Dragon Boat Festival set to paddle back to Lake Scugog in 2026

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

SCUGOG: A popular summer tradition is set to return to the shores of Lake Scugog, this June. Township staff recommended Scugog Council waive municipal rental fees, to support the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

A staff report, from Shawna Cornish, the Township of Scugog’s Manager of Parks and Recreation, was included on the agenda for the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, March 2nd. The report provides an update on the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival and recommends Council waive $4,330, in applicable rental fees, for the use of Palmer Park.

If approved, the festival will take place on Saturday, June 13th, at Palmer Park, in Port Perry.

“The waiving of the fees would be an in-kind contribution assisting the two pledge recipients, the Port Perry Hospital Foundation and the Scugog Lake Stewards,” Ms. Cornish wrote in the report.

The Dragon Boat Festival has become a well-known community event, in recent years, combining friendly competition on the water with fundraising efforts, benefiting local organizations. According to the report, the 2025 festival raised more than $19,000, for the Port Perry Hospital Foundation and the Scugog Lake Stewards, with 17 teams participating.

Organizers say, funds raised during the 2026 festival, will once again support these two pledge recipients, helping fund health care initiatives and environmental stewardship efforts in the Scugog area.

Festival administrator, Katy Dunlop contacted Township staff, to request, the municipality waive fees for the use of Palmer Park for six training nights, leading up to the event, as well as for the festival day itself.

Under the Township’s Special Events Policy, some fees can be waived for “Recognized Community Events.” These include events organized by registered non-profit organizations or charities, or events where all funds raised are directed back into the community.

The requested in-kind support from the Township includes $3,542 for the rental of Palmer Park, $154 for hydro permits, and $634 for the use of Parking Lot No. 3.

Township staff noted, Council has approved similar fee waivers for previous festivals, including those held in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

According to the report, the festival will require vendors to obtain appropriate licences under municipal by-laws. Vendors must apply for either a Hawker and Peddler licence or a Refreshment Vehicle licence for special events, each costing $121.

In return, for the Township’s support, organizers have agreed to include the Township of Scugog’s corporate name and logo in communications and promotional materials related to the festival.

Staff will also assist with event logistics, at Palmer Park, including moving picnic tables, delivering garbage and recycling containers, and installing additional signage. The report estimates staff time, associated with supporting the event, will cost approximately $1,000.

According to Ms. Cornish, waiving the fees aligns with the Township’s strategic goal of building a “Complete Community,” supporting initiatives which keep residents engaged and connected, while benefiting people of all ages.

Council will consider the recommendation, as part of its review of the committee agenda.