Visit to Arnprior - Clara's Big Ride

The following day, on Canada Day, Canada’s six-time cycling and speed-skating Olympic medallist Clara Hughes concluded her 110-day cycling journey across Canada in support of local mental health initiatives by community groups, schools and other local organizations.

To conclude the day, His Excellency cycled approximately 1.2 km with Clara Hughes for Clara's Big Tour.

The Governor General visited the facility of Arnprior Aerospace and met with officials and employee, including JP Remillard and Shawn Naismith.

Employees Ross Toman and John Ferguson talked about the CMM – which stands for Coordinate Measurement Machine to the Governor General.

The Governor General then visited Community Living Renfrew County South, a non-profit charitable organization which advocates for individuals with disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of community life. His Excellency met with Executive Director Ms. Jennifer Creeden.

Community Living Renfrew County South is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was established in 1964, by a grassroots group of concerned parents and citizens interested in assisting people with developmental disabilities.

During his visit, the Governor General had the chance to meet with individuals like Jason who receive support through the different programs offered by Community Living Renfrew County South.

Some of the riders cycling with Clara were surprisingly colorful!

Once they arrived at Robert Simpson park, the Governor General took part in a special presentation to recognize Ms. Hughes for her exceptional accomplishments.

His Excellency then stopped at the Arnprior & District Museum.

His Excellency met with museum curator and director Janet Carlile for a brief tour to learn more about the history of the town.

The Governor General's half-day in Arnprior started with a courtesy call with His Worship David Reid, Mayor of Arnprior, and his spouse Mrs. Tracey Reid to briefly discuss the town’s priorities, successes and challenges.

The Governor General had the great pleasure of presenting the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) to Canadian Olympic medallist Clara Hughes. She is to be commended for her accomplishments, which have greatly contributed to changing social perceptions of mental health issues across Canada.

"Everyone here knows that mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or culture. Its impact is felt by family, friends and colleagues—by nearly every Canadian, in some way or another. And this will not change until we work together to improve our collective well-being."

Along the way, Ms. Hughes took part in 235 public events, including more than 80 school and youth events where she delivered a resounding message to break down the barriers surrounding mental health.

Many citizens thought it was important to be there to congratulate Clara Hugues. Over the course of 110 days, Clara’s Big Ride travelled through 95 communities in every Canadian province and territory to promote mental health and to encourage Canadians to end the stigma attached to mental illness.

"Clara, I am greatly honoured to be a part of the team riders for a short time today. Although I am an avid biker, my mind boggles at what you have all accomplished! As you have said on many occasions, however, the ride itself was simply a means to an end: to get people talking about mental health."

Following another long day of cycling, Clara addressed the citizens of Arnprior who gathered to welcome her.

Arnprior Aerospace specializes in products and services geared towards the aerospace and defence industries. The company employs 400 staff engaged in design, close tolerance fabrication, precision machining, special processing, assembly, kitting, and integration of products.