The Nelson Paddling Club needs a new home for its 51 boats.
The Nelson Rowing Club, located in the City of Nelson-owned boathouse at Lakeside Park, subleases part of that space to the Paddling Club annually.
But the Rowing Club has decided it needs all the space in the building because of the growth of its membership, its increasing inventory of equipment, and its new programs for youth. The Paddling Club says it has been given a notice to leave by April 30.
The Paddling Club first received notice last summer of the Rowing Club's decision not to renew the sublease. The two clubs and the city have been discussing this off and on since.
"We have a lot of equipment, a lot of infrastructure, a lot of love for this club," said Paddling Club president Daija Currie. "And we are looking for help from the City of Nelson to negotiate or just support us in finding a new location."
The Nelson Paddling Club, established in 1992, offers programs for youth and adults starting at the age of eight. Its youth programs emphasize opportunities to compete at the BC Summer Games.
The Paddling Club portion of the boathouse contains $97,000 worth of boats and boards, according to Currie.
"Nelson is the only place in the East and West Kootenays that has a paddle club and a lake," says Currie. "So what it means for the youth of Nelson is that usually we get an eight-person team that goes to the B.C. Summer Games that runs every two years."
The next B.C. Summer Games is in 2026. The club says it needs this year to train for the event.
