The Heart Lake Dragon Boat Festival was developed in celebration of the Etobicoke-Mimico Creeks watersheds. Funds raised from the Festival will go towards the naturalization and restoration work being done by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) within the two watersheds. Complementing the action on the water is the natural beauty of what is arguably one of Peel's favourite and most frequented public parks. Within the distinctive setting of Heart Lake Conservation Area, the Festival will deliver a day of fun.

To enter a boat, 20 paddlers are required as well as a drummer. Teams that do not have a qualified steersperson will have one available on race day. Teams may also wish to have additional paddlers listed to act as spares.  All teams are required to provide their own drummer.

The event will run as mixed teams divisions as well as women only teams division.  For mixed divisions each team must have a minimum of 6 female paddlers. This does not include the drummer or the steersperson.

This one-day festival is hosted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in partnership with the Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition and The Living City Foundation.   

What is dragon boat racing?

This sport has a 2,500 year history in Asia where dragons were venerated as rulers of rivers, lakes, seas, clouds, mists and rains. Introduced to Canada during the Vancouver Expo in 1986, the sport has grown to be a favourite for participants and spectators. The crew for the contemporary dragon boat is typically 22. The 20 paddlers sit in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, one drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and one sweep (a steer-person) at the rear of the boat. While the race is short (250 metres), it is intense. The "art" of dragon boating is getting all the paddlers in synchronization and pulling deep, quick strokes.

About Heart Lake

Heart Lake Conservation Area takes its name from the spring-fed kettle lake, which is roughly shaped like a heart. Located within the Etobicoke Creek watershed, this park is a popular destination for residents of Peel Region, with more than five million visitors since it opened in 1957. The park is also very popular with anglers in the area as it is stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout each year.

Funds raised will help support environmental regeneration projects and other initiatives that are of environmental benefit to the watershed and the people who live, work and visit the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks.

Your fundraising efforts will be rewarded with great prizes, plus, The Living City Foundation will issue a tax receipt for all donations $10 and over.

How can I fundraise?

Fundraising can be done through our secure online fundraising system, or you can print and use a pledge form. 

If you use the printed version, please bring completed form(s) along with all of the money you've collected to the event.  All donations must be handed in on event day to be considered for top fund raiser prizes.

Easy Fundraising Tips!

• Start with YOU - go ahead, pledge yourself!
• Ask friends, family and neighbours to support you. Use the message we've provided and personalize it to suit your needs.
• Ask your company to match your pledges.
• Ask early; don't wait for the last minute to begin your campaign. Be prepared for some 'no's' and don't get discouraged. Remember to thank everyone who supports you right away!
• Make it as easy as possible for someone to give you money. Use the secure online fundraising system.

WHAT IS DRAGON BOATING?

It is the fastest growing water sport in North America.  Dragon boat racing is sport for men and women of all ages and abilities.  A team in-sync will almost always win against a stronger team that is not.  A dragon boat team consists of a maximum of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerperson (provided).

HOW MANY PRACTICES BEFORE THE RACE?

We provide one practice usually one-two weeks before the event however additional practices can be purchased at $ 75 per hour.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I NEED TO REGISTER A TEAM?

To paddle in the Dragon Boat Races, you need 20 people paddling; we will provide the steer's person. 

HOW CAN I REGISTER A TEAM?

Team registration is online or you can contact jgardner@trca.on.ca

I HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED AND DIDN'T GET THE REGISTRATION PACKAGE?

This package includes the Captains manual, and fundraising tracking sheets. You can login to our team portal and find all the forms and registration package in pdf format to easily print off.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED FOR THE RACES?

We provide the boats-paddles-life jackets-timing-steer people.

WHERE IS THE EVENT LOCATED?

At Heart Lake Conservation Area at 10818 Heart Lake Road.  Click here for directions.

 HOW CAN MY COMPANY BECOME A SPONSOR AT THE EVENT?

There are many different sponsorship and advertising opportunities available.  Please contact Joanna Gardner at jgardner@trca.on.ca for more information.

With decades of practical experience in protecting our environment, educating young people, and engaging communities, TRCA works with governments, businesses, and individuals to build a greener, cleaner healthier place to live.

Our vision is for a new kind of community, The Living City, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.

Communities across our watersheds are meeting the challenge of protecting and restoring the health of our environment. TRCA works alongside its municipal partners, other environmental departments and organizations, educational organizations, corporations and grass roots community groups to help them, as well as ourselves, achieve our goals in support of a greener, cleaner, healthier place to live.