The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority recently celebrated the unveiling of a new kayak launch at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area in Exeter.
The kayak launch was fundraised by local resident and kayak enthusiast, Sue Riddell. Sue says she wanted to establish a kayak group, and originally had over 30 women out, but many were first timers and it is difficult at the dam to get into a kayak safely on your own. She wanted to get over 100 kayakers out, but that would have been a challenge.
"To get 100 women out would take getting a lot of kayaks out fast. So I called the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, and spoke to Nathan Schoelier over there, and I said 'have you ever entertained the idea of having a kayak launch?' And he said he had, but he said 'Sue, we just have no funding. It's my dream to do, but we just don't have the funding,'" Riddell said.
So, Sue decided to raise the necessary $10,500 on her own time. She says when she heard it was that much, she wasn't discouraged.
"I didn't give up, and I started calling some people and companies and organizations that I knew might want to help and literally, from that Thursday through the next Thursday, I had raised the $10,500, which was exactly what I needed. So I raised it on that Thursday, the kayak launch went in on the following Monday, and we had 100 kayakers out on August 22, the Tuesday, and it was great," shared Riddell.
The new kayak launch was unveiled on August 22 and over 100 kayakers came out to enjoy it. Riddle notes that the benefits are pretty simple when it comes to the local dam.
"It's not really safe to get into, and not really something you'd attempt on your own in case you did tip over. So this just enables everyone to get in safely, so you can just throw your kayak into this launch and just kind of paddle yourself down, and it's so easy to get in and get out," Riddell noted. "People who had never been out on the dam have now gone out there and said how nice it is to have something like this so close. It's free, you can go down to our dam for free, and what a great thing to do as a family, as a couple, with your kids. Great for your physical health, your mental health, great for fresh air, like it's a win-win-win."
Nathan Schoelier is the Stewardship and Lands Manager with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, who Sue initially brought the idea to. He said the new kayak launch, installed at the conservation area, is thanks to the initiative and dedication of the organizers and the community.
“This is an amazing example of community leadership and effort,” Schoelier said. “This simply would not have been possible without the hard work of the organizers and without the support of the community. The kayak launch offers a way for people to experience nature and gain a new appreciation for nature in their own backyard."
The kayak launch fundraising campaign would like to acknowledge the following donors: C. J. Exeter Inc. (Crabby Joe’s); South Huron Optimist Club; Ondrejicka Elevators Limited; Harry and Margaret Knip; Syfilco Ltd.; Hansen’s Your Independent Grocer – Exeter; Frayne’s Exeter Toyota; Huron Tractor; Huron Motor Products; Matt Den Hollander – Experience Camping RV Sales; and Jayden’s Mechanical – Jayden Desjardine.
Riddell, alongside fellow event organizer Brianne Webber, invited out the over 100 kayakers who came on the opening night, and raised $1,600 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron, thanks to the raffle of a new kayak.
