New and expanded paddling initiatives will be delivered in communities this year through Canoe Kayak Canada’s We Paddle programme, broadening access to the sport and strengthening local engagement.
A total of 27 member clubs and provincial sport organisations are set to deliver the programmes in their communities that aim to broaden access to paddle sport and strengthen local engagement.
Funding from Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) will support the programmes designed to welcome new and returning participants to the sport while reducing barriers to participation.
Programmes will take place between April 1 and August 31, 2026, bringing paddling opportunities to communities around the country.
The CSAI supports national-level organisations in creating accessible sport opportunities and prioritises participation among equity-deserving and underrepresented groups including black, indigenous, and racialised communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, low-income people, newcomers to Canada, and seniors.
Participating organisations will deliver programming tailored to their local communities using frameworks and tools developed through previous CSAI initiatives as well as community-led approaches created by partner organisations, through the We Paddle programme.
Clubs across seven provinces and two territories will receive this grant.
Clubs: Banook Canoe Club, Borealis Paddling Club, Burnaby Canoe & Kayak Club, Carleton Place Canoe Club, Cascades Club, CCE Paddling Club (Chilliwack Centre of Excellence Paddling Club), Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers, Flatwater North Sprint Club, Fort Canoe & Kayak Club, Fort Smith Paddling Club, Greater Edmonton Racing Canoe & Kayak Club, Kimosom Pwatinahk Opimiskawak Club (KPOC), Kistahpinanihk Paddling Club (KPC), Maskwa Aquatic Club, Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club (MJCKC), Ottawa River Canoe Club, Rideau Canoe Club, Selkirk Canoe Kayak Centre, Club de Canotage de Shawinigan, Sudbury Canoe Club, Toba Canoe Club, United Albertan Paddling Society, Wai Nui O Kanaka Canoe Club, Wapawikoscikan Community Paddling Club (WCPC), Wascana Racing Canoe Club, Wicihitowin Paddling Club (WPC), Yorkton Canoe Kayak Club
Kenna Robins, Director of National Program Development at CKC, said: “Through the We Paddle funding, clubs are leading the way in creating welcoming, community-based paddling experiences across the country.
“With support from Sport Canada through the Community Sport for All Initiative, these organisations are able to introduce paddling to new participants, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure that more people across Canada have the opportunity to experience our sport.”
Among the clubs benefiting from the grant is Wascana Racing Canoe Club which aims to introduce indigenous and low-income inner-city youth in Regina to paddling.
“By partnering with community agencies, we reduced barriers like transportation, family communication, and supervision, enabling safe, consistent participation,” said Kary.
“Youth built foundational skills in canoe, kayak, and SUP in a supportive environment, with strong feedback and many expressing interest in continuing if opportunities remain.”
Canoe Kayak Canada will highlight participating clubs and the impact of their programming through the spring and summer as We Paddle initiates take place across the country.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support inclusive, welcoming and accessible sport projects like this,” said Adam van Koeverden, an Olympic champion in Canoe Sprint who is Canada’s Secretary of State (Sport).
“I want to thank Canoe Kayak Canada and the many community organisations working to deliver programs that help people stay active while building confidence, resilience and meaningful social connections.
“Sport has the power to bring people together and strengthen communities. It’s inspiring to see initiatives that give young Canadians the chance to grow and succeed through sport.
“Efforts like these result in greater participation and build a stronger, healthier Canada.”
For more information about the Community Sport for All Initiative, please visit the Sport Canada website.
Related links
