Educational Workshops

Water and Canoe Tripping: A Messy Fluid Situation

Bob Henderson has been a WCA member since 1986, will present the topic of water.

“The Water of [Big Trout Lake] Hasn’t Changed: We Have. To Filter or not to Filter: It Depends. Water Water Everywhere but Nary A Drop to Drink……Without Human Intervention.”

Read article here Nastawgan Spring 2023, Page 12..  

https://wildernesscanoe.ca/sites/default/files/storage/Nastawgan/2023-1.pdf

Bob's Bio

After serving for over 20 years as a coordinator of the editorial board, he is now working as a resource editor for Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education. Additionally, he has been resource editor for Nastawgan: The Quarterly Journal of the Wilderness Canoe Association since 2008. Bob's primary role as resource editor, is to generate submissions for the publications.

After retiring from McMaster University in 2010, he has been doing field-based course work with universities across the country including, The University of Alberta (Augustana Campus), Laurentian University, Brock University, and McMaster University.  He is also co-guide of a ski tour in Norway in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, Masters of Education program.

He recently published with co editor Sean Blenkinsop, Paddling Pathways:Reflections from a Changing Landscape. YNWP: Regina 2022

Join the Zoom Presentation on May 17, 2023 at 7 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85650281453

Meeting ID: 856 5028 1453

Can't make the Zoom presentation, no problem.  The presentation will be recorded and loaded on to our WCA YouTube Channel.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
05/17/23
Event Duration: 
1 hour
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Sign up to event to receive presentation reminder a day before.

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

you know the way

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Paddling the Bloodvein River - Zoom Presentation

This will be a trip report of a group of friends on the Bloodvein River from late July/early August, 2022.

The Bloodvein River is a rugged Canadian Heritage River over 300 kms from its headwaters in northwestern Ontario to its mouth on Lake Winnipeg in central Manitoba. Beginning at Artery Lake in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, slipping into Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park, gave us the opportunity to travel 230 kms through Canadian Shield topography encountering 80 sets of rapids. We will share our logistics, costs, shuttles and why you should paddle this river!

Cindy and Ed have spent most summers paddling for pleasure and guiding on many rivers in Ontario, Quebec, Yukon and as far away as Tennessee and North Carolina. Ed is a Paddle Canada whitewater instructor for Madawaska Kanu Camp and the Ottawa RA Canoe Camping Club. Winter months are spent alpine skiing wherever there is snow and Cindy is a Canadian Ski Instructor working with adults, youth and elementary schools teaching downhill skiing.

Join us to hear first hand about Cindy's and Ed's adventure on the Bloodvein.

Join Zoom Meeting June 13, 2023, at 7 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83587390097

Meeting ID: 835 8739 0097

 
The Basics
Event Location: 
Your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
6/13/2023
Event Duration: 
1 hour
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Click on Zoom link at 7 pm.
Short social, then presentation, then Q&A.
The presentation will be turned into a WCA YouTube video.

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

You know the way

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Sign up if you want an email reminder
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Going to Bat for the Lower Don; a Conservation Case Study

Please join us for a presentation on the Metrolinx GO Don Valley facility new direction  given by Thomas Connell - WCA conservation committee chairman.  Bill King will provide some historical context to start the presentation off.  Bill joined the club in 1977, and was our club secretary for many years.

"This is a huge win for those who love the Don River valley as a valuable green oasis in the heart of Toronto."  Bill Ness

Join Zoom Meeting March 28, 2023 at 7PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89550015583

Meeting ID: 895 5001 5583

The recent Toronto Star article, dated March 1, 2023.

Metrolinx does an about-face on a GO facility planned for the Don Valley 

A GO train layover planned for the Don Valley will now be built in a ‘light industrial’ area near Leslie and York Mills.

 

 

Online story by Lex Harvey Transportation Reporter

Wed., March 1, 2023

Metrolinx will no longer build a GO layover facility in the Don Valley, the provincial transit agency said Wednesday, in a rare about-face that’s come after three years of opposition from local politicians, residents and conservationists.

“Metrolinx has been working with ONxpress to optimize GO service expansion levels and a new location for the layover facility has been identified in that process,” Metrolinx wrote in a statement Wednesday.

“This means that Metrolinx will no longer pursue planning and design work for the layover facility originally planned for the Don Valley.”

The move is a rare win for opponents of Metrolinx’s plans. The agency has come under fire for its transit plans across the city, many of which cause significant disruption to communities, businesses and the environment.

Tom Connell, lead volunteer for Build the Park, an advocacy group that’s been pushing for Metrolinx to move the location of the GO facility for years, said he was “gratified” to hear his calls had been answered.

The Don Valley “is part of Toronto’s identity,” Connell said.

“Ravines are a central part of our city from the Humber to the Rouge. We have these marvellous ravines and they really should be treasured.”

The new proposed spot for the layover facility will be on the Richmond Hill GO Line, near York Mills Road and Leslie Street, Metrolinx said.

