The Canadian Canoe Museum’s second annual Lakeside Gala has raised $154,000 to support the Peterborough museum’s collection, exhibitions, and programming.
Held Saturday evening (October 3) at the museum’s lakefront campus on the shores of Little Lake, the “Excellence in the Making” fundraiser brought together supporters, artists, makers, community members, and business leaders.
The $154,000 total came from ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and auction proceeds, with the event generating another $62,000 in in-kind contributions.
The result surpassed the $150,000 raised at the inaugural Lakeside Gala in 2025. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support the museum’s core programming including workshops, school trips, camps, on-water experiences, and the Builders in Residence program, as well as the ongoing care of the museum’s nationally significant collection.
Janet McCue of Curve Lake First Nation opened this year’s gala with drumming and a welcome to the museum.
Guests then explored culinary stations featuring food from Cheeky Duck Vineyard, Chemong Lodge, Flying Chestnut Kitchen, Love You, Mean It, MIJA Bakeshop, and Silver Bean Cafe, with beverages from Little Miss Drinky Poo.
Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo and local musician JJ Thompson performed during the evening.
A major component of the fundraiser was an expanded live and silent auction featuring original artwork, paddling and tripping gear, dining packages, custom home decor, and outdoor experiences.
For the first time, bidding was conducted through an online platform, allowing guests to place and update bids on their own devices before and during the gala.
Items available this year included a museum-branded Swift Prospector canoe, a 10-day guided canoe trip on the Great Bear River in the Northwest Territories, handcrafted outdoor gear, signed books, and original artwork.
A handmade Nuu-chah-nulth paddle donated by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation canoe carver Joe Martin was also among the offerings.
Martin and his daughter Gisele Martin are currently serving as Builders in Residence at the museum. Visiting from Tla-o-qui-aht Nation in British Columbia, they are demonstrating dugout canoe carving and speaking with visitors about the traditional practice during their residency, which continues through October 8 and again from October 15 to 20.
The gala also launched a “Paddles Up” campaign in support of the museum’s backcountry canoe tripping program for youth.
The Lindsay Family Foundation provided six new tripping canoes and 12 paddles to begin building a dedicated fleet for the growing program. Gala guests then contributed enough money to purchase two more canoes, bringing the fleet to eight.
The philanthropic organization is led by prominent Canadian business executive Don Lindsay, the former president and CEO of Teck Resources Ltd., and his family.
“The Canadian Canoe Museum is an amazing place, and our family strongly believes in the great work they do,” Lindsay said.
“We’re delighted to support the Backcountry Canoe Tripping Program with six new canoes and help give young people the opportunity to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and create lasting memories.”
This year’s “Excellence in the Making” theme was intended to showcase the craftsmanship behind both the museum’s collection and the work of contemporary artists, builders, chefs, and other makers.
Ahead of the gala, museum executive director Carolyn Hyslop told kawarthaNOW the fundraiser had been designed to reflect the museum’s values while celebrating the community, donors, and partners who helped bring its new home to life.
The museum opened its purpose-built facility at 2077 Ashburnham Drive in May 2024 following a decade of planning and more than two years of construction.
Located on a five-acre property, the two-storey, 65,000-square-foot building houses the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft and provides space for exhibitions, education programs, on-water activities, and other events.
“It was a really special evening,” Hyslop said following this year’s gala. “There was so much generosity throughout the night. It was a great reflection of the people and organizations who have helped make the Museum what it is today.”
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together for an evening that celebrated the Museum and its place in this community.”
Funds raised at the gala will support the care of the museum’s nationally significant collection along with exhibitions and educational and cultural programming.
Havelock Metal Co. and Emily Creek Woodworking Inc., both of which contributed to construction of the new museum, returned as presenting sponsors of the Lakeside Gala.
Other event sponsors included Lancer Electric, LLF Lawyers, Johnston Wealth Partners of RBC Dominion Securities, McInroy & Associates, Libro Credit Union, Part-Time CFO Services LLP, City Welding Works, GeoSolv Design Build, JaniKing – Peterborough – Denise and Keith Rye, JP Rowland, Kelson, LEA Consulting, Unity Design Studios, White Owl Group, Wilkinson & Company, Bobcaygeon Brewing, Chemong Lodge, kawarthaNOW, Porcelain & Vine, PrintHub, Rice Lake Hard Cider, Seven Events, and Windsor’s Dry Cleaning.
