History

In 1975, UCC parent Sam Craig, formerly of Cadillac Fairview Corporation, acquired a lease for the current Regatta Road site in the Toronto Outer Harbour. Within a year, Sam had purchased and built on the property the first Quonset hut to house Hanlan’s boats, oars, and other equipment. Since 1976, Hanlan youth rowers, representing either Hanlan or their high schools, have competed at the CSSRA Championships, Royal Canadian Henley, Canadian Championships, World Championships, and the Olympics.

During the late 1980s the club began to grow with the help of the increasing popularity of Masters rowing, following the 12th FISA Veterans International Regatta and the inaugural World Masters Games in August, 1985. By 1989, Havergal College had moved from the Argonaut Rowing Club to Hanlan. Sam Craig donated a second Quonset hut to accommodate the expanded fleet. A second dock was also constructed to accommodate the growth. From 1987, a formal executive committee was established, led first by Michael List and then by Debbie Beatty in the early 1990s. By then, Hanlan had over 200 members, including two high schools, Masters rowing enthusiasts, and a Learn-to-Row program.

In the mid-1990s, electricity was brought in and the road leading to the club was paved. A full summer program was put in place with well over 100 athletes competing in various regattas.

Hanlan was recently profiled by RowOntario. Read the full profile here: Getting to know the Hanlan Boat Club.