Circa 1940's: Original Boat Ramp and Peterbourgh Cedar Strip Racing Boat 'Comet'
A Long Standing History
The Dunnville Boat Club has been a cornerstone of our waterfront community for nearly 75 years. Since its humble beginnings in the 1940s with a group of boating enthusiasts and its formal establishment in 1950, the club has evolved while remaining deeply rooted in the community.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community
Our club has withstood the test of time, weathering the changing landscape of Dunnville’s waterfront. From the days of the feed mill and arena to the bustling farmers’ market, and condominiums of today, the boat club has remained a constant, connecting generations through a shared love of boating and community.
We are more than just a club, we’re a vital part of Dunnville’s gateway to Lake Erie. Our affordable ramp not only serves fishermen and boating enthusiasts but is also essential for local emergency and governmental services such as the OPP, Fire Department, Coast Guard, RCMP, Border Services Canada, and research vessels. In the summer months, we welcome visitors from across Lake Erie, providing transient docking spaces that bring patrons to our local restaurants, markets, and festivals.
The Dunnville Boat Club has always been about more than boats—it’s about people. We’re a working club where members contribute their time and skills to support our shared mission. We’re proud to have woven ourselves into the fabric of the community through charitable donations, both past and present such as; events like Thunder on the Grand, and more recently with the flagpole placement at the former arena’s centre ice.
A Commitment to Giving Back
On average, we donate approximately $3000 a year to local organizations such as; Thompson Creek Breakfast Club, Salvation Army, Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, Food Bank, and Dunnville Legion. We have a deep commitment to the well-being of Dunnville and the values we share with our members and community.