In 1969, Bruce Burgess opened the doors to The Rigging Shoppe Limited in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. A well-stocked 1000 square foot marine retail store located at 1197 Ellesmere Road, just east of Midland Avenue. Bruce also owned and operated Seaway Spars in Scarborough from 1975. Here he assembled masts, booms, standing and running rigging for Canadian boat builders including Northern, Goman,
Halman and P.D.Q. At its peak production, Seaway Spars was building over 500 masts per year. In 1989, with many summers of part-time work to her credit, their daughter, Carolyn Burgess, began working full-time at the shop. In 1993 the business was relocated to where it operates today, 44 Midwest Road. Carolyn has owned and operated The Rigging Shoppe since then building it to the amazing retail store it is today, offering a unique service to boaters everywhere. Clever staff with a talent to help their customers figure it out. In 2024, Diane and Paul Reid purchased The Rigging Shoppe and continue the tradition, under Carolyn's tutelage and with the amazing support of all the staff. Whether you are a first time boat owner or a seasoned veteran, The Rigging Shoppe can help make your time on the water amazing".