Conquer The Rideau Canal

Soldier On will host an exciting and challenging National Event on one of Canada’s most historic and beautiful waterways, the Rideau Canal. The Rideau Canal, also known unofficially as the Rideau Waterway, connects Canada's capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston. It is 208 kilometres long. The Rideau Canal was conceived in the wake of the War of 1812 to serve as a war-time supply route providing a secure water route for troops and supplies from Montreal to reach the settlements of Upper Canada and the strategic naval dockyard at Kingston. In 1832, the Rideau Canal officially opened with 47 locks, 23 lock stations and supporting dams and bridges, providing through navigation between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. First designated a national historic site in 1925, the canal was later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. The site is valued for its canal construction and engineering technology, its integrity and authenticity, the contribution and sacrifices of canal construction labourers, its military purpose and its contributions to the social and economic development of Upper Canada. During the era of construction two major native tribal groups inhabited the lands of the Rideau region, the Iroquoian and Algonquian. The people who populated much of the Rideau region were known as the Algonquin, although there were no permanent settlements in the area traversed by the Rideau Waterway. A "hunter-gatherer" culture, they used the Rideau area as a source of food, setting up hunting and fishing camps throughout the region. From 9-18 September 2022 a team of Soldier On Members from across Canada will challenge themselves physically and mentally and canoe from Kingston to Ottawa along the Rideau Canal thereby “Conquering the Rideau Canal”. The event will culminate on 18 September with the team members walking as a group in the 5 km Canada Army Run route.

This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
 
The aim of this activity is to provide an opportunity for both serving and Veteran ill/injured CAF members to have a very unique and challenging experience which will permit them to experience the beauty of the Rideau Canal in an outdoor environment, while supporting their fellow Soldier On members.  Regardless of the current skill level, the participants will receive expert instruction on canoeing prior to the launch of the expedition.

Eighteen Soldier On participants, from across Canada, will journey to Kingston, ON to join their fellow members.  Once assembled, the team will spend two days of preparation, including preparation of equipment, watermanship training, safety and canoe instruction.  Following a “Bon Voyage” event, the team will depart on a 9 day, 8 night Canoe trip along the length of the Rideau Canal covering distances of 18 km to 27 km per day. Each night will be spent camping at a Canal Lock or Ontario Provincial Park Campsite with a variety of events and activities planned along the route. 
 
The team will be supported by A Land Support Team (LST) comprised of serving members and Soldier On volunteers. Meals will consist of a combination of freshly prepared camp meals, bag lunches during daily canoe travel, and arranged restaurant visits.
 
Upon arrival in Ottawa the team will rendezvous with the Soldier On Canada Army Run Team and conduct a symbolic link-up. The following morning will see the team join in the Canadian Army Run to celebrate their amazing feat by walking the 5 kms route as a team while supporting their fellow Army Run team members.  All participants must be able to participate in both the canal trip and the run/walk.
 
Travel, lodging, meals, camping fees and registrations will be provided by Soldier On.  Expedition equipment and camp stores will also be provided by Soldier On while members will be expected to provide personal clothing and equipment required to live comfortably and safely outdoors over an extended period.

Schedule of Events

Schedule (A detailed itinerary will be provided to selected participants)
 
  • 6 September  – Travel to Kingston
  • 7-8 September – Preparation and Training
  • 9-17 September –Conquer the Rideau Canal
  • 18 September – Canadian Army Run
  • 19 September – Travel Home


The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 18.
 
Minimum eligibility criteria:
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) across Canada who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.
 
Medical: Medical clearance will be required for all participants through your medical physician or chain of command.
 
Authority: Serving members will require authorization to participate from their chain of command (Officer with CO concurrence).  Serving members are considered “on duty” while at a Soldier On event.
 
Mental & Physical Requirements
 
Participants must be able to tolerate full days of activities in an outdoor environment. Due to the busy activity schedule and distances to be covered daily, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day however the pace when canoeing will be controlled and moderate.  Due to unknown weather conditions some days may be more difficult to paddle (wind, rain) and members must be prepared to challenge themselves and continue throughout. Safety of participants will never be compromised. 
 
