MANITOULIN—The loss of a fellow officer always strikes close to home for the close knit members of the law enforcement community, whether it happens on the job or off duty. When Blind River OPP officer Dave Dennie was killed in a traffic accident while off duty last February, members of the East Algoma services gathered to mourn the loss, but OPP officer Rob Mellan of Manitowaning decided to do more to honour his memory, while helping to provide support for his family and the 125 kilometre paddling race ‘The Dennie’ was born.
The race traces the route of the voyageurs, fur-trading pioneers that helped to open up the west, in two legs: from Blind River to Spanish and then from Spanish to Low Island in Little Current. The Dennie’s route hugs close to the sheltered waters of the North Channel and follows through the Bay of Islands and the LaCloche Channel. There will be a checkpoint in Swift Current and a perfect photo opportunity at the culvert in the LaCloche Channel.
“The route was chosen for two reasons,” explained Mr. Mellan. “First and foremost was safety, but the route was also a beautiful route with some spectacular scenery.”
The route’s avoidance of large expanses of open water are historically accurate. A self confessed history buff, Mr. Mellan said that he discovered that the fur trading companies would only hire paddlers who couldn’t swim. “That way they wouldn’t be tempted to take chances with the precious cargoes or trade goods or furs,” he said.
Mr. Mellan also shared that the specifications for which kayak and canoe designs can enter the race is also for safety reasons.
Each leg of the race will begin with a mass start, on the first day in Blind River and the second day in Spanish, with the winners being that team which finishes their division with the best cumulative time.
There are four categories, voyageur canoe, sea kayak, tandem sea kayak and tandem canoe. Single canoe paddlers need not apply, again for reasons of safety.
Proceeds from The Dennie will be placed in a trust for the two sons of Dave Dennie.
Those who wish to enter the race can contact Mr. Mellan up until the night before the race begins at 705-859-7100.
