An Evening in Support of the Friends of Petrie Island Pavilion Project
Join the Friends of Petrie Island on November 24, 2026, for a special evening celebrating the natural beauty, environmental importance and community spirit of Petrie Island.
Enjoy an evening of live jazz, delicious local food, inspiring conversation and community connection, all while helping us raise funds toward the construction of a new permanent pavilion.
Together, we can help preserve what makes Petrie Island special for generations to come.
What to Expect
An enjoyable evening bringing together community members, nature enthusiasts, local supporters and friends
of Petrie Island.
- Live Jazz Music: Enjoy an evening accompanied by live jazz performances.
- Local Food: Delicious food generously provided by local favourite OCCO Kitchen.
- Silent Auction: Bid on a selection of donated items and experiences, with proceeds supporting the pavilion project.
- Special Guest Speaker: Laura Reinsborough, Riverkeeper and CEO of Ottawa Riverkeeper, will join us as our featured guest speaker. Michael Ricco, Past FOPI President, will also share his connection with the Island .
- Community Connections: Mingle with fellow supporters, meet members of the Friends of Petrie Island and connect with others who share a passion for our local environment.
Five Reasons Why Petrie Matters
Petrie Island is more than a beautiful natural destination. It is a place for learning, conservation, discovery, future generations and community. Our vision for a permanent pavilion is grounded in these five important reasons to support Petrie Island.
1. Education: A Place to Learn
Petrie Island provides opportunities for people of all ages to discover and learn about the natural world. A
permanent pavilion will provide an improved space for environmental education, hands-on learning, school
visits and community programming, helping visitors better understand and appreciate the unique ecosystems
around them.
2. Conservation: A Place to Protect
Petrie Island is home to diverse wildlife, sensitive habitats and important natural ecosystems. Through
conservation initiatives and environmental stewardship, Friends of Petrie Island works to protect this unique
environment. A new pavilion will support educational activities and volunteer initiatives that encourage the
protection and preservation of the island’s natural beauty.
3. The Next Generation: A Place to Inspire
The future of Petrie Island depends on inspiring the next generation to care about nature. By providing a
dedicated space for youth programming, outdoor learning and environmental discovery, the pavilion will help
foster curiosity, appreciation and a lifelong commitment to protecting our natural spaces.
4. Community: A Place to Gather
Petrie Island has long been a place where friends, families, volunteers and neighbours come together. A
permanent pavilion will create a welcoming gathering space for community events, educational activities,
volunteer initiatives and shared experiences.
5. Nature: A Place to Explore
Petrie Island is a small wilderness rich in biodiversity, with distinctive wetlands and a Carolinian-influenced
natural environment. Friends of Petrie Island maintains approximately 7 km of nature trails, with lookouts,
benches and viewing stations that invite visitors to experience the island’s flora and fauna up close. These trails
help connect people to the natural spaces the pavilion project aims to celebrate and protect.
Five reasons. One shared vision. A lasting future for Petrie Island.
How You Can Help
Whether you attend our fundraising event or support us in another way, every contribution makes a difference.
Attend the Fundraiser
Join us for Why Petrie Matters and help support the pavilion project while enjoying a memorable evening with
our community.
Make a Donation
Can’t attend? You can still help bring the pavilion project to life! Financial contributions of any size are
appreciated and help us work toward our fundraising goal.
Donate to Friends of Petrie Island: https://www.petrieisland.org/donations
Donate to Our Silent Auction
Calling Local Businesses and Community Supporters! We are seeking donations of products, gift
certificates, services and unique experiences for our fundraising silent auction. By contributing an item, your
business can help support the future of Petrie Island and make a meaningful difference in our local community.
Interested in contributing? Please contact naturwise@rogers.com to arrange a donation or learn more.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Your time and talents can make a lasting impact! Friends of Petrie Island relies on dedicated volunteers to help
with conservation, environmental education, community programs and ongoing improvements to the island.
Whether you have a few hours to spare or would like to become more involved, there are many ways to
contribute.
Learn More About Volunteering: https://www.petrieisland.org/get-involved
Together, Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Every ticket purchased, donation received, auction item contributed and volunteer hour given brings us closer
to creating a permanent pavilion for Petrie Island.
Help us build a place where nature, education and community can thrive for generations to come.
Because Petrie Matters.
Friends of Petrie Island is a nonprofit organization and is not a registered charity. Charitable tax receipts cannot be issued.