Northern Lakes Chapter Restoration Project Canoe

In late 2020, a 14 foot  Peterborough canoe was acquired with plans to serve as a restoration candidate for the Northern Lakes Chapter. The intention is to use this canoe to demonstrate aspects of canoe repair during some the upcoming events tentatively planned for 2021.

 

The canoe originally belonged to Richard "Alan" Reid of Otonabee-South Monaghan (Peterborough) who passed away this year at 93. Reid utilised the canoe in the many waterways of the Kawartha region up until his 70s. A few years ago, Richard gave the canoe to his neighbour & caretaker who intended to do a full restoration but had given up on the project. According to her, the canoe was originally picked up directly from the Peterborough Factory sometime in mid-to-late 1950s. It was used heavily as a working boat for trapping beaver. 

As was the case with many boats from the time when the Peterborough canoe factories shutdown in 1960s, Reid decided to toughen up the boat by applying fibreglass to the hull. Additionally, the shoe keel standard on these models was removed and in its place, a narrow hardwood keel with two additional bilge keels were installed each using different fasteners.

All three keels are covered with a thick application of sloppy fibreglass but as this was likely done with 1960's era Polyester formula, it is chipping off relatively easily and should be easy to remove with a heat gun.

The canoe is currently located at the home of member Murat Vardar in the east end of Toronto just a short walk from Greenwood Subway Station.