“And the Winners Are”.
The 52nd Annual Raisin River Canoe Race was held on April 12, 2025. There was a record number of entries of 318 canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards representing 498 paddlers. In the history of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority’s this was the largest turnout.
The race began with a hearty breakfast for race volunteers and attendees, hosted by the Knights of Columbus at the St. Andrews West Church Hall. The race started at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic School (17283 County Road 18, St. Andrews West).The Raisin River Canoe Race is one of the longest canoe races in Eastern Ontario. Started in 1973, the race is 30 km long and starts in St. Andrews West and ends in Williamstown.
Spectators were lined up along the race route, as well as along the river banks and bridges overlooking the river. The weather cooperated with the race and made it more enjoyable for all.
The first place winners in the mixed recreational canoe category were Noemie Boudreau (Sherbrooke, Quebec) and Simon Dessureault (Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec).
The fastest race time was 2 hours, 34 minutes and 31 seconds in the professional canoe category with Joel Malenfant and Perry Rancourt, both from Shawinigan, Quebec.
With any public event where safety is a primary concern, the following agencies were involved: Ontario Provincial Police for crowd control and security. The emergency medical services of Stormont First Aid personnel were ready to treat any injuries and transport the patient to the nearest hospital if necessary. The combined services of the SD & G Fire Departments who provided water rescue along the river race course. Finally, a common bond of communication between all parties was provided with the assistance of the Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club. Its members are trained and government licensed radio operators who handle all voice communications between the support agencies involved.
Please support the sponsors who helped to make this a success.
Web links
Raisin River Canoe Race Results https://rrca.on.ca/results.pdf?20250415145704
Raisin River Canoe Race https://rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=10
Stormont First Aid https://stormontfirstaid.com/
Ontario Provincial Police https://www.opp.ca/
Stormont Fire Services https://www.southstormont.ca/en/living-here/fire-and-emergency-services.aspx
Knights of Columbus St Andrews W ON #10416 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660898370793876
Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club https://www.svarc.ca/
Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club Raisin River Canoe Race Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYNpNL8ukQ0
Radio Amateurs of Canada https://www.rac.ca/
