OUR HISTORY
The club began as a group of outdoor enthusiasts getting together, back in April of 1998. Rose-Marie Chretien, the club’s foundress, saw the need to have an outdoor club in this area and found that others shared her vision.
Inspired by the memory of her late brother Tommy, who passed away from cancer at an early age, she was prompted and motivated to move this idea forward. Through her efforts and persistance, many people jumped on board and over time her dream was realized.
Through the collaborative effort of many people, the group took shape and was formally made a club on February 11, 2001 , with an executive, bylaws, a constitution, and an annual fee.
Now numerous members take part in an assortment of activities.
Rose-Marie’s effort was soon blessed with the amazing talents of John. John’s computer skills and creativity were the springboard that helped get the club moving and organized. Over time, John produced posters, calendars, T-shirts, a logo.
We had our own handy-man, namely Gord. Gord was a tremendous and a constant help to the club. His talents were often at work in navigation, building frames to hold canoes and kayaks, constructing apparatus to transport the vessels, sewing tarps, to name a few. He had a big heart and shared his joy of being outdoors with others.
Don’t be deceived by his quiet demeanor, Kevin is a mover and a shaker, who looks ahead to plan events that will bring people together. He was the main force behind the event “Up the Creek, canoe and kayak paddle”. His experience in hiking, canoeing and camping has been essential in climatizing inexperienced members into the great outdoors.
Wayne has contributed to the club in numerous ways. Leading events at all levels he has become well known throughout the club. Although sometimes late, he is often there to welcome new guests, to volunteering his vehicle to drive and to share his vast experience to all members of the club. Thank you Wayne for your positive attitude and patient leadership.
JOIN US
JOIN US
Whether you love the outdoors but don’t feel comfortable on your own, would like to meet new and interesting people, would like to try something new, or are simply new to the area, we are the club for you. We offer a wide range of activities with experienced leaders to make you feel safe and comfortable on any event you attend. Please contact any one of our activity leaders for more information. See you soon in the great outdoors!
NEW TO THE CLUB
If you would like to “try out the club” before you join, you can attend activities for two full months from the date of your first activity – with the exception of any overnight activities. Additionally, you can also attend any activity that is listed on the schedule as an “OPEN EVENT” – these are events in which a signed waiver form is not required.
FORMER GUEST OR FORMER MEMBER
If you fall into this category – a guest or a member from a previous year – you will still be able to attend two activities (in addition to OPEN events) during the course of the year, before you would be required to become a member.
HOW TO JOIN
After completing these three steps below, contact our Membership Officer – or if you have any questions at any time, regarding the process:
Download the MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION below and complete the printed form.
Submit the annual membership fee of $25, cheques to be made out the Cornwall Outdoor Club.
FAQ
The membership ranges in age from 25 to 90 years old. Members consist of singles, couples and families who all share an interest in outdoor activities. The membership varies between 65-80 members.
The club represents the community of Cornwall and SD&G which has an ethnic diversity. About half the members are bilingual (French and English).
The Club Executive consists of elected members. They are voted in annually by the members at the General Meeting / Christmas Party. Meet our Executive.
The club participates in events throughout the year. They have included snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, cycling, hiking, indoor rock climbing, mountain hikes, swimming, canoe and kayaking, overnight camping trips, cottage weekends, social events (Picnics, Suppers, Christmas Parties) and much more.
Normally the events are within a two-hour radius of Cornwall, Ontario. We explore the counties of SD&G, the Laurentian Mountains and Gatineau Hills of Quebec, Adirondacks of New York, lakes and parks of Eastern Ontario. Larger trips have taken us to Northern Ontario, Vermont, New Hampshire and the Quebec City area. Visit Activity Photos for more.
Call the activity leader as early as possible. There may be changes to the event or meeting place, therefore arrive early. The times listed on the schedule are departure times.
The levels are a guideline as to the difficulty of the event (‘1’ being easier and ‘4’ being most difficult). The levels are listed on the schedule; the activity leader can give more details. See example of Levels.
This all depends on the season and type of event. Contact the activity leader for more details.
Once a year (January 1 to December 31) all participants to a Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air event must sign a waiver. It is a legal document outlining the responsibilities of the participant. Read the waiver for more details.
Open Events do not require a participant to sign a waiver. There is no carpooling and they are usually hosted by other groups such as the City of Cornwall or the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary.
Guests can attend overnight events if they submit a waiver prior to the event. Contact the membership officer for further details.
To enter the USA it is required that all participants bring a valid passport to cross the border. It is also recommended that participants purchase health insurance for the period in which they are traveling in the USA. Insurance can be purchased at banks, travel agencies or your insurance broker.
A new guest can attend up to two months of activities excluding overnight events. This is to allow the guest to get to know the members and the events before deciding to join the club. After the two month period the guest must decide if he/she is going to join.
A returning guest or past member can only attend a maximum of two events for the year, excluding “Open Events”. The return guest policy is meant for friends of members who want to participate occasionally with the club.
To join the club an individual must submit a completed membership form and the membership fee. For further information refer to the Join Us page or contact the membership officer.
Contact the membership officer.
All members are voted into the club by the executive.
The club has the following equipment – Snowshoes (7 pairs), a tent (2 person), canoes (3), a sea kayak, first aid kits (4), walkie talkies, a bike rack, a food barrel for camping. See the complete list.
Members can sign out the club equipment; they must follow the equipment rules found in the Constitution. Newer members are given priority over older members to encourage participation. Sign out the equipment with the activity leader for the specific event as early as possible
The club has a Constitution that outlines the purpose, structure and function of the club. It can be downloaded through this link.
INTRODUCING OUR EXECUTIVES
PRESIDENT
Wayne
I have been a member for more than twenty years I have participated in all type of events including canoe camping in the Adirondacks, hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and snowshoeing at local conservation areas. I enjoy kayaking and hanging out with friends.
PAST PRESIDENT
Normand
I have been involved with the club for several years. My passion is the great outdoors, especially walks and hikes.I enjoy cycling and swimming as well. I hope you will come out and join me.
ACTIVITY OFFICER
Kevin
I have been involved with the Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air almost since the beginning. I have participated in events far and wide including White Mountains of New Hampshire, cycling on the P’tit Train du Nord in the Laurentians, paddling in the Raisin River Race here in Cornwall and snowshoeing in the old growth forest of “Elders Grove.” I am excited to lead new events and meet new people.
treasurer
Diane
I am an event manager who moved from the Toronto area to Long Sault in 2020 and is enjoying country life. I enjoy cycling, hiking and walks with my dog Griff in the summer and snowshoeing and winter hiking.
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
Sylvie
I have been involved with the club since 2007 and have served on the Executive as well as the web and publicity committees. I enjoy writing monthly stories about our Outdoor Club activities in The Cornwall Seeker when I am not out enjoying the fresh air. Over the years the club has challenged me to try new things and develop new skills and has introduced me to some wonderful people.
SECRETARY
Hello. My name is Abigail. I am fairly new to the club. When I am not teaching or practicing Tai Chi, I enjoy long walks and snowshoeing. I hope to see you on the trails.
RESERVE OFFICER
Hi there, I am Julie Clément, a mother of three wonderful daughters and a Realtor. I moved to Long Sault two years ago and I joined the COCPDA to meet great people and to discover our region and its surrounding areas.