Call for Paddling Volunteers

July 16, 2025

We are inviting 400+ local canoers and paddlers to join us for a large-scale art project. Volunteers will paddle approximately 120  canoes in a coordinated slow-moving procession.

3 days
400+ local volunteers 
15 paddle captains
1 epic celebration of Lake Ontario along the Toronto Waterfront

In Fall 2025, The Bentway is excited to partner with artist Melissa McGill to present a large-scale canoe procession that will write the lake’s colour story in the sky and reflect its story on the water. We invite 400+ local canoers and paddlers to join us for this monumental happening. Volunteers will paddle approximately 120 canoes in a coordinated, slow-moving procession. An epic celebration of Lake Ontario along the Toronto Waterfront, Melissa McGill works to map Toronto’s harbour and waterfront biosphere with the lake’s own vocabulary expressed through its natural colour palette. By giving visual voice to this underappreciated liminal realm, the project invites us to shift our perspective and learn from nature’s wisdom and creativity.

McGill is developing this site-specific natural colour story in collaboration with Jason Logan of the Toronto Ink Company and local Indigenous wisdom keepers. Together, they gather and work with natural colour from the lake and shoreline to activate the creative expression of the lake itself. These colours will be used to create vibrant wind-activated colour-field paintings that fly above the canoe procession to communicate Lake Ontario’s vitality, above and below its waters. They speak the lake’s language. 

Carrying these colour-field paintings, the canoe procession will activate the Toronto Waterfront to write the lake’s colour story in the sky and onto its waters. This coordinated action will be visible from a wide range of viewing areas, creating an epic communal celebration of Lake Ontario across the city.

and volunteers like you are key to making all of this happen!

You are the story-tellers and the knowledge-keepers; the stewards of the water, of the artwork, and of the inspiring community that we hope to bring together in an unforgettable moment of action and celebration across Toronto’s waterfront.

key dates

Virtual Information Session: July 28 at 6:00pm (to be recorded) – Register here!
Training Date(s): to be determined (evening / weekend)* 
Rehearsal Period: September 22 – 26, 2025, 6 – 8 pm*
Performance Dates: September 27 and September 28, 2025, 9 am – 6 pm*
*Exact timing and locations to be determined. Volunteers are only expected to attend 1 rehearsal during this period.

Watch the recording from our virtual Information Session on July 28, 2025 at 6:00pm to learn more.

available positions

All volunteers require: 

  • High comfort level around water 
  • Good balance 
  • Ability to swim at least 50m unassisted (in the unlikely event of capsize) 
  • A positive, patient, and eager attitude
Paddle Captain

Skill Level: Expert 

Available Positions: 15  

Description: Highly experienced leaders that help guide each canoe team, support safety on the route, relay instructions, and help everyone stay in sync. 

Required Skills: 

  • Forward Stroke, Draw Stroke, Reverse Stroke 
  • J-Stroke and Sweep Stroke 
  • Pry Stroke, Cross-Draw Strokes, C-stroke 
  • Ability to solo a canoe 
  • Experience leading canoe trips 
  • Experience in adverse weather, high winds and choppy conditions 
  • Experience performing canoe over canoe rescues 
  • Experience with canoe instruction 
  • First Aid certification 
Stern Paddler

Skill Level: Expert / Advanced 

Available Positions: 120+ 

Description: Confident and experienced paddlers with good communication skills to steer each canoe from the back. 

Required Skills: 

  • Forward Stroke 
  • Draw Stroke 
  • Reverse Stroke 
  • J-Stroke 
  • Sweep Stroke 
Bow Paddler

Skill Level: Advanced / Intermediate 

Available Positions: 120+ 

Description: Setting the rhythm from the front, you support the stern paddler’s strokes and power the journey forward.  

Required Skills: 

  • Forward Stroke 
  • Draw Stroke 
  • Reverse Stroke
Colour Bearer

Skill Level: Beginner / Novice 

Available Positions: 120+ 

Description: Carrying and positioning each colour-field painting, you will raise and adjust the fabric materials from the middle of the canoe.  

Required Skills: 

  • Good dexterity and grip strength 
  • Strong communication skills 
  • Ability to periodically reposition a flag handle into bracing slots in the hull of the canoe  

As skilled leaders and safety experts in the canoe procession, all Paddle Captains will receive a $600.00 honorarium for the project.

frequently asked questions

Questions? For further inquiries and special requests, please contact Megan Kammerer, Programming Associate at [email protected]

What age do I need to be to participate?

Paddling volunteer roles require participants to be 18+. Select opportunities may be available for ages 16+. Please visit our Call for Land Volunteer webpage for more details regarding these opportunities here

What if I don’t have my own gear? / Can I bring personal equipment?

All equipment is provided, including canoes, paddles, life jackets, sun protection, and comfort/safety kits.  

In most cases, participants will use project-provided equipment to maintain uniformity, however advanced paddlers may be permitted to bring their own paddle if it meets project requirements—just let us know via the registration form. 

Do I need to attend all rehearsal and performance dates?

Yes. Volunteers are required to commit to all rehearsals and performances over the project’s final weekend. This ensures consistency, safety, and strong community-building across the team.

Where will the volunteers meet for rehearsals and performances?

