan’s daughter, Colleen McCleery. Alan McCleery began at the famed Grand Trunk Boating Club on the St. Lawrence River. Alan moved over to Cartierville with an outstanding group of paddlers developing together through the 1950s on the Rivière des Prairies in Montreal. McCleery reached international success as part of the 1960 Olympic Team where he and Lou Lukanovich competed in the K2 1000m.

Masters Women’s K1 500m
Lou Lukanovich Trophy
Donated – 2024

Sudbury Canoe Club
Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, Lou Lukanovich emigrated to Canada in 1951, joining the Sudbury Canoe Club. By 1960, Lou earned a spot on the Canadian Olympic team with K2 partner Al McCleery. Lou went on to become the Head Coach at Cartierville Canoe Club, Lachine Canoe Club, and Club de Canotage de Quebec, winning 10 total championship burgees. He has also coached the Quebec Provincial Team and two Olympic Teams. In 2000, Lou founded Viking Canoe & Kayak Club and in 1977, received the Order of Canada for his contribution to sport in Canada.

MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS

Commodore’s Cup

This Cup is presented to the Commodore each year by the Athlete’s Representative during the traditional Commodore’s Salute at the Championships. The Commodore accepts the Cup on behalf of all volunteers and gives a big wave to the crowd after the war canoes give three rousing cheers.

Van Winssen Cup

The Van Winssen Cup is presented to the winners of each class at Whitewater National Championships every year. The trophy is in honour of Harold Van Winssen’s many years of dedication to the development of whitewater paddlesports.

CKC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President
Warren Hastings

Vice President
Eleanor McIntyre

Treasurer
Chris Helyar

Sprint Commodore (Chair)
Chris Laplante

Sprint Representative
LA Schmidt (Past Commodore)

Whitewater Representative
Eric Betteridge

Marathon Chair Representative
Don Stoneman

Marathon Representative
Kristopher Archibald

Athlete Representative
Mark de Jonge

Director at Large
Tom Hall

Director at Large
Stephen Gallant

Chief Executive Officer
Casey Wade (ex-officio)

CKC STAFF

Chief Executive Officer
Casey Wade

Chief Technical Officer
Ian Mortimer

Director, National Development
Kenna Robins

Senior Manager – High Performance Operations
Emily MacKeigan

Senior Manager, High Performance and Coach Development
James Cartwright

Whitewater Programs and Special Projects Coordinator
Scott Best

Project Manager – National Program Development and Events
Jessica Kenney

Communications Lead
Colleen Coderre

Communications Coordinator
Emmalee Nother

Finance Coordinator
Robin Witty

Merchandise
Tyler Lawlor

Finance Manager
Celia Lima