Ottawa will host several arts and cultural events related to the Juno Awards as the city gears up to welcome the best of Canada’s musical performers. The events include an exhibit of album cover art and a celebrity basketball game.

At a press conference Tuesday to announce the Juno nominees, some details emerged about four Ottawa events that will be held as part of the Juno festivities. They include the Juno Tour of Canadian Art at the National Gallery of Canada; an exhibition of original pastel drawings in celebration of Gordon Lightfoot’s Canadian Railroad Trilogy to be held at the Canada Science and Technology Museum; and an exhibit of album cover art from 1975 to the present, to be held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

And a celebrity basketball game called Juno Hoops will be held March 29 at the The University of Ottawa’s Montpetit Hall in support of MusicCounts, Canada’s national music education charity.

For full article, go to:

Ottawa welcomes the Junos with art exhibits and a celebrity basketball game

Photo Courtesy of,  Tony Lofaro, The Ottawa Citizen

from the National Gallery of Canada’s Canadian collection

Winterlude is a veritable rite of passage for Ottawans and creates fond memories for years to come.

But what if the white playground of ice sculptures, snowy slides, and the winding Rideau Canal Skateway were a little bit greener?

Festival organizers are finding it more difficult each year to maintain the winter wonderland as climate change takes its hold over the season.

“Winterlude in Ottawa is all about having the snow, the slides, and the ice sculptures,” said Adam Mullins, who spent the day with nine family members, including his wife, Cara, and two children. “If that would change, it would take away from the tradition.”

To read the full article, go to :

Winterlude visitors like it cold and snowy

Thousands came to the opening weekend of Winterlude, taking in skating, ice sculpting, sledding and more. Residents and visitors alike had a hoot on the icy hills in the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Oliver, The Ottawa Citizen

Tucker’s Marketplace took top honours with judges at the 21st annual ByWard Market Stew Cook-Off, part of the opening Winterlude festivities that drew a record crowd of almost 800 hungry participants on Friday.

Tucker’s winning entry was a hearty beef, sausage and vegetable stew. And the People’s Choice award went to Social Restaurant and Lounge for its venison, chipotle and sweet potato stew.

For full story, go to:

Would you believe, 30 gallons of stew? From just one contestant?

Byward Market Square was a mighty busy place at annual stew cook-off Friday.

Photo courtesy of Ron Eade, The Ottawa Citizen

The City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and State Farm®, sponsor of the Skate Safe program, have teamed up once again to make an Ottawa winter tradition more fun for everyone through the Skate Safe program. The Skate Safe tent officially opened on Saturday morning on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the State Farm Zone at Concord.

Visitors to the Skate Safe tent will get assistance with helmet fittings, tips on helmet use and a free 15-minute “tips and tricks” skating session from staff and volunteers from Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ottawa’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department and ThinkFirst. The tent will be open Saturdays and Sundays during Winterlude, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until February 20.

“Skating on the canal can be even more enjoyable if you possess basic skating skills and are wearing a proper helmet,” said Councillor Mathieu Fleury, member of the Board of Health. “I’m proud that Ottawa Public Health and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services have joined forces to offer this innovative Skate Safe program to residents and tourists enjoying skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO world heritage site, located here in our Nation’s Capital.”

The Skate Safe program is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, the NCC, State Farm, the Ottawa chapter of ThinkFirst, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Brain Injury Association of Canada. The initiative began in 2004 when the NCC approached Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and asked for assistance in addressing the growing number of skating injuries on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

“The NCC wants residents and visitors to have a safe and positive experience on the world’s largest skating rink,” said Marc Corriveau, Director of Urban Lands and Transportation at the NCC. “Our partnership with the City of Ottawa and State Farm is building awareness of and encouraging the use of helmets on the Rideau Canal Skateway.”

“State Farm is always proud to have the opportunity to sponsor world renowned events, and being part of the Rideau Canal Skateway 2012 is a great way to show support for Canadian families. This event highlights the opportunity for family and friends to be able to interact and enjoy time together in a safe and friendly environment,” said Caroline Quinn, State Farm Canada Marketing Manager. “Our relationship with the NCC, City of Ottawa, and CHEO to support the Skate Safe program is a great way to enhance this family experience. We’re excited to be an official sponsor of this celebration which continues to be a memorable event, year after year. ”

This year, OPH will be hosting a contest to encourage Ottawa youth to wear a helmet while skating on the Skateway and at other City indoor and outdoor skating facilities. “Get Caught Wearing Your Helmet is just one more way that OPH is reaching out to youth,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “Making it fun by providing youth incentives to wear a helmet while skating will help us promote the important message that wearing a proper helmet is the right thing to do.”