All paddles will begin and end at Biidaasige Park (formerly part of Villiers Island in Toronto’s Port Lands). This site was chosen for its alignment with project themes, as well as its separation from heavy commercial and recreation traffic on the water.

Where will we be paddling?

You’ll be paddling in the eastern section of Toronto’s Inner Harbour, beginning and ending at Biidaasige Park (formerly part of Villiers Island, now Ookwemin Minising). This area was selected for its calmer waters and safety—away from the busy ferry, commercial, and recreational boat lanes further west. The route passes through newly revitalized waterways at the mouth of the Don River and loops back from the Sugar Beach area.

Why was this site chosen? 

The location celebrates ongoing ecological restoration work in Lake Ontario and offers a quieter, more protected part of the harbour that’s ideal for a large, coordinated paddling event. It’s also a symbolic and scenic setting to honour our relationship with the lake and its shoreline. 

How long is each paddle?

Each session (rehearsal or performance) will last approximately 2 hours, with time scheduled for preparation, gear fitting, and launch. Volunteers will return to our Volunteer Hub, located near the launch point, for lunch and breaks in between performances.

What dates and times should I keep free? 
  • Dress Rehearsal: One Evening Between September 22 – 26, 6 – 8 pm.  
  • Rehearsals will be scheduled in groups of ten canoes, bringing together each paddling team with their Paddle Captain in the days leading up to the performances. 
  • Performances: Two Days, Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28, 9 am – 6 pm.  
  • Exact schedules and run of show details will be shared in advance.  
  • Additional training dates will be announced and scheduled with volunteers throughout August and September. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for further information.  
Is there a rain date? 

There is a Rain Plan. We’re adding flexibility into the schedule and may adjust timing or routes in response to weather. Performances may be halted or cancelled in the event of adverse conditions. Changes will be communicated to Paddle Captains and volunteers by phone, email, and in-person throughout the final weekend. 

What type of canoes are used? 

We’ll be using 16’ Nova Craft Prospectors, selected for their stability and performance on open water. Stern Paddlers will be supplied with wooden Beavertail paddles for improved maneuverability. Bow Paddlers will be supplied with wood Square-Tipped (Sugar Island) paddlers for power and forward propulsion.

What safety protocols are in place?  

Your safety is our top priority. Here’s how we’re ensuring a safe and supported experience for all paddling volunteers:

  • Certified Paddle Captains will lead small groups of canoes and provide in-boat guidance. 
  • Each canoe will be equipped with a full safety kit, including life jackets, bailers, and other materials. 
  • Motorized support boats and safety crews will be on the water throughout all rehearsals and performances to monitor and assist in the unlikely event of an emergency. 
  • The route has been designed to avoid high-traffic and hazardous areas. 
  • The route will be marked by special buoy systems to improve wayfinding and route visibility on the water.  
  • We will closely monitor weather conditions, including wind and waves. In the event of unsafe conditions (e.g. high winds, whitecaps, rain/thunderstorms), paddles will be paused, modified, or cancelled. 
  • All volunteers will take part in mandatory training sessions during the official rehearsal to build comfort and confidence in the boats. We’ll also share additional training opportunities and optional external resources for those who’d like to brush up on their paddling skills ahead of time.
What should I wear?

All paddling volunteers must wear all-black attire with no visible branding or logos. Comfortable, weather-appropriate athletic wear is recommended. Please dress for the forecasted conditions and bring extra layers or a change of clothes if needed. Footwear should be secure and suitable for rocky beach / uneven terrain and getting wet. 

Will there be food and rest areas?

Yes! A dedicated volunteer hub will be set up with food, water, shaded rest areas, and secure storage for personal items. Lunch, water, and snacks will be provided, with dietary needs accommodated via the registration forms.

Is there secure bike or car parking?

Yes. We’ll share detailed transportation and parking info closer to the event. Secure bike lockups and car parking will be available near the volunteer hub. 

Can I sign up with friends, family, or a team?

Absolutely! All members of the group must complete separate registration forms. The registration form allows you to note paddling partners or teams. We’ll do our best to place you in the same canoe or group.

Are there any perks or takeaways for volunteers?

In addition to being part of a meaningful and memorable experience on the water, paddling volunteers who participate for the full weekend will have the option to purchase select equipment (e.g. PFDs, paddles) at below market value rates while supplies last.  

You’ll also receive meals, on-site support, and access to a welcoming community of fellow paddlers and artists. After the project, volunteers will receive access to select photos and video documentation to remember and celebrate your contribution.

I’ve signed up. When will I hear more?

Volunteers will begin to receive more details via email beginning in mid-August, including training dates, team assignments, and gear info. Please feel free to reach out to Megan Kammerer ([email protected]) for troubleshooting if you have any questions or concerns regarding the mailing list.

Commissioned and presented by The Bentway

Principal Presenting Sponsor: 
Waterfront Toronto 

Presenting Sponsors: 
Waterfront BIA
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Nieuport Aviation
Ports Toronto

Lead Community Sponsor:  
Redpath Sugar 

Community Corps Program Supporter: 
Toronto Foundation

Lead Watercraft Sponsor:  
Nova Craft Canoe

With additional support from: 
City of Toronto 
Ontario Arts Council
George Brown College
Blockhouse Bay Management 
The Bentway’s growing network of Bentway donors and supporters