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DETAILS

The Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala

The watershed’s best party is back! This year's Riverkeeper Gala will be held on May 21st, 2025, at Jacques Cartier Park. This is the National Capital Region’s premier fundraising event to support a clean and healthy river.

Join the party and enjoy all the highlights, including excellent networking opportunities, special musical performances, fine cuisine, premium beverages, spectacular auction items and a killer dance floor. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and you won't want to miss a minute!

DRESS CODE

The dress code is River Chic (semi-formal, cocktail attire), it’s time to show off your unique river style, dress with your own flair! There will be a coat and shoe check available to guests.

 

DINNER

The Riverkeeper Gala is a cocktail-style event where guests can mix and mingle all night! There is no seated dinner or need for meal selection. Guests will be treated to a meal-sized portion of food with a wide selection of tasty morsels and food stations offered. Options will be clearly marked with dietary preferences.

WEATHER

We’ve got you covered — rain or shine! We know the weather can be unpredictable, but rest assured, the Riverkeeper Gala is ready for anything. There will be covered areas, cozy spaces, and plenty of ways to stay warm and dry if needed. So don’t let the forecast hold you back — it’s going to be a magical night no matter what. We can’t wait to see you there!

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility accommodations are available to the best of our ability. If you are planning to attend and need accommodations, please contact us at gala@ottawariverkeeper.ca to let us know your needs. If you have suggestions for how we can make our event more accessible, we welcome your feedback.

GETTING THERE

DRIVING:

If you are driving to the Gala, we encourage you to make use of our shuttle service to and from the Gala. Park at 100 Sussex Drive and ride in style courtesy of sponsors Mercedes-Benz. You can access the parking lot via either lot entrances - west and east of the building. Look for the Riverkeeper tent canopy in the lot on the east side (near the falls) for the shuttle service.

TAXI/DROP-OFF: 

To reduce congestion, we recommend guests arriving by taxi or Uber to be dropped off at either the north parking lot of Jacques Cartier Park, or at the National Research Council of Canada to shuttle the venue.

BIKE: 

Bike valet will be available at the check-in tent. Volunteers will be keeping a watch over the bikes all night so you can enjoy your evening without worrying. You can also check your helmet at our coat & shoe check.

WALK: 

To avoid traffic and reduce congestion, we encourage walking to the event if possible. Shoe check will be available to swap out walking shoes for party shoes!

TRANSIT: 

Guests coming by bus can take the 31 Cépeg Groy bus, stopping at Sacré-Coeur/Notre-Dame-de-L’île and expect a 10-minute walk to the Gala venue. Alternatively, guests can take the 9 Hurdman to Sussex/King Edward and enjoy a short 2-minute walk to the shuttle service at the National Research Council of Canada (see above).

Venue

We’re beyond eager to party with you in “plein air” once again as we overlook the Ottawa River from Jacques Cartier Park

Come kick off gala season with us and embrace the warmth and excitement of springtime with this incredible outdoor party! There’ll be awe-inspiring, creative surprises popping up all over the venue and harkening back to past open-air Riverkeeper Galas at 50 Sussex and Lemieux Island.

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Music

Big Smoke Brass is bringing their high-energy, modern take on the brass band sound to the Riverkeeper Gala!

 

Born on the streets of Toronto and now a leading voice in the Canadian brass scene, their electrifying performances are known for heavy-hitting grooves, musical showmanship, and infectious energy. Get ready to dance by the river!

Honorary Riverkeeper

We’re so pleased to welcome Roy MacGregor, celebrated Canadian journalist and author, as an Honorary Riverkeeper, joining an incredible group of champions for water protection.

 

Roy has a passion for exploring Canada’s waterways by canoe and in 2005 was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

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Photo Booth

Remember the evening of the Riverkeeper Gala thanks to Enchanted Booth, who will be there with their digital photo booth!

Be sure to stop by, capture memories, and take home some fun moments from the night.

Auction

Riverkeeper Gala ONLINE Auction

Our wildly popular Riverkeeper Gala Auction always features unique and exclusive items. ​All proceeds from the auction go towards keeping our river swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for everyone.

