PRCC COVID-19 Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has had its effects on the sprint world and PRCC, just as it has touched all aspects of our lives.

On May 14, Premier Ford announced reduced restrictions applicable to our sport, allowing canoe clubs to open limited operations. Canoe Kayak Canada has been proactive with providing excellent guidance to clubs and athletes. Since the City of Pickering is prohibiting PRCC from accessing our site on Beachpoint Promenade due to safety concerns, high performance athletes are storing their boats and equipment at their homes and car topping their boats for training on Frenchman’s Bay.

The Ministry of Health recently posted COVID-19 guidelines for summer camps on their website. After careful consideration and a lot of preparation, PRCC is going forward with our Canoe and Kayak Camp, Leadership-in-Training (LIT) program and children’s Sprint Racing program, all at Rouge Beach. The health and safety of participants and staff is our highest priority, and as so we will be implementing new measures to prevent any spread of COVID-19. We are limiting the total number of participants, keeping group sizes small, enforcing physical distancing, screening staff and participants, disinfecting equipment and doing much more. Please refer to the PRCC webpage on our “COVID-19 Response” for details. Programs are filling up quickly so register soon.

We know many people are eager to get on the water and paddle. We have developed a new program for adults called Solo Paddling Together. The program runs Wednesday evenings from June 17-August 19 and is a bargain at $100 for 10 weeks. Participants will paddle the Rouge River using a variety of boats including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), pleasure canoes and beginner kayaks.

Paddling is the perfect COVID activity – it takes place outside and it is easy to stay 2 metres or more away from other people. Let’s get out on the water. Stay safe, stay healthy, be kind.