National Training Centre Project
Home for Canadian Rowing
The National Training Centre (NTC) will serve as the home for Canadian rowing, offering purpose-built facilities, resources, and programs to help athletes, coaches, and teams succeed at the highest levels of international competition.
Why RCA Needed a New Home
In 2018 an independent review of the National Training Centre and Facilities Strategy made two key recommendations with respect to facilities to support RCA’s long term high performance vision. The first was to establish a primary NTC in Canada that would be considered the “home base” for RCA’s High Performance Program. The second was to conduct a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to determine apotential site for the NTC. Through the RFP process the Municipality of North Cowichan was selected as the home for Canada’s national rowing teams. The decision to consolidate centres also makes strategic sense from a financial/cost efficiency and performance advantage effectiveness/efficiency of bringing best athletes, coaches and supports together.
Supporting Athletes of All Levels
The NTC will be welcoming and accessible to rowers of all stages in their development, aligning with Rowing Canada Aviron’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the athlete development pathway.
Partnerships & Collaboration
The NTC will work closely with nearby partners to foster strong connections with the rowing community across Canada. It will act as one end of the high-performance continuum, providing opportunities for development while maintaining strong ties to clubs and associations nationwide.
Current Phases & Focus
The NTC project is currently focused on building the Shell House and Athlete Hub. These will form the heart of the centre, offering dedicated spaces for training and athlete support.
Project Updates
A community webinar to provide information and updates on the NTC project is tentatively scheduled for January 21, 2025. RCA Member Organizations will be provided the details to register for this webinar in December 2024.
Member Communications
Stay informed here with the latest member updates, announcements, and important communications.
Project Oversight
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Rowing Canada Aviron, members of the National Training Centre – Project Committee (NTC-PC) will lead all aspects of the creation of the National Training Centre (NTC) to be built at Quamichan Lake, B.C., including the design of the NTC, fundraising for the NTC, being supported with the land by a not-for-profit organization, and the construction of the NTC.
National Training Centre Project Committee:
- Mike Walker (Chair)
- Derek Ventnor (RCA Treasurer)
- John Lehnen (Chair of FCC)
- Ernie Mansueti (North Cowichan Community Representative)
- Will Crothers (Athlete Representative)
- Jennifer Fitzpatrick (RCA Director of Partnerships and Sport Development, Interim CEO)
- Adam Parfitt (RCA High Performance Director)
Terms of Reference: NTC Project Committee
Progress to Date
Significant progress has already been made. The subdivision of the property, temporary shell house, change rooms with showers and bathrooms, rental indoor training space, accessible parking, and completed docks are operational and supporting athletes in their training.
Water Access & Quality
A 2km, 6-lane buoyed rowing course has been installed at Quamichan Lake, ensuring fair and transparent selection processes as well as the opportunity for elite level training. Additionally, accessible parking spots and stairs have been constructed to enhance site usability. In support of a safe training environment, there is an ongoing commitment by the Municipality of North Cowichan to more than just water quality monitoring – plans are in place to install an aeration system, further contributing to the lake’s long-term sustainability and safety for athletes.
Who the NTC Serves
The NTC is more than a hub for the Senior National Team. It will also support U23 and Junior athletes, as well as clubs and universities visiting for camps or training programs. Whether through full-time training or periodic camps, athletes at all stages of development will have the chance to benefit from the NTC’s resources.
Strengthening HP Pathways
The NTC is designed to strengthen the high-performance pathway in Canadian rowing. Strong connections will continue to be built with provinces, universities, and clubs to ensure athletes are supported throughout their development. This will allow the NTC to contribute to the development of both athletes and coaches across the country.
Living in the Cowichan Valley
Athletes, coaches, and their families will find a welcoming community in the Cowichan Valley, with opportunities for education and employment. The valley is an “up-and-coming” region offering a high quality of life, which will be an asset for athletes considering relocation for centralized training.