If you are interested in donating items to the auction, please reach out to donations@ottawariverkeeper.ca.

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Tiffany April.jpg

Daisy Chain Link by
Tiffany April

Experience the blurred edges of memory and landscape with Daisy Chain Link, a 48" x 48" acrylic on canvas by Ottawa artist Tiffany April.

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Pistols Brewery.png

Pistols Brewing Experience Basket

Celebrate local craft brewing with this incredible $500 gift basket from Pistols Brewing, one of Ottawa’s rising stars in the craft beer scene. Perfect for beer lovers and champions of local business.

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Nordik 2.jpg

Nordik Spa Package

Take a break from the everyday with 2 day passes to Nordik Spa-Nature, located in scenic Chelsea, Quebec just minutes from Ottawa.

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Guitars and Gasoline Audience.jpg

Guitars and Gasoline Festival Passes

Set against the scenic backdrop of Calabogie, this one-of-a-kind event promises unforgettable music, incredible rides, and non-stop entertainment.

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Whitewater Village: 2-Night Stay

Get ready to relax and unwind at Whitewater Village Cottages. Plan your dream getaway where you'll enjoy a luxury 3-bedroom cottage (sleeps 6).

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Aiana.jpg

Aiāna Restuarant Gift Certificate

Embark on a culinary journey with a $250 gift certificate for Aiāna, just steps from Parliament Hill, where modern Canadian cuisine is celebrated with elegance and creativity.

Riverkeeper Gala LIVE Auction

This year's Riverkeeper Gala will also feature a LIVE auction with exclusive items only available for Gala guests to bid on! These items are only available the night of the Gala, so make sure you get your tickets to be able to place your bids!

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3 Night Stay at the Fogo Island Inn (Value: $13,500)

With a gorgeous stay at the 5-star Fogo Island Inn overlooking the breathtaking Atlantic Sea, you will enjoy all inclusive hospitality that was proudly lauded with 3 Michelin Keys. Embrace the beauty and rich history of the east coast, as you dine of locally sourced ingredients and enjoy peace of mind knowing that this Inn prioritizes sustainability and community vitality. Escape from your everyday, and enjoy a stay that is closer than you think.

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Dinner and Wine for 6 at Arlo (Value: $1200)

Experience an unforgettable evening at Arlo, one of Ottawa’s premier dining destinations. Listed as one of Canada’s Best Restaurants in 2023 and 2024, Arlo is renowned for its modern Canadian cuisine and expertly curated natural wine selection. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking an exceptional dining experience, Arlo provides a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and a menu that reflects the best of Ottawa's culinary scene.

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SUP Board from Level Six (Value: $1800)

Hit the water with confidence on the Level Six Eleven-Two XL, a high-performance stand-up paddleboard designed with stability, comfort, and versatility in mind. Ideal for larger paddlers, beginners, or those who want to bring along a dog or friend, this SUP is built for smooth cruising on lakes and flatwater. Unlike ocean-wave boards, this lake-specific SUP from Level Six offers unmatched stability and ease of use, perfect for fitness paddling, SUP yoga, or leisurely rides.

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Ciel et Bois 2-Night stay & Welcome Party (Value: $3,000)

Escape to the woods with a luxurious 2-night stay at Ciel et Bois, a modern chalet retreat that sleeps up to 16 guests. Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a weekend with friends, this beautifully designed space combines rustic charm with high-end comfort. But that’s not all! You will celebrate your 2-night stay with a welcome party that features bubbly and hors d’oeuvres! Host a party to kick off your retreat or reunion in the perfect way.

Sponsors

Our 2025 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

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Chair's Reception Sponsor

Music Sponsor

Sustainability Sponsor

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Gold Sponsors

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Silver Sponsors

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Bronze Sponsors

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Special Thanks

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Gala Commitee

The Gala Committee

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Patricia Barr

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Jason
Clark

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Caroline
Gomersall

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Dominique Dallaire

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Melissa
Hammell

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Chloe Hillier

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Courtney Kehoe

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Pauline Ngirumpatse

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Allison
Phillips

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Jessica Plummer

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Laura
Reinsborough

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Evan
Solomon

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Lara
Van Loon

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