Coming Events.
Paddle for Resilience
ORCKA Regions 5 & 6 Rendezvous
The Bentway - A Lake Story
Paddle for Resilience
Context.
In August and September 2025, the Gasparotto Group will paddle 1,000 km down the historic Ottawa River from Lac des Outaouais to Westboro Beach, Ottawa.
The Ottawa River is not just a waterway—it’s a symbol of resilience and connection. This 1000 km journey will challenge the Gasparotto Group paddlers physically and mentally while raising awareness and funding for mental health support programs for first responders and military personnel.
Mark's connection to Wounded Warriors goes all the way back to their origin story when it was initially called The Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund. Mike was a member of 23 Field Squadron and was seriously injured by an IED in Kandahar in 2006. His parents along with an Assisting Officer started the fund to look after wounded soldiers at the Landstuhl Hospital. The organization is now a national charity dedicated to supporting trauma exposed professionals with mental health support and resilience programs.
2 Ways to Support
Expedition: Charitable Donation. Every contribution directly funds mental health initiatives for Wounded Warriors Canada.
Paddle for Resilience: DIY Route. Form your own team, choose your route, and raise funds while tracking your progress.
This is the focus. Getting people out Paddling for a good cause. The intent is for this to become a recurring event.
More information
Paddle for Resilience DIY Route Registration instructions
Link to the Wounded Warriors Canada donation page
Style Canoeing Rendezvous, September 26th-29th 2025
A Fun Weekend of Skill & Games for Canadian-Style Paddlers
Regions 5 & 6 Rendezvous
Attention Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, York, Durham and Headwaters ORCKA Members.
Join ORCKA Region 5 Representatives Steve Turner and Dave Goldman as well as Region 6 Representative Jared Ball in planning the ORCKA Regions 5 & 6 Fall Rendezvous 2025.
We are asking for your suggestions and help in planning the agenda, location and date.
Think of it: Millions of people, many waterways and us.
Email us at toronto-r05-rep@orcka.ca or york-r06-rep@orcka.ca.
Thanks. Steve, Dave and Jared.
A Lake Story, September 26th-28th 2025
The Bentway invites 400+ GTA-based canoers and paddlers to participate in A Lake Story: a large-scale, on-the-water art project by artist Melissa McGill in Toronto
In Fall 2025, The Bentway is excited to partner with artist Melissa McGill to present a large-scale canoe procession where volunteers will paddle approximately 120 canoes in a coordinated slow-moving procession. The Bentway is looking for 400+ enthusiastic canoers and paddlers to help activate this monumental happening. This coordinated action will be visible from a wide range of viewing areas along Toronto's Inner Harbour, creating an epic communal celebration of Lake Ontario that will write the lake’s colour story both in the sky, and on the water.
Want to participate? Learn more at: https://thebentway.ca/stories/call-for-paddling-volunteers-fall2025/
The volunteer page has everything you’ll need including: details on the roles available, recordings from our info sessions, FAQs and more.