The Lake of Two Mountains Power Squadron: Boat Training for safer waters

In 1958 Peter Highfield and Clint Ward purchased a wooden cruiser for $ 250.00. They had it dragged to Hudson Yacht Club storage yard which was by the ice-house and began working on the boat. About this time they heard about the Canadian Power Squadron and in 1960 graduated with the Lake St. Louis power squadron. After discussion with the powers that be they decided to start a squadron in Hudson and the charter was issued . There were seventeen students in 1961 when the Charter was given to the squadron. Only Norm St-Aubin is still a member of the squadron. The charter was posted in the Queen’s room of HYC and still hangs there to this day. The CPS basic course in 1962 was called Piloting. The second year called Seamanship in 1962 had thirteen students and it was considered that the squadron was now well established. The Annual General meeting was held at the Hudson Curling Club April 28th 1962 the mailing quote was " We are now discussing the idea of a dinner or cold buffet for the night, but one thing is sure, the bar will be at our disposal"

Nineteen sixty three saw the Title " YOU’VE HAD THE THEORY *** NOW GET THE PRACTICE" this announced a log cruise to St. Andrews followed by a Spaghetti dinner at $ 2.00 per plate.

In Nineteen sixty four the first membership roster was issued for 1964-1964 (The Squadron had 31 Members, 4 Lady Associates and 2 Junior Associates.)

Nineteen sixty five saw the Annual meeting at the Vaudreuil Inn with new Commander Eddy Tweddell and Exec Officer Norm St-Aubin. A Walmsley (a charter member) resigned Quote " After due consideration I think I will let my membership lapse until I get the boating bug again" Annual Dinner in 1965 was attended by thirty five members and eight guests. June 25th Commander’s cocktail Party, Eddy Tweddell, at the Hudson Yacht Club - The Commander will buy all the members their first drink -details of a cruise up the Ottawa river to the North river and rendezvous at Rogerson’s marina. In the fall there were twenty four piloting students. Nineteen seventy saw the Annual District Conference at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa Ian & Mary Walker representing the Lake of Two Mountains Squadron.

In 1971 the "Doldrum Do" party was canceled because of the weather. There were at this time members and lady Associates in the squadron - the squadron received a letter from Cynthia Johnston "I think there should be one category for both male and female members who have passed the Power Squadron course. I think we are entitled to equal status - and should have a vote" The Ladies obtained Full membership rights in 1973, the older Ladies associates could retain Association for life or become a full voting member.

1972 was CPS 25th Anniversary Cross Country Cruise. "Duchess"(Owner Tom Whatley) carried the flag from The Hudson Yacht Club to Oka escorted by "Costalot" Commander Ian Walker), "Santamar" (Commander St-Aubin), "Kelpie" (Harold Golden), and guests of the Squadron "Capt Peter" (J P Petolas). 1973 the Annual Induction Diner held at the Hudson Yacht Club, as the water level of the Lake was up to the railroad crossing dinner guests were transported by school bus to the front door of the club.

The first Squadron burgee (Sail & Propeller) approved April 26th 1974. The end of the year saw the first newsletter for the Squadron called "GAS & RAGS". In 1978 the St Laurent District was disbanded and the Maisoneuve District was formed - This was the first bilingual district in Canada.