Everything you need to know about our Kid's Fishing Day
• Kids Fishing Day was first envisioned by Jerry Ouellette in 2000.
• The notion was to invite kids who do not normally get the chance to go fishing and provide them with an exciting day of fishing and outdoor activities all at no cost.
• In May, 2001 Jerry and the late Norm Monaghan from the former South Central Ontario Big Game Association along with a small group of community organizations co-ordinated the first Kids Fishing Day at the Kendal Crown Land Area north of Bowmanville.
• The event was small and the location was limited, but all the kids had a great outing.
• After the initial success, the venue was changed the following year to the Heber Down Conservation Area in north Whitby to better accommodate the fish, the crowds and the activities.
• Since then it has been an annual anticipated event at Heber Down for the past 13 years; growth has been tremendous; and some years over 2000 participants have come out to enjoy Kids Fishing Day.
• In 2002, as Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Jerry enacted special funding to create, enhance and promote similar Kids Fishing Day events across the province.
• From the beginning, Kids Fishing Day has been supported by many community groups including Durham YWCA, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Eastview Boys and Girls Club, Oshawa Community Health Centre, Westmount Kiwanis, Oshawa Optimists, Durham Regional Police, and Calvary Baptist Church, who have all worked passionately toward the success of the event.
• Jerry also engaged the expertise of notable conservation groups and agencies including:
Ajax Rod and Gun Club, Kids Cops and Canadian Tire, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Sporting Dog Association, Pickering Rod and Gun Club, South Central Ontario Fish and Wildlife Association and the Toronto Sportsmen Show, who were willing to volunteer their time and resources to help organize, fundraise and lend assistance to the kids while fishing.
• With the continued support and cooperation of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, the Heber Down location has remained popular with attendees.
• Each year the pond is stocked with rainbow trout for the event. Bait along with hooks, sinkers, floats, rods and reels are provided and lunch, drinks, prizes and give-a-ways are offered to the kids all at no charge.
• Other dedicated conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Metro East Anglers, Muskies Canada, Hawgtown Bassmasters, MNR, Hunting Retriever Clubs Ontario, Lindsay Trappers Council and CLOCA have also provided informative displays, demonstrations and activities for the kids.
• Kids Fishing Day has experienced a set back with the re-construction at Heber Downs, but we're happy to announce in 2016, we're making our come back with a smaller private event and as we continue to grow, you can expect new exciting activities will be added so children can participate and learn about the outdoors.