News – 28 Jan 2020

Brockville Rowing Club Receives $145,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant

Awarding of grant caps off the club’s 125 anniversary year; funds new racing shells and safety equipment 

28 January 2020 – Brockville ON – The Brockville Rowing Club (BRC) is pleased to announce it has successfully secured a capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in the amount of $145,000. These funds will be used for capital expenses, including the purchase of new doubles and singles, as well as two rolling boat racks to maximize space in club’s existing boathouse.

This shift to smaller boats reflects the direction of the national rowing program’s focus on skills training. This change impacts the type of equipment clubs need, as well as athlete safety, as coaches now have more boats on the water to monitor. As a result, the club will invest some of the grant to purchase five new safety boats and other safety equipment. Further, the OTF funds will cover boat lifts for the safety boats, so the new racing shells can be stored in the existing boathouse.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $108 million to 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

Quotes

“I’m so pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation is making this $145,000 investment to support the Brockville Rowing Club and its dedicated athletes and volunteers in their continued pursuit of excellence and promotion of healthy, active lifestyles. These funds help ensure the Club can continue to provide opportunities for young people to discover the sport of rowing and experience the thrill of competition, personal growth and lifelong relationships they have been providing to area families, including my own, for generations.” Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark.

“Learning that our grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation was accepted was the perfect way to end our 125th anniversary year. These funds will set the club up for even more success in the years to come.” Katherine Rowan, president, BRC Board of Directors.

“As Rowing Canada’s athlete development program focuses more on skills development, training in smaller boats is critical. This shift toward smaller boats can be a strain for smaller clubs, but with this grant we can ensure we have the infrastructure in place to meet the needs of our youth competitive program.” Chris Marshall, head coach at the BRC.

About the Brockville Rowing Club

The Brockville Rowing Club (BRC) is a not-for-profit that promotes and develops rowing at all levels, focusing on excellence across recreation, competitive and coaching programs. For over 125 years, the BRC has promoted the sport of rowing, with athletes competing at the provincial, national and international level. The BRC offers on-water and indoor training facilities for athletes and club members, including a state-of-the-art gym for year-round training, including strength, cardio and erg workouts.

For more information: info@brockvillerowingclub.com