Recreation

The Township of South Algonquin is fortunate to have an active group of volunteers in various areas throughout our Municipality.

These include a number of small groups who gather, sometimes unofficially, to host a wide variety of activities such as waste collection days, Christmas parades, fishing derbies, regattas and many other events that help make our communities unique and vibrant.

In addition to the community collaboration outlined above, the Township also is very fortunate to have two organized group of volunteers in Whitney and Madawaska who meet regularly and plan a variety of events that have become wonderful traditions for both residents and visitors. Some of these events include Valentine’s Day, Festival of Outdoor Rinks, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Egg Hunts, Canada Day Celebrations, sell your wares and fall fun days.

If you are interested in joining one of these groups as a member or if you have an idea or would like to be involved with just one or two events contact the office and we will help direct you to your most local recreation committee.

The Township of South Algonquin has two community halls: the Lester B Smith Building in Whitney and the Madawaska Complex in Madawaska.

The community centres in South Algonquin are available for group functions such as meetings, parties, workshops, dances and weddings.

All are welcome to make use of the facilities. Rental fees apply and can be viewed below.

• Rental Fees includes $25.00 non-refundable permit fee to reserve the booking date.
• Fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to the rental date.
• Basic cleaning is the responsibility of the permit holder. Please see the attached guidelines. Additional charges will be applied if these rules are not followed.
• A Damage Deposit is required and includes a $50.00 Key Deposit. The damage deposit amount is refundable, once the building has been inspected and found acceptable and the key is returned.

Madawaska Complex

This facility was opened in 2010. After many years of fundraising and operating out of a variety of other locations, an Infrastructure Ontario Grant allowed the construction of this facility which has become a community hub.

A commercial kitchen compliments the main hall which can host up to 225 guests.

The Madawaska Library and Fire Hall share this building with Recreation.

26A Major Lake Road, Madawaska Ontario, K0J 2C0
Madawaska Complex Occupancy 225

Lester B Smith Building

Re-constructed by a group of dedicated volunteers in the early 2000s, this building is home to the Whitney Recreation Committee and the host location for many public events in our community.

There is a full kitchen that includes two free-standing ovens and two fridges.

32 Hay Creek Road, Whitney Ontario, K0J 2M0
Occupancy 125

Mervin Dupuis Rink

26C Major Lake Road, Madawaska Ontario, K0J 2C0

Locally known as the Madawaska Rink, this is a smaller facility located on the same property as the Madawaska complex and outdoor rink. It’s a warm place to tie your skates and buy a drink or some sweets.

Events at Which Alcohol is Served

To reduce your risk of liability the following rules must be followed:

1. Each event sponsor is responsible for obtaining from the LCBO a Special Occasion Permit for serving alcoholic beverages and must show proof of purchase of $1,000,000.00 liability insurance 14 days before the event. Any person serving alcoholic beverages except in accordance with such a permit will be subject to prosecution under the Liquor Licence Act, other provincial statutes and the Criminal Code of Canada.
2. Hall Rental Permit Holder must show proof of obtaining a Special Occasion Permit from LCBO. (Recreation Committee must be given the Special Occasion Permit if requested to operate bar on behalf of Hall Rental Permit Holder.)
3. All regulations concerning the serving, storage, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), and the terms of the Special Occasion Permit for the event must be observed.

The Township of South Algonquin boasts a number of beautiful and unique places to visit for the day and play.

In the interest of ensuring all facilities are always available for every member of the public, we remind visitors that there are no camping areas within any of the Township owned public areas they are day use only. Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted on any Municipal property.

Galeairy Lake Memorial Park

This is a beautiful park located at 29589 Highway 60, where Galeairy Lake falls over the dam into the Madawaska River.

This park is the perfect place to stop for a stretch if you are on a long journey or wanting to enjoy a picnic on a beautiful day. There are picnic tables, a sun shelter and, in tribute to fallen soldiers, a military gun that sits beside a cenotaph, which was constructed by a community volunteer.

This park also includes a playground, a path along the water’s edge and several picnic areas which are complete with barbeques.

Galeairy Lake Beach, Whitney

This location is well known to photographers as one of the most beautiful sunsets around.

A change room/outhouse facility, a beach volleyball court, picnic tables and a sun shelter are available at this location. Parking is available at 40 Lakeshore Avenue, Whitney.

This facility is not intended for launching non-motorized vessels and pets are not permitted. A boat launch is located a short distance away at 50 Second Avenue, Whitney.

The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors beach water quality weekly from June to August, and results are published on their website. A link to the results can be found below.

J.R. Booth Park

One of our newest recreation areas offering a beautiful view of the Madawaska Railway Bridge.

In 2018, a set of storyboards were created by the M & L Recreation Committee. These tell the story of J.R. Booth’s impact on the small town of Madawaska.

While you are here, you can take a dip in the famous Madawaska River, play a few sets of beach volleyball and have some fun on the train themed play structure. This park ample parking at 25136 Highway 60, Madawaska. There is a change room, outhouse, picnic tables and sun shelter.

This facility is not intended for launching non-motorized vessels and pets are not permitted. Close by there is a boat launch located at 26B Major Lake Road.

The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors beach water quality weekly from June to August, and results are published on their website. A link to the results can be found below.

Tom and Mick Murray Park

Named in recognition of the Original Murray Brothers who founded Murray Brothers Lumber Company in Madawaska in 1902, Tom and Mick Murray Park, located at 140 Tom & Mick Murray Park Road.

This park is situated on beautiful Bark Lake where you can spend the day using the play structure, change room/outhouse, beach area, picnic tables and sun shelter.

This park is a short drive from Madawaska on Highway 523 to Tom & Mick Murray Park Road.

This facility is not intended for launching non-motorized vessels and pets are not permitted. There is a boat launch facility close by at 5 Tom & Mick Murray Park Road.

The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors beach water quality weekly from June to August, and results are published on their website. A link to the results can be found below.

The following is a list of boat launches that the Township maintains. All of these locations are used by property owners and the public to access these beautiful lakes. Some launches, as indicated, are used as access points to Algonquin Park.

Aylen Lake Boat Launch: 1706 Aylen Lake Road (Algonquin Park access point)

Tom & Mick Murray Park Boat Launch (Bark Lake): 5 Tom & Mick Murray Park Road, Madawaska

Galeairy Lake Boat Launch: 50 Second Avenue (Algonquin Park access point)

Hay Lake Boat Launch: Hay Lake Landing Road (Algonquin Park access point)

Lyell Lake: 98 Lyell Lake Landing Road

Madawaska River: 26B Major Lake Road, Madawaska

McKenzie Lake: 1332 North McKenzie Lake Road

McCauley Lake: 531 McCauley Lake Road

These facilities are busy, be respectful and conduct yourself in an organized fashion to ensure that everyone can utilize these docking facilities.

• prepare prior to getting to the dock so that you can quickly use the facility and free it up for other users
• be considerate when parking (i.e. carpool when possible, do not block people in or take up unnecessary parking)
• not dock your boat for a long period of time or overnight
• not block the launching ramp
• take your waste home. Do not litter!

You cooperation allows us to offer these facilities without additional fees.

For more information on our boat launch facilities, please refer to the Use of Public Docks and Launching Ramps in the Municipality By-Law 2016-511