“The proposed location is in a light industrial area, within the required proximity to Union Station to accommodate train movements, and has available space for the facility and minimizes service impacts on GO operations,” the agency said in a statement. “The location is outside of TRCA-regulated flood plains and has less community and environmental impacts.”

The facility, which will store GO trains, among other things, is part of the multibillion-dollar GO expansion project.

Metrolinx did not respond to a question from the Star asking why the location changed.

For years, conservationists have warned Metrolinx’s plans for the Don, which the transit agency claimed were necessary to ease railway traffic at Union Station, would undermine efforts to restore green space in the ravine, hurting the environment, wildlife and local enjoyment of the area along the way.

A June 2022 open letter to Metrolinx’s board of directors signed by dozens of activists and community members called the proposed layover facility “completely unacceptable, reversing fifty years of progress restoring the Don Valley,” and said Metrolinx’s plan was “directly in conflict with successive visions and strategies recognizing the potential of the Don Valley as both an important ecological resource and an iconic park showcasing Toronto’s unique natural landscape.”

Floyd Ruskin, founder of A Park for All and signatory to the letter, said on Wednesday that he was “elated” to hear Metrolinx had changed course, nearly three years to the date when he said he first wrote to the agency, warning of the damage a layover facility could do to the Don.

Since then, he said, Metrolinx has been adamant that there was no alternative. In 2020, Metrolinx told the Star it understood the potential negative impacts of the project, but that it would do everything it could to mitigate them. At that point, the agency said it had already revised its original proposal and relocated the layover to another part of the valley in response to environmental concerns.

“It gives us hope,” Ruskin said of the change of plans. “It doesn’t stop the struggle with Metrolinx and their high-handed way of doing things.”

Metrolinx, which is meant to be an arm’s-length agency of the province, has been criticized for its perceived lack of transparency, and infrequent communication with the public and the media about upcoming projects.

“The Don Valley is not the only green space or ravine that’s under threat by Metrolinx,” Ruskin said, referencing emails obtained by the Star that showed Doug Ford’s government had instructed Metrolinx to leave two Toronto New Democratic MPPs off a notice sent to city and federal politicians about tree removals in their jurisdictions.

Coun. Paula Fletcher (Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth), said she’s thrilled that Metrolinx has found a less intrusive spot for its facility.

“It’s a great move and I think everybody is very relieved that (Metrolinx) did their due diligence, they looked for another spot, and they found something very suitable for their operational needs.”

While the new layover facility is being constructed, Metrolinx said it will temporarily stage trains at the Rosedale Siding, located between Bayview Avenue and the Don Valley Parkway, for a few hours during morning and afternoon peak periods.

 

 

The Basics
Event Location: 
zoom
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
03/28/2023
Event Duration: 
1 hour
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Click on Zoom link

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

WCA 2023 AGM

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place by Zoom this year.

Agenda:

  1. Welcome by the Chairman
  2. Approval of 2022 AGM minutes (2022 Annual General Meeting | Wilderness Canoe Association)
  3. Committee Reports:
    • Membership
    • Nastawgan
    • Treasurer 
    • Outings
    • Communications
    • Website 
    • Conservation 
  4. Election of Directors, Volunteers welcome
  5. Other Business
  6. Presentation by Thomas Connell, Don Valley MetroLinx GO Facility  

If you are interested in joining the board or sitting on a committee we can always use your help.   Send us an email at  chair@wildernesscanoe.ca

 

Time: Tuesday Mar 14, 2023   07:00-08:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89339726137

Meeting ID: 893 3972 6137

 
 
The Basics
Event Location: 
Your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
3/14/2023
Event Duration: 
1.5
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
All WCA members
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See above agenda

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Use Zoom link to join meeting
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Marathon Canoeing Adventures with Chris Prater

In 2014 on a whim, I signed up to compete in my first marathon canoe race, The Muskoka River X. The first half of this presentation will outline my introduction to the sport, a discussion of racing equipment, Paddling technique and training , and I'll share some details of some very interesting races from within Canada, the US and Belize.

In the second part of the presentation, I'll focus on providing a discussion of two Algonquin Park adventure routes: The Meanest Link and The Brent Run. Join me for a fun evening focusing on going fast in a canoe!

Join Zoom Meeting Wednesday,Feb 22, 2023 at 7 pm 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86704666350

Meeting ID: 867 0466 6350

The Basics
Event Location: 
Your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
02/22/2023
Event Duration: 
1 hour
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Members and guest
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Log into Zoom link

Required Items to Bring: 

Computer or smart phone

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

You know the way

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Bonaventure River Trip Report Presentation

Robert James will present a trip report presentation via Zoom on the Bonaventure River.  It is sure to be loaded with excellant pics and vids and even drone shots!

The Bonaventure River is a stunning body of water in the Gaspe region of eastern Quebec.  It features fast flowing crystal-clear water and sections of interesting whitewater - but no mandatory portages in the duration of the 5-6 day descent to the Baie des Chaleurs on the Atlantic coast. 

