BROCKVILLE, ON - The Brockville Rowing Club has received the Community Excellence Award at the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce’s 67th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala, held September 17 at the Brockville Country Club.
BRC was honoured alongside fellow nominees Sherwood Park Manor and RNJ Youth Services, two
organizations that make important contributions to the well-being of people throughout Brockville and the surrounding region.
Head Coach Tyler St. John accepted the award on behalf of the club, joined on stage by nine members of BRC’s competitive rowing team.
“While other people are in bed dreaming their dreams, these guys are living theirs,” St. John said,
recognizing the young athletes who regularly begin training at 5:30 in the morning.
The award recognizes a remarkable period of renewal for one of Brockville’s oldest community
organizations. Established 132 years ago, BRC has rebuilt its membership, expanded its programs and strengthened its role as an active and welcoming community hub following the challenges of the pandemic.
Since 2025, the club has introduced a more structured coaching and athlete-development model,
expanded its competitive and developmental programs, strengthened off-water training, and created new opportunities for young athletes to grow as rowers, coaches and community leaders.
BRC now supports 35 competitive rowers and 14 younger development athletes, with participants
representing schools throughout Brockville, Gananoque and South Grenville. Its summer camps, learn-to-row opportunities, strength and conditioning programs, and community partnerships are introducing more children, youth and families to rowing.
The club works to ensure that financial circumstances and transportation barriers do not prevent young people from participating. Athletes are supported in their physical, mental and personal development while learning teamwork, resilience, responsibility and respect for their community.
“Leadership, commitment and positivity in the community are qualities we try to develop in our rowers,” St. John said. “We try to empower young women and young men to reach the goals and achievements they set for themselves through hard work, dedication and perseverance.”
That sense of responsibility extends well beyond competition. BRC athletes help care for the historic clubhouse and equipment, mentor younger rowers, participate in shoreline cleanups and volunteer at community activities. The club has also opened its facilities to local organizations, festivals, sports teams and community events.
In accepting the award, St. John emphasized that the club’s progress has been made possible by the entire community.
“We’re a not-for-profit, and we rely heavily on our community, donations and fundraising,” he said. “All the support we receive is deeply valued, and it goes directly to our rowing program. Without the parents, the kids wouldn’t get here. Without the kids, we wouldn’t have a rowing program.”
BRC extends its appreciation to the many local businesses, donors, sponsors and community partners that have contributed funding, equipment, services and encouragement. The club also thanks its athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and Board of Directors for their commitment to its renewal and future.
The club’s momentum is continuing. BRC aims to grow to 55 competitive athletes and 25 development rowers over the next several years while expanding its programs, partnerships and community reach. Recently donated racing shells helped support that growth and provide more athletes with access to high-quality equipment.
“For 132 years, our institution has stood in Brockville - and for 132 more, it will, with your support,” St. John told the audience. “Thank you to the rowers, the families and this community. Thank you for everything.”
About the Brockville Rowing Club. Founded in 1894, the Brockville Rowing Club is one of Canada's oldest rowing organizations and a cornerstone of sport and recreation in the Thousand Islands region. Located on the St. Lawrence River, the club develops athletes at all levels of the sport; offering learn-to-row, youth, high school, recreational, competitive and adult rowing programs, as well as dryland training and summer camps. The BRC is committed to promoting excellence, sportsmanship, mentorship and community involvement; helping athletes of all ages develop the confidence, resilience, and leadership needed to succeed both on and off the water and often resulting in a strong community, lasting friendships and a lifelong love of rowing.
For more information, visit www.brockvillerowingclub.com.
Contact: Tyler St. John, Head Coach, Brockville Rowing Club
coach@brockvillerowingclub.com | 343-327-2879
