A man showing the camera the fish caught
Photo Credit: Jack Robinson

Despite some snow and a cool minus 14°C, new and experienced anglers, volunteers, and supporters came together for another successful Harbour Harvest (2025).

Hosted at the Nepean Sailing Club, the Eighth Annual Harbour Harvest one-day event held on the Sunday of the Family Day long weekend (February 16) welcomed an estimated 350 participants, including over 200 first-time anglers.

Four people standing together in a winter snowfall
Photo credit: Luigi Liu

Harbour Harvest Event Director and NSC member Dan Dubeau, and a team of 50-plus volunteers (many from the NSC) drilled more than 400 holes through 20 inches of ice, cleared snow, managed equipment, and ensured that the event ran safely and smoothly.

A small group of people smiling at the camera
Photo credit: Luigi Liu

Over $3,000 in donated prizes and awards were given out, including $2,000 in cash and trophies for the ‘big fish’ winners! Participants enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee, a pancake breakfast, ice safety and rescue demonstrations, a raffle, a 50/50 draw, and a variety of fantastic prizes all contributed by generous community sponsors.

Thanks to generous sponsorship and community support, the event raised $6,130 for the Ottawa Riverkeeper and the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation.

People outdoors looking at a ice rescue practice
Photo credit: Luigi Liu


For great photos and a full description of the event, its activities, winners, sponsors, partners, volunteers, please visit the Harbour Harvest 2025 website.

NSC and its many volunteers make events like this happen. Special shout-out to James Pole and the entire NSC contingent for going all out to make this fun and unique winter event a great success.

A full list of NSC events can be found here.