For more information on Skate Safe, please visit ottawa.ca/health, or call the OPH information line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656).

Des 40 photos gagnantes, trois photographes ont reçu de l’équipement de photographie, offert par Henry’s Canada :

Choix du jury Vineeth Sampathkumar (Ottawa, Ont.)
Choix du public Amanda Hrabi (Calgary, Alb.)
Choix de Henry’s Austin Jean (Gatineau, Qc)

« Je suis ravi de voir ma photo choisie ainsi. C’est formidable que de jeunes photographes passionnés et compétents aient la chance de montrer leurs photos à un endroit aussi emblématique, » a déclaré Vineeth Sampathkumar, gagnant du prix Choix du jury.

Présentée dans le cadre des programmes jeunesses de la CCN, la Galerie Dows est un espace extérieur dans la capitale du Canada où les jeunes peuvent montrer leurs talents artistiques. D’ici la fin de la saison de patinage, des centaines de milliers de patineurs sur le canal Rideau, ainsi que les visiteurs virtuels à une galerie en ligne, pourront admirer les œuvres Art Éco.

« La CCN met tout en œuvre pour trouver des façons nouvelles et novatrices de donner une voix aux jeunes dans leur capitale, a déclaré Guy Laflamme, vice-président principal, direction de l’Expérience de la capitale, communications et marketing de la CCN. Ces images, de jeunes artistes de partout au pays, sont une source d’inspiration, et nous sommes ravis de présenter leurs interprétations visuelles et artistiques, sous le thème de l’environnement, pour le plaisir de tous. »La CCN a officiellement ouvert la 42^e saison de patinage sur la patinoire du canal Rideau le 15 janvier 2012. Reconnue comme étant la plus grande patinoire du monde par la société Guinness World Records™ en 2005, la patinoire du canal Rideau reçoit, en moyenne, un million de visites chaque année. La célèbre surface glacée est l’un des sites officiels du Bal de Neige, qui a lieu du 3 au 20 février 2012.

Pour plus de renseignements sur les programmes jeunesse de la CCN, la patinoire du canal Rideau, Bal de Neige ou tout autre programme, les gens du public peuvent communiquer avec la CCN au 613-239-5000, au 1-800-465-1867 (sans frais), au

613-239-5090 (ATS) ou au 1 800 661-3530 (ATS sans frais), ou visiter le site Web de la CCN au www.capitaleducanada.gc.ca.

Of the 40 winning photographs, three artists have been awarded a prize package of photography equipment, courtesy of Henry’s Canada:

Jury’s Choice Award, Vineeth Sampathkumar (Ottawa, Ont.)
People’s Choice Award, Amanda Hrabi (Calgary, Alta.)
Henry’s Choice Award, Austin Jean (Gatineau, Qué.)

“I’m elated that my photograph was chosen. I think it’s great that young photographers, who have such a strong passion and skill for the art, are given the chance to showcase their photos at such an iconic venue,” said Vineeth Sampathkumar, winner of the Jury’s Choice Award.

Part of the NCC’s youth programming, Dows Gallery is an outdoor space in Canada’s Capital where youth can express themselves through art. From now until the end of the skating season, Eco Art will display the winning works of art to hundreds of thousands of skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway, as well as to virtual visitors in an online gallery.

“The NCC continually strives to find new and innovative ways to give youth a voice in their Capital,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing, NCC. “These works by young artists from across the country are an inspiration, and we’re delighted to present their artistic and visual interpretations of the environmental theme for all to enjoy.”

The NCC officially opened the 42^nd skating season of the Rideau Canal Skateway on January 15, 2012. Recognized by the Guinness World Records™ in 2005 as the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway receives, on average, one million visits each year. The world-famous ice surface becomes one of the official sites for Winterlude, which takes place from February 3 to 20, 2012.

For more information about the NCC’s youth programs, the Rideau Canal Skateway, Winterlude or other NCC programs, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

The workshop is open to adults, with a limit of three ensembles per session. Tuition is $600 and includes practice space at the University of Ottawa; one daily 90-minute coaching session; one group masterclass with a visiting festival artist; and seven-day passes to Ottawa Chamberfest 2012. Coaches are Roman Borys and Jamie Parker of the Juno® Award-winning Gryphon Trio, Cecilia String Quartet, Penderecki String Quartet, Afiara String Quartet, Eybler Quartet (early music), and Pentaèdre Wind Quintet.

Ottawa Chamberfest presents the ACE Workshop as part of its audience engagement mandate. Application deadline is March 1, 2012. A digital brochure and downloadable application form are available at www.OttawaChamberfest.com/upcoming-features/ace.

