The Barrie Yacht Club Receives $53,300 From Ontario Trillium Foundation for the Next Generation of Sailors

BARRIE, ON – On Sunday, November 24 local MPP Doug Downey met with members of The Barrie Yacht Club (BYC) to congratulate them on receiving a one-year, $53,300 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant will help BYC bolster their Club Sailing School for both adults and children, helping to create a new generation of passionate and certified sailors in the area. MPP Downey was joined by Rod Jackson, one of OTF’s Board of Directors, on Friday to present them with a plaque from OTF and hear more about the program.

“The BYC has such a great history here in Barrie. I am happy we are able to help them show more people the beauty of Kempenfelt Bay, and support sporting activities on Lake Simcoe through this wonderful organization,” said MPP Downey.

The BYC’s Sailing School helps kids work towards a CanSail level through the Ontario Sailing Association with fully qualified CanSail Instructors. They get the opportunity to learn how to sail Vibes, Lasers, Laser II’s or 420’s. Also, the adult program offers a low-pressure approach and combines classroom sessions with on the water sailing.

“This is just awesome. Thank you to Doug Downey and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. We cannot wait to make 2020 our best year yet,” said Mark Girard, Commodore of the Barrie Yacht Club.

The Barrie Yacht Club was registered in 1952 as a “Not for Profit Social Club.” Their objective is to encourage the building of yachts, to encourage sailing among amateurs and to promote water safety and fellowship among those interested in these sports. Members assist in the management and upkeep of the club, as they are a volunteer-based organization.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $108 million to 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.