Group advertised it as a ‘rave on the canal’
A Recognized Student Government (RSG) status has been suspended following an illegal frosh activity involving 101-ers racing on the Rideau Canal.
The Hydrology Student Association (HSA) led first-year students to the Rideau Canal on Tuesday evening for a literal wet run, titled Wet n’ Wild.
Grapelle Hooke, a fourth-year hydrology student and frosh leader, explained in an interview that it’s been a long-standing tradition for the student association long before it became a frosh event.
“We often say ‘if you can’t get wet, try, try again’ within our faculty,” said Hooke.
Hooke went on to further clarify that the five-kilometre race often occurs at the end of the winter semester, right before finals, but the frosh leaders wished to involve 101-ers right off the boat this year.
“The top three winners get season passes to Calypso waterpark as well as a lifetime supply of unwarranted seaweed.”
Divine Boarde, a first-year student, nearly won the race before the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) appeared at the finish line ready to shut down the operation.
“I think it’s super unfair,” said Boarde, who was granted an honorary win. “If we get lead poisoning from the water, that’s on us who signed the waiver.”
