Over spring break, news spread throughout the campus community that the CANOE Interest House, hosted in Wade House, would be closed for Spring Term. This news followed the shutdown of a CANOE Party (Canarty) near the end of Winter Term.

Canarty was set up as a mutual aid fundraiser party. Jane, who requested to be referred to by her first name, described bake sales held outside the house, selling cookies and cupcakes with QR codes for mutual aid donations. The money raised was intended for scholarships. The bands, she described, were an additional draw. 

“It was like, we’re going to have bands, we’re going to have a fundraiser for mutual aid. It was more of an event than, like, a traditional ‘house party.’ Nobody was providing alcohol, nobody was necessarily encouraging dangerous or risky behaviors,” Jane said.

Jane left before Security arrived to shut down the party. Student A, who was at the party when it was shut down and asked to remain anonymous, described that the first sign of Security’s arrival was headlights through the windows of CANOE’s living room.

“They pulled the Security vehicle — you could tell the lights were on, high beams — almost into the front lawn area. You could see it shining through the house,” said Student A.

Student A described that, while there was no immediate reaction, there was a shift in the room. Soon after, a member of Security staff came into the living room with a flashlight and started ushering people out. Student A described how people left fairly quickly after some initial hesitation, then remained on the lawn of CANOE House for quite a while afterward.

Security Services was contacted for comment on this article. They responded on April 3, stating, “We are unable to provide a comment or specific details regarding the situation at CANOE/Wade House, as this is an active investigation. The Security Services [JUMP]Office does not provide information or comment on ongoing investigations to maintain the integrity of the process and the privacy of our community members.” Security Services did not provide further details on the investigation timeline.

When contacted for comment on the reasons behind the house’s closure, Facilities explained that the structural damage to CANOE House involves damage to the floor joists beneath room 108, the living room. A structural engineer reviewed the damage and concluded that the floor joists required replacement for the house to be a safe living environment.

While Facilities declined to provide a timeline for the completion of the house’s repairs, Residential Life said that the house’s repairs would be completed prior to the beginning of Fall Term.

Facilities added that the closure of the entire house for repairs was necessary due to the required relocation of plumbing, electrical piping and heating piping, as well as “structural modifications.” 

However, some students are perceiving the incident as more complicated. Jane said that she was surprised to hear about the closure of CANOE House. 

“I know I’ve been to crazier parties here. I’ve been to things where it was, like, more packed in, more high energy and high intensity,” Jane said. She described another party she attended where the floor felt like it was bouncing, but noted that Security was not called to respond to that incident. “I know there probably are structural issues, but it feels more like a punishment for the house than anything else.”

“I know there were a few days where they [Security] were trying to decide whether or not to shut down Wade House,” Jane continued. “They had a, like, $600 fine if people went into the living room area.” 

Also affected by the closure of CANOE House is the CANOE Club. When reached out for comment, Residential Life said that CANOE Club had coordinated with SAO to find a new storage location but did not specify the location. A member of the CANOE board, who asked not to be named in this article, said that the new location is in the basement of Sayles.

“It’s a bit frustrating to have our gear removed. I know many of us, we became really accustomed to just having it in that room [CANOE House’s basement] and knowing where everything was,” explained the board member.

The CANOE Club board member stressed that CANOE House and CANOE Club are separate operating entities.

“I didn’t feel unsafe; nobody felt unsafe. It was just kind of a lot of people, old houses. But, I think the college is trying to cover itself. Because if a bunch of kids fall through the floor…” Jane said. “Obviously, that’s a serious concern. So I completely understand that perspective.” 

“I was a little surprised, to be honest. Pretty much, after it had happened, I heard that there was structural damage to the house. I didn’t think it would be closed, though. I didn’t think it was that bad,” Student A said. “It’s unfortunate to have the house closed this term. It was a great staple of campus.”