Ryall Park River LAUNCH
In the summer of 2021 the BRK conducted a survey of our members to help us determine our next steps and projects. The surveys overwhelming first choice was the establishment of an accessible dock at Ryall Park.
Our substantial senior population as well as a vibrant group of persons with disabilities directed our efforts to this end. This is an artist rendering of this proposed dock. It is the focus of our work and we believe that it will contribute to tourism, commerce and recreation in Carman and surrounding area.
Fishers Trestle Bridge Dock
In the spring of 2021 , our town, province and really, the whole world was in the height of Covid-19 isolation, social distancing and Personal Protective Equipment use. The bright spot in our isolation was the memory of walking and skating on the Boyne River the past winter. It was our only social connection in many cases and boosted our mental, physical and spiritual health.
As spring and the thaw approached, the Boyne River Keepers wished to take advantage of the fortunate access to our winding, slow moving river by improving the ability to kayak and canoe in the summer months.
A group was formed and with good fortune, skill and great planning, we had a small dock installed at the only spot along the river that allowed for easy access. This proved to be a success.
Anecdotally, people from all over southern Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and even as far as Sweden were found on the waters with kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and fishing rods.
Thanks to the Town of Carman for their support in maintaining the dock and area.
Thanks also to the many donors including BSI Insurance, Redboine Watershed Association, and Carman and Area Foundation.
Duck Boxes and Kilometre Markers
In the summer of 2021 the BRK conducted a survey of our members to help us determine our next steps and projects. The surveys overwhelming first choice was the establishment of an accessible dock at Ryall Park.
Our substantial senior population as well as a vibrant group of persons with disabilities directed our efforts to this end. This is an artist rendering of this proposed dock. It is the focus of our work and we believe that it will contribute to tourism, commerce and recreation in Carman and surrounding area.
World Rivers Day 2021
The Boyne River Keepers organized the second celebration of the internationally known World Rivers Day.
World Rivers Day was initiated by Marc Angelo in British Columbia in 1980 and has grown into a global event.
September 26, 2021 was a beautiful fall day which we took advantage of with a kayak/canoe parade down the river from our dock at Fishers Trestle Bridge to Ryall Park and back. All ages of participants responded with colorful and scary-looking pirate costumes and watercraft. We played and sang pirate songs, called out “Ar-B Dars” and “Shiver- me-timbers” and wielded toy pirate guns and swords to on-lookers along the bank while paddling our lovely river.
After the parade, children were invited to participate in an art project with Nigel Bart from Golden Prairie Arts Council in Carman. They created a beautiful piece of art which hangs now in the Boyne Regional Library.
See “News” for information about World River Day 2022.
The Pirate Parade
Many thanks to Steve Lambert and Charles Burchill for joining us and capturing the essence of the day.
River Restoration and Cleanup
Restoration and protection is an ongoing focus of our goals. In the past year we have successfully planted seedlings along the riverbank and removed fallen trees and branches that hampered the rivers flow. We are acutely aware of the needs of wildlife to have resting places on the river, natural environments to inhabit, and indigenous flora and fauna to flourish.
Thank you to BRK member Gerry Aubin of Aubin’s Nursery in Carman for the generous donation of seedlings.
Thanks to the Town of Carman for their continued support in clean up efforts.
Thanks also to the many volunteers who arrived with chainsaws and rubber boots.
