Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Restoring the Henley Rowing Course at Martindale Pond
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 15, 2025
1. Restoring the Henley Rowing Course at Martindale Pond Marker
Martindale Pond has seen more than a lifetime of rowing competition. Since 1903, St. Catharines has hosted the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta at this site. People of all ages participating in high school, university, club programs, adult recreation leagues, masters and elite world championships have rowed on this Henley course. During the 1990's, this community resource was at risk. The natural sediment deposits left as Twelve Mile Creek flowed through the course created very shallow areas, eroding its standing as a FISA Class A rowing course. The Henley Regatta, and eventually all rowing on Martindale Pond, were in Jeopardy. With the focus of the 1999 FISA World Rowing Championships being held in St. Catharines, a group of local volunteers dedicated themselves to restoring the Henley course and the ecology of Martindale Pond. Through the collective effort and generosity of many individuals, families, groups, businesses, and all levels of government, the Henley course was upgraded to World Championship Class A standards. This monument, named "The Heavy Eight", recognizes these volunteers and donors. Their dedication has
this page online
This monument was dedicated on July 28, 1999 in memory of A. Stewart Howes, founder of Lincoln Fabrics Ltd., a participant and lifelong supporter of rowing.
Erected 1999.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1999.
Location. 43° 12.016′ N, 79° 16.01′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Port Dalhousie. It can be reached from Lakeport Road south of Harbour Walkway Trail, on the right when traveling south. From the parking lot at the north end of Rennie Park, this sculpture is 80 metres south along the paved path. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Lakeport Rd, St Catharines ON L2N 4P5, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 15, 2025
2. The sculpture, "The Heavy Eight", and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Catharines Horticultural Society (within shouting distance of this marker); First Women Rowers In The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta 1948 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Muir Brother's Dry Docks (within shouting distance of this marker); Dalhousie House circa 1850 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Quakers and Conscientious Objection (about 90 meters away); Muir Bros. Dry Dock Shipbuilders (about 90 meters away); The Pull (about 150 meters away); History on the Former Mill and Carpentry Shop of the Port Dalhousie Gate Yard (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.
More about this marker. In this sculpture, the central block describes the historical project. The eight surrounding vertical stones list volunteers and contributors for the project.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 15, 2025
3. Path to the sculpture, "The Heavy Eight"
From the parking lot at the north end of Rennie Park, the sculpture is 80 metres south along this path.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 16, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
