–        Public access to the Mattagami and Mountjoy

Rivers from the Public Boat Launch and

Mattagami River Beach will be restricted.  Both the Boat Launch and Public Beach area will be closed to the general public from 8am to 6pm on Saturday August 29th& again on Sunday August 30th. The Mattagami river from the bridge to Eacom will also be closed to boaters from 10pm to 11pm during the fireworks. The restrictions will ensure the safety of participants and volunteers of the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival

For those people accessing the river from private docks, we ask that you exercise extreme caution around competitors. Slow down, minimize your wake and yield right of way to the paddlers

–        The Timmins Airport will provide a recorded message alerting float plane pilots to the incremental traffic expected on the Mattagami River.

–        The South Porcupine OPP Marine Unit will be patrolling the water on both Saturday and Sunday to ensure everyone’s safety.  Furthermore, the MNR Conservation Officers will be on water patrol for   Saturday evening’s fireworks to ensure that boaters are outside of restricted area.

–        Only one drone operator has applied to legally fly a drone during the festival weekend. Advantek is the only operator allowed to fly a drone over the festival. All others do so at their peril.

–        The many activities available at this year’s Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival will appeal to a diverse demographic. The long term forecast is calling for good weather. This combination will no doubt attract thousands of people to the event. Parking will be limited. We urge people to exercise caution and to be patient. Parking lots are as follows: 2 lots at the bottom of Commercial Ave; south /  north / west lot Participark, Game On and Timberland Ford Truck lots south / west of the bridge, Mountjoy Arena, and Archie Dillon Sportsplex . Also   on- street parking is available in and around the venue where allowed. The south / east  & south west lots lot of Participark will be restricted to exhibitors, volunteers & emergency vehicles.  10 accessible parking spaces have been put aside at the south/west lot. New this year we have created a parking space capable of accommodating 130 vehicles in the north/west section of Participark. All registered paddlers are asked to park in the reserved parking area located south / west of the Mattagami Bridge near the Registration Tent. Where possible, we ask that people consider using public transportation.

–        The registration deadline for  the Kayak Challenge is 4pm tomorrow Thursday August 27

–        Admission to the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival is free and includes the children activities, the live performing arts and matinee music performances, the Friday and Saturday evening 7 band live concert. All of this is possible thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors who number 94.

–        The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival kicks off this Friday at 1pm

–        Saturday the event gets underway at 6:00 am with a Sunrise Ceremony, followed by the lighting of a Sacred Fire at 6:30 am and Blessing of the Water @ 8am

–        Again this year, Hot Air Balloon rides are available through  Science Timmins

–        Marketplace & Community Exhibits will feature more than 90 exhibitors confirmed, many housed under the 5,400 sq ft tent. Vendors from Corunna, Earlton, Eobikoke, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Oakville, Powassan, Scarborough, Smooth Rock Falls, Sudbury, Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and  Wikwemikong.

–        The Highland Dance Competition is cancelled this year. Registrations were low to too a conflict with a National Competition.

–        Performing arts will feature the Dalriada Dancers,  Tai Chi demonstrations, White Stone Cree Singers, Dancers, drummer, hoop dancer and an extended Aboriginal Village

Live music will be a plenty with performances by Eric Girard, Skinny & Alicia,  Orville Rumleski, Estelle & John, Scarlet Jane, Canucky Bluegrass Boys, Kickback Tracii, Big Deal, The Box, Platinum Blonde, Three Thorns and a Rode, and the Timmins Symphony Orchestra.

–        Saturday night at 10:30pm there will be a fireworks display over the Mattagami River. These will be launched from the east side of Participark and should provide a spectacular display.

–        Road travel between Normand St and Fogg will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30pm to 11:30pm. All east bound  traffic should  detour at Shirley St with  westbound  traffic  detouring at 655 or Theriault Boulevard. During the fireworks Road Closure, vehicles parked in lots with egress to Riverside will not be allowed to exit. To do so is a breach of a Road Closure order and violators will be charged.

–        Other water based activities include the 5km Family Leisure Paddle & Shore Lunch, the Kayak for Sport for Kids fun  3 person sprint challenge, Stand Up Paddle Board Challenge, clinics, and the  Alzheimer  Society Rubber Duck Race.

–        A culinary Experience awaits with fresh open fire cooked bannock, Indian tacos and more. 12 additional vendors  will be on hand this year.