Durham Rowing Club History

The Durham Rowing Club was formed in 1988 by a number of rowing enthusiasts and was incorporated in 1992. The club acquired its first rowing shell from Tilsonburg Rowing Club in 1990 for $ 500 and began rowing operations on McLaughlin Bay in Oshawa.

A high school rowing program was started at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in 1991. In their first regatta the Dwyer crew rowed in basketball singlets and were nicknamed the "welfare crew".Thanks to a Wintario Grant in 1992, the Club acquired two new fours.

In 1993 the Club moved its operations to Port Perry where Lake Scugog provided a much better rowing venue. Adult Learn to Row sessions were started in 1995 and this led into an active recreational rowing program, to supplement the high school and club competitive programs. The Club took a major leap forward in 1997 when a permanent boat house was constructed in Rotary Park on land made available by the Township of Scugog. The Club raised $ 38,000 to purchase the materials for the 40 by 80 foot building but the labour was donated by local contractors and volunteers. The boat house was built over two weekends in July and is a living testament to a true community effort. With a permanent home, the Club expanded its programs and hired a Summer Program Manager in 1998 and ran a series of weeklong Youth Rowing Camps.

In 1999, the Durham Rowing Club was awarded an Ontario Trillium Grant to purchase new rowing shells over a three year period. As part of its community outreach contribution, the Club initiated an Adaptive Rowing Program to allow people with special needs to participate in the sport of rowing. The loan of a T11 recreational four from RowOntario and the donation of a T7 recreational double from the Knights of Columbus allowed a growth in adaptive rowing. In 2001, the Club had 20 members in the Adaptive program, representing over 10 per cent of total membership of 180.

The club entered into a partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and the Durham College in 2006 to create a varsity and recreational rowing program for their students. The inaugural 2006 season was a great success with the Varsity-Novice Men's 8 winning two (2) "Gold" medals.

The Club hosts a number of annual events, including the Scugog Invitational Regatta in mid June, the Icebreaker Tour in early May and the Scugog Fall Tour in September. The Club also participate in numerous community events, including Racing Against Drugs, mall displays and local Santa Clause Parades. To Learn more about joining the club go to our registration page or contact us.