Cowichan Valley offers a rich mix of experiences, from outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and cycling, to arts, culture, and heritage sites. Known for its wineries and farm-to-table cuisine, the region also features craft breweries, distilleries, and artisanal producers. Visitors can explore unique accommodations, Indigenous culture, and year-round festivals. It’s a destination with something for everyone, blending natural beauty with warm hospitality.
For more details, visit Tourism Cowichan.
Cowichan Valley is rapidly emerging as a vibrant community for growth and opportunity. With a notable increase in new businesses and a dynamic labor market, the region is attracting a younger, skilled workforce and new residents seeking a balanced lifestyle. Affordable housing initiatives and expanding infrastructure are supporting this influx, making Cowichan a sought-after destination for families and entrepreneurs alike. The area’s commitment to sustainable development, coupled with a rise in community-focused services, showcases its potential to become a key economic hub on Vancouver Island.
Learn more in the Economic Development Cowichan Report.
Partnerships & Stakeholders
The NTC’s success relies on collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Quamichan Rowing Foundation (QRF), Municipality of North Cowichan (MNC), local businesses, and educational institutions.
The QRF is a not-for-profit corporation formed under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act on February 23, 2024. Its purpose is to support the Canadian Amateur Rowing Association (“Rowing Canada Aviron”) by receiving and maintaining a fund or funds and applying all or part of the principal and income therefrom, from time to time, to Rowing Canada Aviron, as well as providing and maintaining a facility (or facilities) to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of Rowing Canada Aviron’s programs. The QRF’s sole interest is in supporting RCA programs.
The QRF was created by Tom Hawker, John Lehnen, and Mike Walker who are also its three directors. They are also former directors of RCA.
Shawnigan Lake School is also a vital partner, allowing the users of the NTC to use their facilities for long-distance training.
Community Integration
Quamichan Lake and the NTC site have already demonstrated their ability to host successful rowing events, including the National Rowing Championships in 2022 and 2023, as well as several local competitions such as the Quamichan Lake Regatta and the Maple Bay Regatta. Building on this foundation, the NTC will continue to host major events, bringing athletes and visitors into the Cowichan Valley.
Rowing regattas and training camps for young athletes will continue to put the Cowichan Valley on the map for rowing clubs across the country and bring hundreds of visitors to North Cowichan every year that will stay in community accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and shop at local businesses.
Property Ownership
RCA acquired the right to purchase the Land from the Duncan Community Lodge Society (DCLS), in October 2022. The closing of this transaction was scheduled for March 31, 2024. With RCA not able to incur debt under its current by-laws, the only course available to RCA would be to allow another party to acquire the Land and then lease it from that party.
Three former Directors of RCA, Tom Hawker, John Lehnen and Mike Walker, took the initiative to support RCA by creating a foundation to purchase the land and lease it to RCA to secure the Land for RCA’s programs. As a result, they formed the QRF and subsequently acquired the Land from DCSL. To protect RCA’s interest in the Land, the QRF agreed to RCA retaining a Right of First Refusal should the land change hands.
Funding Partnerships
The NTC will be funded through a combination of public grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. These partnerships will be essential in covering the costs of new and needed infrastructure.
Support from Donors & Alumni
Donations from individuals, alumni, and the rowing community will play an essential role in realizing the NTC vision. The ongoing campaigns will focus on securing the remaining funds needed to complete the centre. Athletes training on Quamichan Lake have already felt positive impact of donations from the rowing community.
How to Get Involved
Community support is essential in helping us build a National Training Centre for Canadian rowers. There are many ways to get involved:
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Donate: Your contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Every dollar helps bring us closer to a facility that will nurture current and future champions. If you would like to donate, have any questions about contributing, or are interested in other ways to support this project, please contact Jennifer Blunt, NTC Campaign Lead, for more information.
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Visit Us: We also welcome you to reach out and arrange a visit to the NTC. We are committed to making the NTC more accessible to up-and-coming athletes. Experience firsthand the training, development, and dedication that goes into preparing Canada’s top rowers. Contact Jennifer Fitzpatrick (Interim CEO and Director of Partnerships and Development) or Adam Parfitt (High Performance Director) to arrange a visit.