Ottawa New Edinburgh Club

Ottawa New Edinburgh Club, usually known as ONEC, is a multi-sport club in Ottawa with rowing based at the River House on the Ottawa River. Its own site lists rowing alongside tennis, paddling and sailing, with adult programmes and children’s day camps.

The organisation began in 1883 as the Ottawa Canoe Club near the Rideau Canal locks. It moved downstream near the Governor General’s residence in 1894, then acquired a new site after a fire destroyed its boathouse in 1922. The present boathouse was constructed between 1914 and 1925, and the federal government recognised it as a heritage building in 2010.

Rowing became part of ONEC in the 1990s. In late 2001, three experienced rowers approached the club about developing a recreational rowing programme from the boathouse on the stretch of river opposite Kettle Island.

ONEC now provides rowing opportunities for members and non-members. Its wider programme is open to adults of different ages and experience levels, while the club’s day camps include water-based activities for children.

The National Capital Commission closed the former ONEC boathouse for a five-year renovation and reopened it as the River House. ONEC returned to the building after that work and identifies itself as a Rowing Canada member, enabling participation in tours and regattas across Canada.