August 9, 2009. Birch Cove Park has been transformed into a unique Athlete Staging Area. Tents have been set up amongst the trees for the 75 countries participating in the 2009 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. This is the first World Canoe Championships to be held in this type of natural setting. View all photos »

August 5, 2009. The set-up for next week’s World Championships is underway. Birch Cove is full of activity as tents are set up, and new picnic tables are distributed. New buoys are being strung out on the racecourse, sponsor signage has been put up, and the ICF Office is being set up in the Bell Aliant Racing Centre. View all photos »

July 27 and 30, 2009. Volunteer orientation sessions were a great success. Approximately 200 volunteers came out each night to learn more about their roles during Canoe ‘09. Judging from the enthusiasm in the room, Canoe ‘09 volunteers are very excited to welcome the World. View all photos »

July 30, 2009. Construction projects are starting to wrap up around the lake as Canoe ‘09 is fast approaching. The boardwalk by Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club has been expanded. A wall has been built in front of the Bell Aliant Racing Centre, and the paving is being done around the building. Birch Cove has new grass and new stonewalls. View all photos »

July 20, 2009. The athlete staging area is a hub of activity as construction workers prepare the site to stage 1000 athletes and support staff next month. New sidewalks have gone into Birch Cove and paving will soon take place at the entrance to the park. The road leading into Banook Canoe Club and the finish tower area has received a fresh coat of pavement. View all photos »

July 16, 2009. With Canoe ‘09 logos, and images of athletes Andrew Russell and Una Lounder, this double-decker bus is sure to be the hottest ride in downtown Halifax. View all photos »

July 10, 2009. Facility upgrades continue at Birch Cove. The site will host 1000 athletes and support staff from 75 countries. Paving will soon take place at the entrance to the park, a stone wall is being built, and underground services are being put in. Also, a new deck and stairs have been built on the nearby Bell Aliant Racing Centre. View all photos »

July 8, 2009. The parking lot at Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club is paved. This is where the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation Support4Sport stage will be during the festival. Medal ceremonies, opening and closing ceremonies, and daily entertainment will take place at this site. The starting tower at the 200 metre line is being built up. A crane is helping to lift materials into position. View all photos »

July 7, 2009. The progress of facility upgrades can be seen from the water and the land. The starting tower at the 1000 metre line has sprung up quickly. Construction is continuing at the athlete staging area in Birch Cove. The parking lot by Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club has been prepared for paving. Logos of the four World events hosted on Lake Banook have been painted on the overpass at the head of the lake. View all photos »

June 30, 2009. The new Bell Aliant Racing Centre is getting siding and a deck extending from the second level of the building. The exterior is an aquatic blue colour that will fit in on the shores of Lake Banook. It shouldn’t be long before the construction of the Bell Aliant Racing Centre is complete. View all photos »

June 25, 2009. The new state-of-the-art starting system went into the water to be tested for Canoe ’09. The system will be used for the first time in competition at National Team Trials 2, on June 27 and 28 at the Bell Aliant Racing Centre on Lake Banook. The new system ensures a fair start by holding the front of each boat in a block on the start line. View all photos »

June 18, 2009. With the warmest temperatures of the month, Lake Banook was a busy place. Kids were out swimming and boating, while construction crews were working hard to prepare for the 2009 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. View all photos »

June 15, 2009. Work crews around the lake enjoyed a day of nice weather. Fences are being built and landscaping is continuing. View all photos »

June 12, 2009. Several paths and parking lots around the racecourse are getting paved in preparation for Canoe ‘09. View all photos »

June 10, 2009. Construction projects are taking place to get parks around Lake Banook ready for Canoe ‘09. Landscaping is being done behind the finish tower, and drainage systems are being put in at Birch Cove where the athletes will be staged during Canoe ‘09. Construction of the Bell Aliant Racing Centre is also coming along well. View all photos »