A big boost from the federal government to help with major sporting events in our province.
Two world-class canoe championships, ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships and ICF Master Canoe Sprint World Championships, just wrapped up at Lake Banook in Dartmouth bringing hundreds to our region over the last couple of weeks.
To help fund events now and in the future, the federal government has forked over $500,000.
Mark James, technical director with the Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada as well as Executive Director of Canoe 26, says the money has been split in half with $250,000 from Sport Canada for the championships and the other $250,000 from ACOA to meet technical standards for legacy events.
“That is docking infrastructure. Modular docking that is made of composite materials that will last longer so we don’t have to replace them as often,” says James. “But those meet international specifications.”
He says they are also looking to purchase pontoon boats, renewed safety infrastructure as well as mesh on the south end of the lake.
“We’re going to continue that as a public Wi-Fi access point all the way through to 2031,” explains James.
What kind of events could be hosted here?
Fifteen years ago, there were championships held on Lake Banook and four years ago, Canoe 22 and this year, Canoe 26.
“We’re trying to get a more regular schedule of hosting from the International Canoe Federation,” says James.
That includes hosting two World Cups between 2027 and 2031 and the Senior and Paracanoe Spring World Championships, which James calls a “massive” event.
“Having this infrastructure in place, the international federation looks more favourably on us because they believe we’ll have less financial risk,” adds James.
With the new infrastructure, they are also looking at open water swimming championships, triathlons and other events.
“It’s really exciting for me, the staff but especially our incredible board of directors to feel passionate about something that going to live on beyond the event,” explains James.
“It’s a really, really good feeling.”