Canoeing requires continuous movement and repetition of shoulder, arm and upper body movement while being able to balance from a kneeling or sitting position for long periods.  Participants will be provided with a basic exercise program designed to assist in preparing them for the journey. 
 
The member’s heavy equipment and camp stores will be loaded in vehicles for transfer between campsites however members will have to assist in moving their canoes, daypacks and safety equipment on short portages and in/out of the water.  Camp life will be a team effort with all members assisting.
 
Members must be able to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) at all times when on the water.  Self-inflation devices will not be permitted.  Participants will undergo watermanship training which will include “overboard” drills and a 25 meter open water swim while wearing a PFD.
 
Campsite living will be in tents. The intent of Soldier On at this time is to provide each member with a personal tent.  Cots and air mattresses will be available.  Personal sleeping bags will be a member’s responsibility due to hygiene and sizing reasons. 

Members must be able to function in an outdoor environment even during poor weather.  Personal medical conditions and medicines should be carefully considered especially if special storage conditions for prescriptions must be met.
 
During time on the Canal participants may from time to time not have access to all of the modern amenities. These may include, electricity, modern plumbing, cell phone access, hot water, etc. Soldier On will ensure that amenities are available where possible.
 
Participants will be required to walk as a group in the 5 km Canadian Army Run. 
 
Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. 
 
Participants must be prepared to live in Canadian Armed Forces Base Accommodations and dine in a military mess hall during the preparation phase.  While in Ottawa, hotels and group meals or per diem will be provided.  Members will reside in double-occupancy in hotels and may be in double occupancy in base accommodations.
 
Members will be exposed to the CAF environment
 
Transport and Meals
Soldier On will make all travel arrangements or confirm methods of travel for those travelling by personal vehicle according to NPP Travel Policy. 
 
Deadline for Nomination Forms. 
Must be received by Soldier On NLT Friday, 5 August 2022
Click here to fill out your expression of interest.

Click here to fill out your medical and chain of command authorization form.
COVID-19
Soldier On events are planned in accordance with municipal, provincial, territorial and federal public health measures (PHM) and regulations as well as the Canadian Armed Forces health policy and guidelines. The health and safety of Soldier On participants and staff, PSP staff, and CAF TG personnel are paramount.

While specific safety precautions for each event will depend on the scope, scale and location of the event, the utmost care will be undertaken to ensure the risk associated with the spread of COVID-19 is very low. Specific precautions, rules, regulations and observances will be communicated to selected participants for this specific camp in due course, but all applicants must be prepared to:
  • Be familiar with, and adhere to current PHM regulations and guidance;
  • Refrain from participating in a Soldier On event if they have tested positive for COVID-19, have come in contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of the virus;
  • Practice physical distancing during activity, including the use of non-medical mask when appropriate;
  • Follow all safety precautions provided by Soldier On and its sport service providers;
  • Inform Soldier On immediately if you are not feeling well.
 
Soldier on, during the conduct of this activity, shall:
 
  • Ensure that the event is conducted following the current PHM regulations and guidelines of the location in question;
  • Ensure that all staff and participants are using PPE properly and following necessary protocols;
  • Soldier On will cease the event if participants do not respect any of the health and safety protocols that are in place;
  • Ensure PPE, hand sanitizer and disinfectant supplies are available and are being used according to PHM;
  • Continue to monitor the further provincial lifting of or changes in restrictions which may affect their operations;
  • Track physical interactions (time/date/attendees/location) on physical activity log.
 
Be advised that Canadian travel regulations and restrictions remain in effect.  Applicants must be aware of those travel regulations and be able to meet the requirements to travel domestically.    

Confirmation details

The event OPI will confirm in writing with the participants selected for this activity.
 
An activity delivery questionnaire will be sent to selected participants to complete and return. This will assist the event OPI with the planning of logistics and the activity.
 
A joining instruction will be issued prior to event; ensuring applicants are authorized to participate IAW applicable policies & eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The Conquer The Rideau Canal event is an exciting and challenging event which will encourage ill/injured serving CAF personnel and veterans to develop new skills, engage socially with others while personally challenging themselves individually and as a team member. 

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