By Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — Wilderness Tours near Foresters Falls is hosting a world-class kayaking event and organizers are hopeful Whitewater Region Township council will support it.
Paula Troutman spoke to council at its March 25 meeting about the 2015 IFC Freestyle Kayak World Championships, which are Aug. 30 to Sept. 5 at the Garburator Wave on the Ottawa River.
The Ottawa River has incredible rapids, she said.
“It’s like having a Whistler in our backyard,” she said referring to the famous ski mountains in British Columbia. “Many locals don’t realize how spectacular they are.”
The river has high and low water ranges as well as safe rapids, she said. There are five champion level rapids on the Ottawa River.
“They are deep and fluffy and people don’t get hurt,” Ms. Troutman said.
It’s expected there will be about 280 to 300 of the top athletes from around the world competing at this event, she said. Many countries are holding team trials to finalize their teams. This year there will be a team from Uganda, which has never happened before, she added.
Ms. Troutman said there are eight different styles of kayak competition, as well as male and female events. In the end, there should be about 24 top athletes when the event concludes.
There is protocol to follow throughout the event, which includes opening and closing ceremonies and a parade of athletes, Ms. Troutman said. There will also be the flag raising ceremony and the passing of the flag to the next organization who will host this event, she added, which is held every two years.
She has attended world class events because her son Nick is a competitor, and the organizers have put on quite a show. And she’s hopeful there will be quite a show put on by the organizers with help from people, businesses and organizations from throughout the township, including the township.
A proud Valley girl, Ms. Troutman wants to showcase Whitewater Region Township. She recalled in Switzerland the president of the Olympic Association attended and hung a winning medal on her son’s neck.
“I’ve invited the Prime Minister,” she said. “I figure if I shoot for the moon I’ll land among the stars.”
There is a large sign just on the outskirts of Beachburg to advertise the event, she said. It was created by welding students at Fellowes High School and donations from people throughout the area.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support of the valley people,” Ms. Troutman said.
She invited all council members to attend the opening and closing ceremonies, meet the athletes and attend the many events to be held throughout the competition. The opening ceremonies will be held at the Beachburg Fairgrounds, she said. There will be seating for at least 800 people at the opening event, she added.
“I’m hoping it will be jammed with more people than that,” she said.
She said it’s quite exciting to be at an event where you will hear so many different languages spoken around you.
Ms. Troutman isn’t sure where council could help, but suggested the brush hog could be used to brush out the road to the area where the competition will take place, the filling of potholes on the road, or help with any permits that may be required. She noted there’s the possibility of a bridge walkway having to be built for people to get to the viewing area and bandstands having to be constructed. She also suggested it might be a good time to showcase the taste of the valley with food and music, the military and culture of the area in an area near the competition. An insert could be included with the township’s tax bills, she suggested.
“Any support with all of your resources or contacts would be wonderful,” Ms. Troutman said. “We want to showcase the township and the valley.”
The event has a budget of $416,000 and no fundraising has yet been done, Ms. Troutman added, although there are events soon to happen. They have applied for grants, but with the exception of the Trillium Grant being turned down, have heard nothing back yet, she said.
It’s expected 54 million viewers will be watching through the live feed, she said. It will also be on major sports channels as well as in magazines.
Ms. Troutman noted there is no fee to watch the event from the river’s edge.
Mayor Hal Johnson said the event could be posted on the township’s web site as well as its facebook page.
“I’m doing extensive travelling in Ontario and talking it up (the event),” he said. “This council is behind your group 100 per cent.”
Councillor Chris Olmstead suggested banners can be placed in the township to promote the event to visitors throughout the summer months.
Mayor Johnson said the event will be discussed during budget deliberations.
“This is definitely a plus for our economic development,” he said. “People will be coming from all over the world. It’s a great opportunity for us.”
Ms. Troutman thanked council for listening to her and will wait to hear how it can help the event.
