An article appearing in a City of Ottawa newspaper, "Daily Citizen" (attached) appears to support that this incident did take place on the date noted and that an Arthur Hamilton was among the victims. According to the article, four men were drowned, not 31.

I get the impression that this group in the canoe may have been part of a survey crew. Perhaps that might help to establish more information about this individual.

Link to article (drag page to bottom left -- Column 1):
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=6fs0NoO7GbkC&dat=1...