Opportunities for ORCKA OM’s, Instructors, and Trip Leaders
in the Peterborough/Haliburton/Durham and nearby regions (or within travelling distance)
ORCKA's 2026 Adaptive Paddling and Paddling for Wellness Initiative Continues to Grow!
ORCKA's 2026 Adaptive Paddling and Paddling for Wellness Initiative in the Peterborough region is gaining momentum, and we are looking for Organizational Members, Instructors, and Trip Leaders to help make this season a success.
Over the past several months, ORCKA has built partnerships with a growing number of community organizations representing youth, seniors, Indigenous communities, accessibility groups, mental health organizations, and newcomer services. Together, we are developing pilot paddling events that will introduce safe, inclusive paddling opportunities to participants across the region.
This season's initiative focuses on six key areas, with the following dates.
Please consider joining us for any of these scheduled activities.
Contact Evelyn Pageau to confirm details and for further information.
Some funding is available for selected Instructors and Trip Leaders to assist with ORCKA-led programming, and Organizational Members are encouraged to partner with us to host local events. Note that we are trying to accomplish these events on a small, ORCKA-funded budget in order to build a strong case for funding for the next 3 years.
By getting involved, you'll help participants experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of paddling while supporting ORCKA in gathering valuable information to strengthen future funding applications. Our goal is to build a sustainable, multi-year Paddling for Wellness program that expands inclusive paddling opportunities throughout Ontario.
Public Regatta
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Abilities in Motion will be holding its public regatta at Earl Rowe Provincial Park near Alliston, ON- Saturday, August 22, 2026. Please contact Lee at environment@orcka.ca or Andy to join a style paddling group, friendly competition and fun canoe games to increase awareness of adaptive paddling.
Park admission, lots of laughs, and lunch included. Meet with ORCKA Region 3,5,6 (Greater Toronto Hamilton/Halton/Brant Area) instructors to share, play, and learn – and maybe challenge them to the catamaran "Tug-of-Fun" event! Contact Dave Goldman for more info.
Support events like this and other adaptive padding programs by buying tickets in AIM’s 50/50 raffle find out more information here.
Annual Members Weekend and AGM, Oct 2-4, 2026
Registration begins on August 1. Please complete this form to REGISTER.
The Annual ORCKA Membership Rendezvous is the only event where all members can get together to meet face to face, share experiences, have fun paddling, plan for the future and enjoy a weekend at YMCA Camp Pinecrestwith other good paddlers.
If you haven’t been there, the location is in the woods on two lakes, with excellent accommodation and food, the best of docks and many boats for us to use. It is perfect!
The cost is all inclusive (accommodation, meals, boats) and provides for different attendance times, (one day $80, one night w meals $142, whole weekend $283 - price includes tax) See the schedule for the weekend below.
Have you thought about joining the ORCKA board of directors?
Please consider playing a role!
See board positions here.
Current vacancies include
VP Business Affairs
Funding Chair
SUP Instructor Services Chair
Environment and Climate Liaison
CanewsLetter editor(s)