About Humber Valley Racing Pigeon Club
Founded in 1982, the Humber Valley Racing Pigeon Club has been part of the racing pigeon community in South Central Ontario for over four decades. As members of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union (CRPU), our club participates in organized competition while maintaining a strong local identity and culture.
With 16 active members, HVRPC represents a mix of long-time flyers and newer enthusiasts. The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and respectful of differing approaches to the sport. Members range across generations, and while competition is taken seriously, knowledge is shared openly. Success in recent years includes multiple combine winners and national recognition — most notably, President Peter Kamstra’s 2021 Ace Pigeon title in Canada.
The club balances professionalism with community. Race days are competitive, but the social side of the sport remains equally important. Experience is valued, but curiosity is encouraged. Tradition matters, yet the future of pigeon racing depends on transparency, education, and attracting new participants.
Through this website, we aim to provide clear, balanced information about pigeon racing — what it involves, what it requires, and why it continues to inspire dedication from those who participate. Whether you are a long-time flyer, new to the sport, or simply curious, we welcome thoughtful discussion and informed dialogue.
Meet Our Members
Peter Kamstra - President
Rebellion Loft – Schomberg, Ontario
Peter has been involved in pigeon racing for over 60 years after being introduced to the sport by his older brother Jake. What began as a simple introduction quickly became a long-term commitment to the sport and its traditions.
What Peter enjoys most about pigeon racing is the excitement and anticipation of returning birds. when he’s not hanging out with his birds, Peter is a also a member of the King Curling Club and is an avid gardener.
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Simon Prigmore - Vice President and Band Secretary
Raven Hill Loft – Tottenham, Ontario
Simon’s interest in racing pigeons began growing up in England, where many of his friends and neighbours kept birds. Today, he enjoys the daily interaction and connection that comes with caring for and flying his team.
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Alex Kondracki - Secretary & Treasure
King Valley Loft – Bolton, Ontario
Alex started flying pigeons at 14, stepped away in 2000, and returned to the sport in 2023 after realizing how much he missed it. What draws him in is the incredible ability of the birds—and what he enjoys most is watching them return home.
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Ryan Walker
Flight Risk Lofts - Desboro, Ontario
Ryan got into pigeon racing while working with his bird dog and needing pigeons—what started as a practical need quickly turned into something more. After 3 years in the sport, he’s hooked on the journey, the challenges, and the suspense of waiting for his birds to make it home.
As Jake Kamstra likes to say: “I like the colour winner!”
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Jake Kamstra
Bradford, Ontario
Jake has been flying since way back in the 1950s. He flies natural with a small team and has had many successes over the years. He started flying as a young lad in Toronto in several different clubs.
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Glen Thornley
Stoney Keppel Lofts - Port Elgin, Ontario
Glen has been flying pigeons for 31 years, getting his start in the sport through mentorship from his neighbour, Doug Kellough. What he enjoys most is loft flying and working with his birds at home.
Flying: Natural, Old Birds, Young Birds
Chris Kumar
Kumar Lofts - Guelph/Eramosa, Ontario
Chris has been flying for 28 years. Hi journey into pigeon racing started long before he could drive. As a kid, he was completely fascinated by the sport—so much so that he would bike miles just to visit Dickie Catteau and buy his distance pigeons.
Later, while working in the printing industry running presses, he was trained by Norm Armstrong of Rockwood, Ontario. Norm became his sponsor, and Chris joined the Guelph RPC. That was the beginning.
What Chris enjoys most about pigeon racing is the camaraderie, competition, and the shared passion among flyers. He’s especially fascinated by the ability of a 10-ounce pigeon to return home from distances beyond 500 miles.
Chris also believes pigeons don’t get the respect they deserve today. Much of their history has been lost or overlooked—especially their role in saving lives during the World Wars. Birds like G.I. Joe and others were awarded honours such as the Dickin Medal and Purple Hearts for their service.
Chris says the pigeon was our first form of communication. Noah didn’t release a dove—they don’t return home. It was a pigeon, known then as the rock dove. Even in ancient times, rulers like Akbar in India valued pigeons highly and wouldn’t appoint dignitaries unless they understood the art of keeping them.
That level of respect was once there—and in Chris’s view, it needs to come back.
Flying: Young Birds
Other Members:
Marc Bambach - Race Secretary
Eric Bambach
Eliyahu Chagaev
Fernando Ditri
Rick Ferreira
Alan Holt
Marian Hojsan
Bruce Mathers
Glen Thornley
Bill Weima
Contact us
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you.