Founding Member Recognized
Old Mill Boathouse Society board of directors with Gord. Left to right: Maggie Pearce, Deb Legree, Denise Nelson, Gordon Clay, Robbin Whachell, Vijay Krish and Dennis Davis.
Celebrating Community, History & Those Who Helped Build It
On September 19, the Old Mill Boathouse Society hosted its very first End of Season Social — bringing together representatives from our member clubs for an evening of community, connection and celebration.
The event provided an opportunity for members to meet the current Old Mill Boathouse Society Board of Directors, connect with fellow members and celebrate another season at the boathouse while enjoying lunch. Most importantly, it gave us an opportunity to recognize someone whose contribution to the Old Mill Boathouse goes back more than 25 years.
Recognizing a Founding Member
One of the event's most special moments was a presentation to founding member Gordon Clay, recognizing his significant contribution to the history of the Old Mill Boathouse.
Gordon was involved with the Port Moody Rowing, Sailing and Paddling Centre as the organization worked toward establishing a permanent home for non-powered water sports in Port Moody. The organization was formally registered in 2000, and Gordon was there to provide remarks at the Old Mill Boathouse sod-turning ceremony in 2001.
(Left) OMBS President, Denise Nelson presented a certificate of appreciation to Gord; and (Right) Gord holds a photo of the Boathouse ribbon cutting back in 2001 with then B.C. Deputy Premier, Christy Clark and Port Moody Mayor, Joe Trasolini.
More than two decades later, the vision that Gordon and others helped champion continues to live on.
Today, the Old Mill Boathouse is home to rowing, sailing and paddling clubs, providing a place for people to get on the water, learn new skills, compete, train and build community. The facility also supports the Sea Cadets, while the banquet hall provides a popular venue for community rentals and events.
Recognizing Gordon was a wonderful reminder that the boathouse we enjoy today is the result of the vision, dedication and work of many people over many years.
Bringing Our Member Clubs Together
The End of Season Social also gave us the chance to celebrate the diversity of organizations that make up the Old Mill Boathouse community.
Representatives from the following member clubs joined us:
Abreast in a Boat
Draggin' Divas
Inlet Rowing Club
Inlet Spirit
Rocky Point Sailing Association
Rocky Point Dragon Boat
While each club has its own members, activities and traditions, we share something important: a connection to the Old Mill Boathouse and the water sports community it supports.
Bringing everyone together in one room was a great way to strengthen those connections and celebrate the community we are fortunate to be part of.
A Few Extra Reasons to Celebrate
The evening included 10 door prizes, valued at $20 each, giving us an opportunity to support and showcase local businesses while adding a little fun to the evening.
Music helped set the tone for the night, thanks to Rich from the Inlet Spirit dragon boat team, who provided the music as well as the microphone and audio support for the evening's speeches.
And a special thank you to Jola from Inlet Spirit for capturing photos throughout the event and helping us preserve some of the memories from our first End of Season Social.
The Clay Family
Thank You to Our Board
An event like this doesn't come together on its own. A huge thank you goes to the Old Mill Boathouse Society Board of Directors, who spent several months planning and preparing for the event.
We also want to thank everyone who attended and supported this new initiative. Your participation helped make our first End of Season Social a success and showed just how valuable it is to bring our member clubs together.
As we look toward another season, we're grateful for the history that brought us here, the people who continue to contribute today, and the community that makes the Old Mill Boathouse such a special place.
We can't wait to do it again next year!
Members of Rocky Point Sailing Association stand with Gord.