2009 has been a very successful year for Whitewater Ontario. With the implementation of our strategic plan “Forward Strokes” – we have indeed moved forward as an organization in our ability to serve our members and the paddling community. With 2009 as the first year of our revised governance model, Whitewater Ontario has developed a dynamic new committee structure that helps to build the volunteer capacity of our members and increase the level of involvement in our programs and events.

 Key Accomplishments in 2009:

Implementation of Forward Strokes: The Strategic Plan of Whitewater Ontario featuring a committee based governance structure.

 A strengthened Minden Wild Water Preserve committee which oversees the Preserve, Whitewater Ontario’s most valuable asset. We were also able to utilize grant funding to hire summer students.

 Whitewater Ontario had a strong presence at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto in February.

The Whitewater Ontario Summer Race Series was a significant event in the North American paddling community and received recognition from the Ontario Tourism Industry. It brought paddlers from across Canada, nine American states, and overseas together for a three week event that helped to showcase the Gull River but also MKC and Ottawa’s Pumphouse as whitewater venues.

 We celebrated the contribution of Heinz Poenn to whitewater paddling and the development of Slalom Racing in Canada. This event was held at the Roger Parsons Centre and brought together many paddlers and friends paying tribute to Heinz.

 We continued our support for events like the Level Six Cup and Mackfest.

 Completion of our online survey which has provided important membership information.

Resurrection of our provincial newsletter “Currents”.

 Whitewater Ontario had a strong presence in the successful hosting of the National Slalom Team Trials in conjunction with the Ottawa River Runners. The three day event had substantial media coverage including repeat broadcasts of day three racing by Rogers Cable TV.

Development of our first annual ‘King of the Clubs’ event.

Continuation of our race program with the Andrew Westlake Memorial Race featured as part of our Summer Series events at the Gull. The Gull River was also the site of our annual Open Boat race in September.

A new committee is working on redesigning our website with an updated logo. We also developed a new promo card for distribution at our displays and events.

Whitewater Ontario athletes performed very well nationally and also in World Championships in both Slalom and Freestyle. Ontario athlete Nick Troutman won the World Freestyle Championship in Switzerland.

Through Canoe Ontario and its affiliates (which includes Whitewater Ontario), we have increased our understanding of insurance coverage and risk management priorities.

Whitewater Ontario had four of its athletes selected to receive Quest for Gold funding, a program supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.

We are excited by the recent news that Toronto has been selected as the site of the 2015 Pan American Games and that the Gull River is the designated venue for the slalom events.

 Focus for 2010

 ·      Strengthening our governance structure through increased participation of our membership and with consideration for succession planning

·          Strive towards fully activated and functioning committees with representation from all levels of membership – individual, club, and commercial

·          Increasing our membership base

·          Unveiling of a new website that meets member needs

·          Successful hosting of the 2010 Nationals at the Gull with local, regional, and provincial support

·          Ensure a solid racing program that supports the LTAD model and club development initiatives

·          Organization of events that promote  multi-discipline participation in a range of categories

·          Explore ways to increase use of the Minden Preserve and the Roger Parsons Centre

·          Further develop and implement risk management procedures

·          Continue to work with Canoe Ontario and the other two affiliates to develop and share mutually beneficial resources and programs

The year 2009 will be looked back as a breakthrough year for Whitewater Ontario. The combined efforts of our volunteers has helped our organization take another step forward in turning our visions into realities – all of which benefit our ability to support the paddling community.

 Looking forward to a great 2010.

 Jim Tayler