In the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, there is a remarkable group of former journalists who have taken to the water to explore the wilderness of their memories. Paddling their own canoe, this intrepid group of writers has set out to chart a course down the winding river of their past, reliving the stories that made them who they are. Join us as we journey alongside these intrepid adventurers, tracing the paths they have taken and discovering the hidden treasures they have uncovered along the way. It’s a trip you won’t want to miss!
Jim Poling, a former Sault Star reporter and general manager at Canadian Press, has had a passion for the canoe since he was a child. Jim learned how to paddle a canoe from his grandfather while growing up in Port Arthur, a city located on the northwestern shores of Lake Superior that was later combined with Fort William to form the municipality of Thunder Bay.
Jim’s grandfather once paddled his canoe, The Undertaker, from the Port Arthur shoreline out to the famous landmark – The Sleeping Giant peninsula. The round trip constituted a gruelling 36-mile slog. Jim had nicknamed the senior Poling’s craft The Undertaker as the result of an incident where Jim, his uncle and his dad were pulled from the waters of Loon Lake when the family “bateau” overturned.
That traumatic experience, however, did not deter Jim from having a lifelong love affair with the canoe. In fact, he wrote a coffee table book that was well-received, entitled The Canoe: An Illustrated History. The book covers the history and evolution of canoes, as well as profiles of famous canoeists and expeditions. Many notable Canadians have been attracted by the sense of adventure offered by canoeing, particularly in wilderness areas. The canoe also played a vital role in Canadian exploration and trade.
Jim also wrote a biography of the famous Canadian artist Tom Thomson, whose body was found near his overturned canoe in, ironically, Algonquin Park’s Canoe Lake. Thomson, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1917, is considered a leading figure in Canadian art and is known for his landscape paintings of the Canadian wilderness.
In addition to his prolific writing career, Jim has had many other accomplishments. He was named interim general manager of The Canadian Press, the country’s newswire service, and also became a private pilot despite a congenital heart problem called aortic stenosis and losing the sight in one eye from a stroke on the operating table during a procedure to fix his cranky ticker.
Jim’s accomplishments and passions have made him a valuable and respected member of the Sault Ste. Marie (Soo) community. Recently, the Waterwalker Film Festival was organized by the students of Sault College’s Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician program to honor the late Bill Mason, a renowned filmmaker, naturalist, author, artist and conservationist. He has been called the patron saint of canoeing, having produced 18 National Film Board features that showcased his respect for nature. The festival is designed to celebrate and film canoes, the lakes and rivers that they traverse and the people who fell in love with those bodies of water.
Money raised at the film festival will be donated to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, tasked with protecting the Sault’s Robertson Cliffs and King Mountain. Events like these are essential for preserving the natural beauty and outdoor heritage of the region.
Jim’s love for the canoe and the outdoors inspired him to lead a productive and rewarding life. Nancy, his classmate from Grade 8, wrote in his autograph book, “Love many. Trust few. Always paddle your own canoe!” Those words became his blueprint for adult life, guiding his professional and personal goals. Jim’s accomplishments demonstrate the significance of pursuing one’s interests and passions, as well as the importance of preserving the natural beauty and resources in our communities.
In revisiting the stories and experiences of former Sault journalists as they paddle their own canoe down memory lane, we are reminded of the rich history and culture that thrive in our communities. These individuals reflect on the impact and legacy of their work, sharing a glimpse into the forefront of journalism during their time. Their stories offer a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving our past. As we move forward, may we continue to appreciate and celebrate the diversity and depth of our shared experiences.
