Port Colborne in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Derek Point

Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 14, 2025

1. Derek Point - Marker

Inscription. This point where Old and New Canals meet, was renamed Derek Point and dedicated to the memory of Derek K. Zavitz, lost at sea December 5, 1996 off the coast of Australia.

The dedication to this proud young native of the Port Colborne area is so fitting, as Derek loved the sea.

"The Calmness of Derek Broo's O'er the Seas"
Darwin

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Welland Canals series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1996.

Location. 42° 54.236′ N, 79° 14.765′ W. Marker is in Port Colborne, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from Ramey Avenue. The marker is easily seen within Derek Point Park, along the Welland Canals trail, where another path forks off to the north (toward the actual point). It is 200 metres north of Ramey Road along the trail; and also 200 metres east of Weir Road along the trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 Ramey Avenue, Port Colborne ON L3K 2L2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is

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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 a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Meets New - A Walk Across History (here, next to this marker); Port Colborne Tourist Information "Lighthouse" (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Humberstone Hall (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Welland Ship Canal (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Memorial to John Hansen (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Knights of Columbus Gazebo (approx. half a kilometer away); Augustine House (approx. half a kilometer away); Citizens of Port Colborne Who Gave Their Lives ... Welland Canals (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Colborne.

Regarding Derek Point. Derek Zavitz died around December 5, 1996; off the coast of Australia. The training sailing ship Concordia

Derek Point - reverse of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 14, 2025

2. Derek Point - reverse of marker

Extract from Derek's diary entry, describing camping on a Pacific island.

suffered an explosion during battery charging; Zavitz, who was aloft at the time, was thrown overboard; and neither he nor his body was recovered.

Derek Point - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 14, 2025

3. Derek Point - Marker in context

Photo faces north and north-west, from the south end of Derek Point park. The walking/hiking path on the left is the Welland Canals trail; the path on the right just goes 200 metres to the north end of the island. The old Robin Hood flour mill (currently owned by LAC - London Agricultural Commodities) looms across the weir channel.

LAC (Robin Hood) Flour Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 21, 2025

4. LAC (Robin Hood) Flour Mill

Photo faces north-east from the walking bridge over Port Colborne's weir channel. The weir channel joins the main canal just past Derek Point (right, concealed by bushes).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.