Open house next week for Brant Pedalers & Paddlers, a seniors group aimed at promoting healthy, active living

By Casandra Turnbull

If you love the great outdoors and strive to remain active in the company of like-minded individuals in your community, look no further than the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers (BP&P) who always welcome new members.

The not-for-profit recreational organization is a year-round outdoor activity centric group that aims to promote and maintain active lifestyles in an organized manner, while respecting and protecting the environment. BP&P is dedicated to helping maintain a small portion of the Grand Valley Trail at Hardy Road as part of their environmental stewardship mandate.

Members meet throughout the week to participate in a variety of health-conscious activities: cycling, paddling, hiking, walking and winter-related sports. They actively seek local and provincial initiatives that impact the activities they participate in to contribute to the overall focus of healthy aging. The club has a membership of 100 active adults who range in age from early 50s to 80+.

“We welcome all those who enjoy the wonderful outdoors in all seasons, have a ready smile, a small portion of the Grand Valley Trail at Hardy Road. and comfortable/sturdy shoes. A bike helmet is required for cycling and owning a kayak/canoe is helpful,” said Deborah Vickers, Co-Chair of BP&P. Each spring the group promotes itself through an annual open house designed attract new members and showcase the adventures from previous years. On May 10th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Brant Sports Complex in Paris, interested residents are encouraged to pop by and see what BP&P is about.

BP & P was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who live in Paris. They approached the County of Brant and entered a partnership with a shared objective of providing a healthy and respectful place to live. The organization grew to more than 100 members by 2019 and while Covid caused a minor decline in membership, the group was still able to meet through the pandemic as most activities took place outdoors in a safe, socially distanced format.

As the pandemic passed the membership grew back to pre-Covid status.

Membership fees are $30/individual or $45 a couple. Being a member gives you access to a plethora of activities and friendships year-round Rain or snow doesn’t slow the group down, in fact weather can play a significant role in the planned activities. It’s not uncommon for the group to put on some snowshoes or bundle up and hike through the snowcovered trails in the winter. In the warmer months you might find them cycling to Woodstock, Port Dover or the Hamilton Harbour and Escarpment; or you might see them paddling down the Grand River or Big Creek; don’t be surprised if you find them hiking along the Grand Valley Trail system or participating in the Owl Prowl in Dundas Valley because after all age is just a number and there isn’t an activity they aren’t willing to at least tackle!

All BP & P activities are pre-planned and hosted in a safe environment. To achieve this goal, activities are established following proper safety protocols and activity hosts are responsible for ensuring all participants are accounted for and have provided the proper emergency contacts. Participants are responsible for bringing their own safety equipment and should have some knowledge or experience in the activity they are participating in Members have access to an online calendar and can choose to participate in activities that pique their interest. Activity coordinators ensure the activities are scheduled on the group’s website calendar, so anyone interested in joining knows the when and where. Sometimes, members are even exposed to new sports that might not have been on their radar. Last season they learned the ins and outs of lawn bowling when they were invited to the Paris Lawn Bowling Club for an introduction to the sport

If you’re not a member, but would like to be, check out BP&P next week at the open house and bring some of your active ideas with you!

There’s nothing more refreshing than a paddle down the Grand River, just ask members of the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers! One of their favourite activities is venturing down local rivers or creeks. The group promotes active lifestyles and welcomes new members anytime!