Locations

Ontario

Our Ontario chapter is home to a growing network of Heroes Mending on the Fly programs, offering a supportive community for participants to learn, grow, and share in the journey toward emotional and physical well-being through fly tying and casting, combined with the restorative experience of being on the water.
 
With programs in Almonte, Durham/Saugeen, Hamilton, Kingston, Petawawa, and Northern Ontario, we will be offering fly-tying opportunities starting in January, then transitioning to casting in May, with trips in May and June. 
 
If you want to learn to fly fish and join a community of enthusiastic anglers, then email us at ontario@hmotf.ca for more information or to join the program. 
 
We look forward to seeing you, until then “tight lines”. 

ONTARIO provincial director

Colin Mage

Ontario@hmotf.ca

Meet Colin

I’m Colin Mage and, after 43 years of service as an Infantry Officer with The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Airborne Regiment, and now serving as a DND Public Servant since 2020, I continue to look for meaningful ways to serve.

I discovered fly fishing later in life while on exchange in Australia and began fly tying during a posting to the Canadian Permanent Mission to the UN in New York City. Since then, I have become an enthusiastic fly fisher, finding peace both at the vise and on the river.

That joy led me to Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada, where I now have the privilege of giving back by sharing this wonderful sport with others. I look forward to building on the work of previous directors, instructors, and participants, while continuing to grow and strengthen the program here in Ontario.

Meet Robin Mueller

Robin Mueller is an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces with 25 years of dedicated service. Born and raised in the Yukon, he grew up fishing and hunting in Canada’s far north, where he learned that fishing is more than a pastime—it’s a source of nourishment, a deep connection to the land, and a meaningful way of life. While still exploring the art of fly tying, Robin is excited to join the team at Heroes Mending on the Fly, where he hopes to foster camaraderie and healing through nature and shared experience. 

★★★★★

A lot has happened since 2006 leaving the military including receiving a settlement from the LGBTQ Purge and receiving a diagnosis of PTSD. I found out about Heroes Mending on the Fly from retired military friends. I love being outdoors and I used to fish when I was younger, the thought of being with other “broken” military and first responders was appealing. Since then it has been nothing short of a miracle, the group welcomed me and as the departure date came closer I had a bit of a scare finding a lump on my breast. Two days prior to leaving for the trip, I contacted Gervais about my situation thinking that I would have to cancel. Arrangements were made at the Timmins hospital to have the ultrasound while Gervais encouraged me to still go fishing, go to my appointment, and return to the Lodge. Never having fly fished before, the group’s members were so friendly, passionate about their sport and teaching us newcomers tricks to help us learn to cast, fly tying, and genuinely cared about each other. One of the members who lived in Timmins accompanied me on the appointment day, welcomed me to his home to eat the packed lunch that the Lodge sent with me, and was a great company for the trip. Two days later I received my results that were favourable, and people whom I had only known for four days, joined in my celebration! I am so grateful to have found this group of caring and compassionate brothers and sisters. Catching several bass and a pike, I was like a little kid excited about reeling the fish in and my buddy netting my catch. One day there wasn’t any fish to catch, but I spent time on the pontoon boat with new and old friends, singing songs, even though I can’t sing, and learning how to drive a boat. I had so much fun, the Lodge owners were very nice and accommodating, the food was amazing! I look forward to learning so much more about fly fishing and getting together with these amazing people, my new-found friends sharing a common passion!
Rosemarie Lafrance

I was a little apprehensive while travelling to Horwood Lodge. This was short-lived, however. From the first moment of meeting the others in the group until the very last moment, I felt for the first time in my life I belonged. It was a great experience learning to fly fish and tie flies. Everyone was so patient which made it so enjoyable. 

I would highly recommend Heroes Mending on the Fly to any women or man that is looking for fishing or picking up a new sport.
SheilaCompany Name

Brian expressed to me, as soon as he arrived back home from this adventure, how wonderful it was to have had this opportunity. He specifically kept saying how very nice everyone was. We believe this organization is, among many other things, a healing group of individuals.  This adventure truly lifted Brian’s spirits so much. I hadn’t seen him so happy in a long time. 

  Heroes Mending on the Fly, Canada is a wonderful organization !  

  Brian and I want to thank you so very much for giving him this opportunity to be a part of your adventure at Horwood Lodge this year. Both him and I greatly benefited.  Seeing him so happy means a lot to me !!! 

Pat and Brian (Hughson)Company Name
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