Rowing Canada Aviron is pleased to announce the 2024 inductees to the Canadian Rowing Hall of Fame. Four outstanding individuals have been selected by RCA’s Hall of Fame committee and are being recognized for their contributions to our sport as builders.
In-person induction event details:
DATE: August 7th, 2025 – In the evening, during the week of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.
LOCATION: St. Catharines Rowing Alumni Association Alumni Hall.
Information on how to purchase tickets will be available shortly.
The Henley Aquatic Association “Four”
The four posthumous Hall of Fame inductees of 2024 are Bill Burgoyne, Don Thom, Ted Nelson, and John Newman.
These visionary builders combined their business acumen and foresight to acquire Reid Island, which would go on to become one of the most prestigious rowing facilities in North America. Their collective efforts reshaped the landscape of Canadian rowing, establishing the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (RCHR) as one of the sport’s most respected annual events. In 1970, the venue became the first Class A FISA certified course in North America. Since the opening of the island, it has hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1970, 1999, and 2024.
In the aftermath of World War II, Canadian rowing faced numerous challenges. Under the leadership of Ted Nelson and the collective dedication of Burgoyne, Thom, and Newman, the “four” sought ways to secure the future of rowing in St. Catharines.
In 1948, Nelson and other members of the St. Catharines Rowing Club identified Reid Island as a potential long-term solution. However, the island was owned by Mrs. Maude Gander, who was opposed to any development of the land. Despite financial limitations that made the plan unfeasible at the time, Nelson maintained a steady dialogue with Mrs. Gander for years to follow.
From 1953 to 1971, the Henley Aquatic Association (HAA) experienced a period of renewed leadership. In 1953, Don Thom assumed the presidency and revisited Nelson’s proposal for Reid Island.
Thanks to Nelson’s enduring relationship with Mrs. Gander and her growing trust in his vision, she eventually agreed to donate the island to the HAA. Once the island was secured, the HAA “four” led an ambitious eleven-year development project. Drawing on their individual strengths in communications, course development, property management, and finance, they worked together to transform the island into a world-class rowing venue.
After dredging the course and canal, the team created space for shell houses, essential facilities, and other infrastructure designed to meet international FISA standards. With the foundation in place, opportunities to host major events quickly followed, marking the beginning of Henley Island’s long-standing legacy in rowing.
Each of the four served a term as President of the Henley Aquatic Association and remained deeply involved in their respective roles for more than 18 years. Their leadership guided the HAA through critical periods of growth and ensured its success well beyond 1966.
Thanks to their vision and dedication, Henley Island has now been home to prestigious rowing events for over 57 years, firmly establishing Canada as a key presence on the North American rowing calendar. Henley Island is at the heart of Canadian rowing, hosting premier national and international competitions and attracting elite athletes from across the globe.
RCA congratulates all of the 2024 Canadian Rowing Hall of Fame inductees’ friends, families, and relatives who will accept this honour on their behalf, and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments in the Canadian rowing community this year.
About the Canadian Rowing Hall of Fame
RCA recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of Canadian rowers, coaches, and builders at the highest levels of the sport, and those whose efforts have contributed directly to growing and supporting the sport of rowing.