Sandro Weiner gave a presentation describing his team's Bonaventure experience (June 2019) in this forum a few years ago.  Since that date, there have been a number of changes that have made the river less accessible.  This presentation is intended as an update to Sandro's talk to showcase the beauty of the river experience, clarify the new situation and will also highlight some options for further travel in the area to extend the trip in the Gaspe region.

Isadora van Riemsdijk wrote up the trip in the 2022 Fall Nastawgan.  Check it out here.

https://wildernesscanoe.ca/sites/default/files/storage/Nastawgan/2022-3.pdf

Get your questions ready.

Join Zoom Meeting Jan25, 23 at 7 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85948382440

Meeting ID: 859 4838 2440

Can't make the Zoom presentation, no problem.  The presentation will be recorded and loaded on to our WCA YouTube Channel.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Your placed
Date(s) & Time: 
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
01/24/2023
Event Duration: 
1.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See above

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Canadian Wilderness Medical Training (CWMT) One place has opened up!

One place has opened up in this course. Contact the organizer below if you are interested.

This 16-hour course concentrates on the basics of packaging and transporting patients and managing life and limb threats in remote environments. It includes prevention and treatment of common environmental problems like hypothermia and heat exhaustion and stroke.
The Wilderness First Aid programs are designed for the recreational outdoor enthusiast, club leader, and the professional guide. These courses are based on the principals of wilderness care and first aid.

** The WCA highly recommends that people organizing back country canoe trips take this course. Especially on multiple day trips where 911 help isn't accessible. Also, it doesn't hurt to have multiple people trained on any trip.

The Basics
Event Location: 
MEC, 784 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, Ontario M2K 1C3
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, March 4, 2023 - 10:00
Registration Cut Off: 
Feb 15, 2023
Event Duration: 
2 days, March 4 and 5, 2023
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members
Maximum Group Size: 
13 people
Minimum Group Size: 
10 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Arrive when the store opens, proceed to the 'Community Room'. We will have a short lunch break mid day. It is advised that you BRING a lunch. There is a Starbucks nearby.

This is a 2 day course, Saturday and Sunday.

Required Items to Bring: 

Come dressed comfortably enough to kneel on the floor to perform First Aid scenarios.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

The Mountain Equipment Company Store,
784 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, Ontario
M2K 1C3
** This location can be accessed by the Bessarian Subway Stop on the Sheppard Line of the TTC

Carpool Info: 

N/A

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Refunds only if more than 12 people sign up (a waiting list)
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori Miller
Phone: 
Please use email.

Trent-Severn and Rideau Canal Presentation

Please join us to hear Iori Miller presentation on the Trent-Severn and Rideau Canals.

He wrote an article in the Nastawgan Fall 2022 journal on his adventures.   Now you can ask him questions.

Tuesday Jan 17, 2023 at 7PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83633443877
 
Meeting ID: 836 3344 3877
 
Can't make it?  No Problem.   The Zoom meeting presentation will be recorded and uploaded on the WCA YouTube channel a few days after the event.
 
The Basics
Event Location: 
your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
1/17/23
Event Duration: 
1 to 1.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

see zoom link above

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

South Nahanni River, Northwest Territories Presentation

This will be a trip report on the South Nahanni River that a  group of WCA  members participated in July 2022.

The river flows over 500 km from its headwaters in the Mackenzie Mountains and drops over 4,000 vertical feet in swifts, rapids, and waterfalls. It is home to caribou, bison, grizzly and black bears, Dall sheep, and moose. A mountainous wonderland with breathtaking canyons, a magnificent waterfall, diverse wildlife and some exciting paddling.

In reality, it’s not as challenging as most make it out to be. Most information on the Nahanni River available online overstates the difficulty. 

Náįlįcho (or Virginia Falls) is the most dramatic and impressive feature on the South Nahanni River.

Find out all the details, rentals, shuttles, flights,  cost, timing, camps, hikes, and more

Join the Zoom Meeting here to find out more.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81269455950

Meeting ID: 812 6945 5950

Can't make it?  No Problem.   The Zoom meeting presentation will be recorded and uploaded on the WCA YouTube channel a few days after the event.

The Basics
Event Location: 
your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
12/13/2022
Event Duration: 
1 hour
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See Zoom Meeting Details above

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
n/a
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Broken Skull River, Northwest Territories Presentation

This will be a trip report on the Broken Skull River that a  group of WCA  members participated in July 2022.

The Broken Skull river is 110 km long  and flows into the South Nahanni River.

Join us and find out about the trip details; camps, rapids, hikes, hot springs, animals, rentals, shuttles, flights, cost and more.

 

Join Zoom Meeting On Dec 6, 2022 at 7 pm EST

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88435892164

Meeting ID: 884 3589 2164

Can't make it?  No Problem.   The Zoom meeting presentation will be recorded and uploaded on the WCA YouTube channel a few days after the event.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Your place
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - 19:00
Registration Cut Off: 
12/6/2022
Event Duration: 
1.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
everyone
Maximum Group Size: 
100
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See Zoom link

Required Items to Bring: 

n/a

Recommended Items to Bring: 

n/a

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

n/a

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434
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