QUOTE
Roman Borys, Artistic Director: “We’ve been planning ACE for three years. We conducted a successful, unpublicized trial workshop in 2011 that culminated in an exciting performance on the last night of the summer festival. This year, ACE formally launches with positions for up to six amateur ensembles, in what promises to be one of the landmark events of Ottawa Chamberfest 2012.”

ABOUT OTTAWA CHAMBERFEST
Founded in 1994, Ottawa Chamberfest brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance for two weeks of musical celebration in the nation’s capital. The world’s largest festival of its kind, Ottawa Chamberfest is a Festivals and Events Ontario “Festival of Distinction,” and winner of seven Lieutenant-Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

La Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) est prête à recevoir les résidents et les visiteurs au 34^e Bal de Neige, qui prendra son envol le vendredi 3 février 2012. Au cours des trois prochaines semaines, et ce, jusqu’au 20 février, la région de la capitale du Canada sera la destination de choix pour découvrir les traditions hivernales canadiennes avec une abondance d’activités culturelles, sportives, culinaires et familiales.

Voici un aperçu des activités du premier week-end du Bal de Neige.

Lancement du Bal de Neige American Express^MD
Le vendredi 3 février, Musée canadien des civilisations

C’est au Musée canadien des civilisations qu’aura lieu le Lancement du Bal de Neige American Express^MD le vendredi 3 février à 20 h 30. Au programme : effets d’éclairage sublimes, personnages historiques, percussionnistes, conte autour du feu, soirée dansante avec un DJ et à 21 h, l’éblouissant spectacle pyromusical.

Pour l’ouverture du Bal de Neige, l’accès au Musée canadien des civilisations est gratuit de 17 h à 23 h. Les visiteurs pourront explorer de nombreuses expositions du musée et profiter de la programmation spéciale.

L’ouverture officielle sera également célébrée au Domaine des flocons, au parc Jacques-Cartier, un site idéal pour admirer le spectacle pyromusical. Le parc restera ouvert jusqu’à 21 h 30 ce soir-là.

Reflets de glace Rogers, au parc de la Confédération
« Passion nordique » sculptées dans la glace

Ce week-end, les amateurs de sculpture sur glace auront la chance de voir à l’œuvre des sculpteurs du monde entier qui créeront de scintillants chefs-d’œuvre. Plusieurs compétitions seront présentées, dont le Défi d’un bloc Rogers le vendredi 3 février, de 8 h à 10 h (cérémonie de remise des prix à 17 h), et le 25^e Concours international de sculpture sur glace Rogers. Des sculpteurs professionnels du monde entier mettront leurs talents à l’épreuve pendant le week-end (Concours du vote public en ligne à partir du dimanche 5 février, à 18 h).

Lors du week-end d’ouverture, les visiteurs au Reflets de glace Rogers auront aussi la possibilité de :

• visiter un Authentique Lavvo du peuple Saami du Nord de la Norvège ;
• découvrir BlizzArt, une galerie d’art en plein air mettant en vedette des œuvres d’art canadien unique ;
• rencontrer des artistes du Nord canadien et voir leurs prestations dans le Globe de cristal Rogers ;
• danser à la musique des Soirées musicales sous zéro ;
• voir la sculpture de glace et l’exposition de photos du Jubilé de diamant de la reine ;
• découvrir ce qu’est l’« art éphémère » et créer des sculptures ;
• explorer le Yukon à travers les yeux de talentueux artistes ;
• apprendre davantage sur le grand explorateur norvégien Roald Amundsen, et sur son expédition dans le passage du Nord-Ouest.

Les visiteurs pourront commencer leur week-end du Bal de Neige sur une note sucrée en savourant une délicieuse (et gratuite! tant qu’il y en aura) crêpe et un chocolat chaud le samedi 4 février, à 10 h au Huitième déjeuner de crêpes annuel Enbridge (à la place des Festivals de l’hôtel de ville d’Ottawa, en face du parc de la Confédération).

Domaine des flocons, au parc Jacques-Cartier
Que l’aventure commence, en compagnie de la famille Glamotte!

Une présentation de la Ville de Gatineau et de la CCN, petits et grands prendront plaisir à s’élancer sur les glissoires de neige géantes. La fête commencera le vendredi 3 février, à 10 h 30, alors que Papa et Maman Glamotte, ainsi que les jumeaux Noumi et Nouma, se mêleront à la foule pour donner le coup d’envoi aux activités présentées au Domaine des flocons ─ le plus grand terrain de jeux de neige du continent.

