We were Metro Halifax's only hourly kayak and canoe rental on the Dartmouth Lakes. Working in partnership with HRM Community Recreation Services, our aim was to help as many people as possible safely enjoy the pleasures of recreational paddling.

We've had a great five year run - creating summer employment and youth leadership development for up to 12 youth each summer, providing canoe and kayak instruction to hundreds of adults, youth and children and renting thousands of canoes and kayaks. Dragonfly was run as a not for profit - dependent upon a great deal of volunteer leadership. A series of unfortunate things happened last year that forced our decision to close including two thefts of a large number of our boats. Over the last several years we have been bearing ever-increasing insurance costs. We evaluated a variety of options, but had to make this very difficult decision.

The good news is that HRM Recreation continues to offer programs and services to the community. Please watch for the HRM Recreation brochure to get a list of programs (www.halifax.ca/recreation) and / or contact your local community recreation centre. You can also send inquiries to Heather MacLeod at macleoh@halifax.ca.