Petrie Island Canoe Club faces closure due to financial struggles The Petrie Island Canoe Club may be forced to close due to financial pressures, but the club is working to stay afloat with a short-term fundraiser and hopes for a long-term solution with the city's support. The Petrie Island Canoe Club may be forced to close at the end of October as financial pressures mount due to a new boathouse costing nearly $1.45 million more than twice the initial estimate. Construction Delays Boost Boathouse CostsThe recent construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and costs rose accordingly. In ten years, club founder and commodore Sarah Kennedy has seen the club grow with hundreds of members, offering services like summer camps, competitive groups and free services to non-members. The club's financial struggles have been exacerbated by the construction costs.The club's commodore, Sarah Kennedy, is worried about the closure, saying she has seen the kids who participate in the club grow and develop over the years, and it would be heartbreaking to see the club disappear. The club offers French-speaking programs and nature education excursions that do not exist at other prominent clubs in the city, making it a vital resource for east-end residents.City Considers Buying Club BuildingThe club has launched a short-term fundraiser to try and stay afloat, but club coach Nuala Clark points out that the best long-term solution would be for the City of Ottawa to buy the building, which would provide the club with a secure source of funding. The city has acknowledged the club's financial struggles and has begun reviewing its finances and operations to determine whether they can provide any assistance. In a statement to Radio-Canada, Orléans East-Cumberland Coun.Matthew Luloff said he remains committed to helping the club continue to operate despite election-related restrictions. Kennedy said the club is now relying on hope for a long-term solution, so they can continue their mission to serve the community through their programs.