The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation have made the difficult decision to pause the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race for 2025.

The annual race, typically held in the spring, serves as a fundraiser for the SCRCA’s conservation education program. It features 11 different race classes and three different race lengths along the Sydenham River and has been a recognized race by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA).

The pause will allow staff to reassess a number of factors that have influenced the past success of the race and the future success of holding the event.

“We know that this will be a disappointment, especially to those who participate in the race every year,” said Donna Blue, SCRCA Manager of Communications, “However, we felt the time was right to closely look at the feasibility of our organization hosting the event for several reasons.”

The unpredictability of springtime weather, cold water temperatures, flooding, logistical challenges at the start and finish lines, in addition to lack of funds raised are some of the obstacles race organizers have had to overcome, especially over the last several years, continued Blue, “We also completed a comprehensive safety strategy in 2024 thanks to the guidance of OMCKRA, and through that exercise, we identified a few concerns, particularly related to river access during an emergency situation.”

“The team at OMCKRA has always been very supportive and helpful. I know they are also disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s race”, said Blue.

Discussions surrounding the future of the race will continue over the next year.