Our History

Rowing and paddling became official in Port Moody in the late 1960s under the leadership of the late, John Rockingham. A permanent facility had been planned but was never developed. Rowing and paddling ceased in the early 1970s. 

At the same time, organized sailing became popular in Port Moody. Over the next 25 years, Centennial Sailing Club (CSC) hosted many sailing events in Port Moody including national and provincial events. In 1987, CSC began to develop a permanent sailing facility for children at Rocky Point Park. In 1996 this organization was registered under the BC Society’s Act as Rocky Point Sailing Association (RPSA) – an organization dedicated to low-cost (or free) sail training for children and youth. 

In 1999 the Port Moody Rowing and Paddling Centre joined RPSA in an effort to convince the local governments that a  properly built structure was required to develop non-powered sports in the area. As a result, the City of Port Moody initiated a task force to this end and the Port Moody Rowing, Sailing and Paddling Centre was registered under the Society’s Act (#S–42077) on Sept. 15, 2000 to ensure that all local clubs, organizations and institutions would be properly represented. 

A design and implementation committee was formed from the task force, basic design features were agreed upon and an architect was hired – rba Burgers of West Vancouver, BC. Formal designs were made and agree upon and the final plans were made. 

A sod-turning ceremony took place on July 21, 2001 with Mayor Trasolini of Port Moody. 

The Old Mill Boathouse (OMBH) was created to provide a recreation and training centre for boaters involved in rowing, dinghy sailing, canoeing, kayaking and dragon boating. Aside from boat storage, change rooms, showers and a common room, the OMBH has a ‘Great Room’ on the upper floor with a feature fireplace and balcony for social functions. 

The Old Mill Boathouse is managed by the Old Mill Boathouse Society which is a non-profit society. We are extremely grateful to the City of Port Moody for their financial backing and support.

Construction was completed in the winter of 2001/02 at an estimated cost of $1.1 million. The City of Port Moody provided the property and $650,000, while the BC Government contributed $200,000 through the ‘BC 2000 Community Spirit Millennium Fund.

The OMBH Society contributed a total of $250,000 towards the construction of the building. Just under $80,000 was raised through corporate and public fundraising campaigns. Corporate donors were recognized by brass plates on the outside and inside of the building. Public donors were recognized by inscribed tiles placed around the fireplace in the Great Hall.

On July 1, 2002, during Golden Spike Days, the Old Mill Boathouse officially opened. The Old Mill Boathouse is home to Rowing, Sailing, and Paddling Clubs, and the Sea Cadets. Its Great Hall is available to rent for special events.

The Old Mill Boathouse includes a heritage element that incorporates seven large timber trusses saved from the demolition of a former Flavelle Cedar Mill Building, circa 1900. The building consists of two levels. The lower level consists of 3 bays that store marine craft and a common room. The upper level consists of the Great Hall as seen in the above picture, which has a kitchen, washrooms, storage room, three offices, and a deck overlooking the Inlet. The building is handicapped-accessible.