Kenora in Kenora District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Flame on the Water 1995
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022
1. Flame on the Water 1995 Marker
Created by Dan Sawatzky of Chemainus, British Columbia, the mural is titled after a rowing term, Riding the Flame, which means the Herculean effort made by the rowers to propel their boats over the finish line in a competition. Featured in the mural are the two world champion scullers which put Rat Portage, (Kenora) on the map of international rowing competition shortly after the turn of the century.
Erected by Kenora Rotary Club.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Sports • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 7, 1901.
Location. 49° 46.127′ N, 94° 29.381′ W. Marker is in Kenora, Ontario, in Kenora District. It is on Main Street South (Trans-Canada Highway) (Provincial Highway 17) just north of McClellan Avenue, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted on the southeast corner of the Lake of the Woods Racquet Club building, facing South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 Main Street South, Kenora ON
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Ontario and specifically in Northwest Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rat Portage Rowing Club (a few steps from this marker); Early Exploration (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Hudson's Bay Company Fort at Rat Portage on Old Fort Island, 1857 (about 90 meters away); Governor General's Arrival (about 90 meters away); Transportation (about 90 meters away); The Boundary Dispute (about 90 meters away); Town of Kenora Waterfront History (about 90 meters away); A 1920 View of Today's McLeod Park (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kenora.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022
2. Flame on the Water Mural - Jacob Gaudaur
Also see . . . Kenora Rowing 1901.
Kenora boasts having the oldest rowing club in North Western Ontario which commenced with the formation of the Rat Portage Rowing Club. The Rat Portage Rowing Club was formed in 1890. In 1894 the local Rowing Club joined the Minnesota-Winnipeg Rowing Association. John L. Hackett was the first Rat Portage Rower to make his mark on the race circuit but was far surpassed by fellow resident Jake Gaudaur. The World sculling championship [Sep. 7th, 1901] was held in Rat Portage between Jake Gaudaur and Australian George Towns. Gaudaur was defeated by Towns.(Submitted on April 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022
3. Flame on the Water Mural - Jack Hackett
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022
4. Flame on the Water 1995 Marker & Mural
The mural spans the north side of the Lake of the Woods Racquet Club building; the marker is at the far left.
via Digital Archive, 1901
5. World Professional Sculling Championship, Rat Portage (Kenora), September, 1901.
Group portrait of spectators, reporters, etc., including John Sinclair Robertson, fifth from left
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on December 31, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
