Local businesses launch Save the Avon Bucket Challenge to support Lake Victoria

Kelan Herr, owner of the Boathouse, stands with Nikki Wagler and Nicole Streicher of Coles and Keys before taking part in the Save the Avon Bucket Challenge — a playful community initiative to raise awareness about low water levels in Stratford’s Avon River.

After news broke July 24 that a sluice gate at the RT Orr Dam in Stratford had become stuck open due to debris, local businesses responded in the most Stratford way possible: they banded together to “help fill Lake Victoria” with a heartfelt and humorous social media movement now known as the Save the Avon Bucket Challenge.

It started with a call to support the Boathouse – a business directly affected by the falling water levels – by ordering takeout and renting bikes. But it quickly turned into a full-blown show of community spirit, as residents filled up buckets with water and poured them into the lake.

“It was just a silly idea that one of our staff members thought up,” said Kelan Herr, Boathouse owner. “Coincidentally, another local business also did it and it was featured on CBC, so it snowballed from there.”

The Boathouse took to Instagram and Facebook on Aug. 3 to call on other local businesses to join the effort.

“Because if Mother Nature won’t fill the river… maybe we can help,” read the post. “We’re kicking off a local challenge to raise awareness (and have a little fun) around the water shortage here in Stratford.”

Downtown businesses showed up in full force, including staff from Starlight, Bentley’s, Pazzo and Grotto Hair Studio, among many others.

Several businesses began posting videos of themselves tossing buckets of water into the exposed lakebed, tagging other shops and restaurants to join the Save the Avon Bucket Challenge – a playful nod to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral on social media over ten years ago.

Stratford’s small business community has long been known to rally in times of need – especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – but this moment of light-hearted collaboration shows how the city’s entrepreneurs continue to support one another in tough times.

“Our lake/river is a centrepiece for all to visit and enjoy, and it is always a bit of a blow to our businesses downtown when one of our major attractions is removed,” said Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area.

“The thing that makes me smile and warms my heart is how the small business community pulled together and, rather than a lot of sadness, has started a bucket challenge, where they are challenging each other to bring a bucket of water to the river and fill it back up again as there is not much rain in sight.”

The draining of Lake Victoria has hit hardest for businesses that rely on the waterfront for summer income, such as the Boathouse, Stratford Walking Tours and the Stratford Razzamajazz boat tours.

“The August long weekend is usually the peak of our season – filled with boat rides, paddle rentals and the joy of summer days spent in this beautiful park,” read a recent post from the Boathouse. “But this year, the Avon River has looked very different.”

Even businesses not directly affected by the water levels are stepping up in support.

Olive Your Favourites posted a heartfelt message on Instagram in response to the Boathouse:

“Seeing it in person is a bit of a gut punch. As a business owner who relies on this time of year to be busy, this is just heartbreaking to see. I know you’ll make the best of it. The positive spirit everyone down there has will hopefully bring some good karma your way – and we’ll be pedalling before we know it!”

Boathouse owners Kelan Herr and Melissa Kerr say they’re in constant contact with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) for updates and information, and that the agency has been nothing but supportive.

“UTRCA has been very helpful, keeping us informed and updated,” said Kerr. “The City of Stratford has also been very supportive during this time.”

The UTRCA also weighed in, sharing its appreciation for the local response. While the water from the challenge isn’t expected to meaningfully replenish the river, the organization says the gesture does no harm – and brings much-needed awareness.

“Treated drinking water isn't what the river needs; however, the amount that will be poured into the river through this bucket challenge is negligible in terms of harming the species that are there,” said Erin Carroll, aquatic biologist with the UTRCA.

“So we're looking at it as a great way to show support for the community and build awareness and attention for the Avon River. The Avon River is something that needs to be protected, and so I think this is a positive example of people kind of recognizing that the Avon River needs care, too.

"I am not surprised to see Stratford businesses taking this on, because it's an amazing community."

In a message to the community, Herr said the support doesn’t surprise him – but it does mean everything.

“To our community – thank you. This is my first year owning the business, and I've always been surrounded by small businesses in Stratford, but just seeing how everyone rallies behind us has been amazing. They’re stopping by to show their support, asking us how they can help and what they can do to support us. We're just really grateful for that.”

If you’d like to show your support, you can visit the Boathouse. They are currently offering takeout by phone or text at 519-271-7739. For those who still want to enjoy the parks, they offer bike and e-bike rentals. Gift cards are also available.

The Stratford Razzamajazz is now offering concerts from the lakeshore rather than on the water. Schedules can be found at www.stratfordrazzamajazz.ca.