Laura Reinsborough (Riverkeeper and CEO, Ottawa Riverkeeper) and Tara-Leigh Mierins at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.
The Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala brought supporters to Lemieux Island for an evening of fundraising and celebration in support of protecting local waterways, raising a total of $320,000 for river conservation programs.
The evening opened with a performance by the Eagle River Singers drum group, followed by remarks from Anishinaabe Algonquin Elder and Honorary Riverkeeper Claudette Commanda. Riverkeeper and CEO Laura Reinsborough also reflected on 25 years of the organization’s history and impact.
Guests participated in both online and live auctions, helping raise nearly $66,000 for river protection initiatives. Auctioneer Ryan Watson led the live bidding. The Fund-A-Need campaign generated support for a new Zodiac boat for the organization’s science team to use for river monitoring.
Guests also enjoyed cocktails, food and live music from Toronto-based band The 99s, while rainbows over the river at sunset provided a memorable close to the evening.
Lara Van Loon (the first-ever Riverkeeper, from 2001 to 2004), Olivia (Liv) Schnare (Artist) and Maxwell Van Loon (Riverkeeper Gala Committee) in front of the River Arch created by Olivia using reclaimed materials at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Gilbert Whiteduck (Ottawa Riverkeeper) and Claude Latour (Anishinabe artist) at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Mark Fisher (Canada Water Agency), Geoff Green (Ottawa Riverkeeper) and Dave Rayner (Ottawa Riverkeeper) at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Members of the Eagle River Singers drum group performed during the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid brought the energy at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Jeff Parkes (Taggart Realty Management) and Gillian Rowan-Legg at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Heather Bradley, Kevin Vickers (Honorary Riverkeeper) and his granddaughter Reese Vickers at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Charles Sezlik (Sezlik.com), Russell Gibson (Gibson Tanner Rabin LLP), Barb Sweazey (Riverkeeper Gala Committee) and Dr. Mark Sweazey (Gloucester Centre Chiropractic) at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Bianca Hamway (ManhattanWest) enjoying the live auction at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Lynda Sehi and Syphax Chelghoum of Desjardins at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.A beautiful rainbow after a light rain at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on Lemieux Island, May 27, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.
