🎣 A Record-Breaking Day on the Ice

February 21, 2026
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Harbour Harvest 2026 was more than an event — it was a full-scale community collaboration that transformed a winter harbour into a hub of connection, learning, and impact.

760 registered participants joined us on the ice, along with some onlookers who came to cheer, connect, and soak in the atmosphere. Together we celebrated accessibility, river stewardship, and winter adventure.

A Special Thank You to Nepean Sailing Club

Harbour Harvest simply would not be what it is without the extraordinary support of the Nepean Sailing Club.

They didn’t just provide a venue — they were true partners in execution.

Their team:

  • Ensured clear, safe pathways on the ice
  • Helped coordinate site logistics and flow
  • Provided access to warm, welcoming washrooms
  • Set up and supported the fire pit gathering space
  • Delivered a fantastic pancake breakfast (200+ served!)
  • Offered amazing hospitality through their professional and friendly staff
  • Supported behind-the-scenes preparation that made the day run smoothly

From early preparations to the final clean-up, they helped create an environment where families felt comfortable, safe, and cared for.

The harbour became more than ice — it became community. Anyone can dine at or enjoy this spot – check out their website!

💰 Financial Impact

Thanks to generous sponsors, partners, and participants:

  • $10,243.04 total profit after expenses
  • $800 reinvested to recover equipment and strengthen future events
  • $200 donated to Scouts – 116th Nepean
  • $200 donated to Scouts – 1st Stittsville

Direct Community Impact:

  • $4,521.52 to Ottawa Riverkeeper
  • $4,521.52 to Ottawa Community Housing Foundation

Every dollar supports conservation, youth development, and inclusive access to outdoor recreation.

🧊 The Effort Beneath the Surface

Great events are built on unseen work.

  • 60+ volunteers
  • Hundreds of hours of planning and coordination
  • 10 auger operators drilled 600+ holes in one morning
  • Average ice thickness: 22 inches

That’s 13,200 inches of ice drilled before the first fish was caught.

This event was powered by dedication.

🎣 Fishing Highlights

  • Over 400 participants used our tip-ups
  • For many, it was their first time ever ice fishing
  • More than 100 participants attended through community partner organizations
  • Several people caught their very first fish

To reduce stress on fish populations, we recorded only each angler’s leader fish — meaning we don’t really know how many fish were caught.

Three categories:

  • 🐟 Biggest Fish (Longest) was a 25.5 inch Pike- Winner of $600 and trophy – Steve Deyo
  • 🐠 Biggest “Other Species” was a 4.5 inch Sunfish – Winner of $300 and trophy – Mark DaCosta
  • Biggest Perch: Perhaps perch were caught — but hey didn’t make the leaderboard! So according to the rules, we said we would defer this to 2027, HOWEVER, it doesn’t feel right to keep this trophy and $300 cash! So we just made a decision to create a NEW Perch Photo Contest (closes July 5th, 2026)!

The true success wasn’t measured in inches — it was measured in smiles and first experiences.

🔥 Partners and Sponsors showing 🤝 Community Support

Harbour Harvest blended recreation, education, safety, and fun through a wide range of activations made possible by an outstanding group of sponsors and partners who believed in the mission and stepped up to help make it real.

Every corner of the site offered something to discover.

🌊 What This Really Means

Harbour Harvest is about more than fishing.

It’s about:

  • First-time anglers
  • Youth leadership
  • Conservation education
  • Accessible outdoor recreation
  • Safe winter community gathering

Nearly 900 people stood together on 22 inches of ice — and left with stronger connections than when they arrived.

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, sponsor, donor, and participant for helping transform a frozen harbour into something unforgettable.

We are incredibly proud of what we built together.

Stay connected to us on Social media – more pictures to follow:

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