Pendant le premier week-end du Bal de Neige, les visiteurs auront la chance de :

• trouver leur chemin dans le Labyrinthe du fort Wellington ;
• se familiariser avec les épreuves quotidiennes que devaient surmonter les gens de l’époque 1812 à travers interprétation, démonstrations et jeux ;
• vivre une journée dans la vie d’un membre de la Garde côtière ;
• tester leur condition physique à la Course à obstacles d’hiver des Forces canadiennes ;
• s’initier au ski alpin sous la surveillance de moniteurs qualifiés ;
• admirer le talent et les prouesses acrobatiques des artistes à la Scène des flocons ;
• célébrer Les journées du Yukon à travers les yeux de talentueux artistes et sculpteurs sur neige ;
• visiter La Zone aventure où ils peuvent essayer des trampolines Jumpaï, le Mur d’escalade, et prendre un vols de montgolfière en attaché (3 fév.).

La patinoire du canal Rideau
Célébrant la 42^e saison de patinage

Chaque hiver, la CCN transforme le canal Rideau en la plus grande patinoire du monde, reconnue telle par Guinness World Records™ en 2005. La patinoire du canal Rideau devient alors l’hôte de plusieurs activités du Bal de Neige. Pour le week-end d’ouverture de la fête, la célèbre surface glacée sera l’hôte du 29^e triathlon du Bal de Neige et de la 32^e course de lits Accora Village qui auront lieu samedi au lac Dows. En plus des activités de pionnier et d’artisanat qui ont lieu ce week-end à l’avenue Bronson avec le Musée de l’agriculture du Canada, tout au cours du Bal de Neige les visiteurs à la patinoire auront l’occasion de :

• découvrir Portraits sur la glace, une exposition d’art en plein air qui souligne le bicentenaire de la guerre de 1812 présentée par Bibliothèque et Archives Canada ;
• venir voir Fire Weavers et d’autres artistes talentueux à La zone WestJet ;
• profiter des démonstrations culinaires et goûter à des plats canadiens dans le  Lounge American Express à l’avenue Fifth ;
• s’inscrire à des leçons de patinage Subway^MD gratuites de 45 minutes ;
• assister à l’un des spectacles de théâtre narratif, de danse traditionnelle et de chants au son du tambour avec Expériences autochtones (l’île Pig) ;
• et bien plus encore !

Partenaires de programmation
Pour vraiment faire du Bal de Neige 2012, la grande fête de la capitale en hiver

Pour la 34^e édition du Bal de Neige, plus de 50 partenaires de programmation publics et privés d’Ottawa et de Gatineau, se sont réunis pour offrir aux visiteurs un large éventail d’activités intérieures et extérieures visant à animer la capitale comme jamais auparavant. Voici un échantillon de ce qui se passe lors du premier week-end du Bal de Neige :

• 21e concours de ragoûts du marché By ;
• Le premier Festival hivernal de jazz ;
• Samedi science et frissons au Musée de l’aviation et de l’espace du Canada ;
• Aurores boréales 2012 : exposition commerciale et culturelle ;
• Théâtres Ottawa présentent Paul Brandt au Théâtre Centrepointe ;
• CARTE BLANCHE, avec Jean-Claude Marcus et Samuel Boivin-Provost présenté par la Ville de Gatineau ;
• Mighty Popo: Gakondo présenté par la Ville de Gatineau ;
• Centre-ville Rideau : FRISSONS GARANTIS.

Pour de plus amples renseignements sur Bal de Neige, veuillez communiquer avec la CCN aux numéros suivants : 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (ATS), 1-800-465-1867 (sans frais) ou 1-866-661-3530 (ATS sans frais). Vous pouvez aussi consulter le site Web de la CCN au BaldeNeige.gc.ca.

Here is a snapshot of the activities taking place during the first weekend of Winterlude.

American Express^® Winterlude Opening
Friday, February 3, Canadian Museum of Civilization

The celebration officially kicks off with the American Express® Winterlude Opening at 8:30 pm at the Canadian Museum of Civilization on February 3rd. The program will feature special lighting effects, historical characters and drummers, storytelling around cozy fire pits, an outdoor DJ dance party, and, at 9 pm, a fireworks extravaganza.

Visitors can take advantage of free admission on February 3, from 5 pm to 11 pm, to explore the museum’s many exhibits and enjoy special programming.

The event will also be celebrated at Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, which will remain open until 9:30 pm, offering another perfect vantage point to enjoy the evening’s fireworks.

Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park
“Northern Passion” carved in ice

This weekend, there are plenty of chances to watch ice carvers from around the world create their crystalline masterpieces at Confederation Park. These include the Rogers One-Block Challenge on Friday, February 3 from 8 am to 10 am (Awards Ceremony: 5 pm), and the 25th Rogers International Ice-Carving Competition, where professional carvers from around the world put their talent to the test throughout the weekend (People’s Choice Online Voting Contest starts Sunday, February 5 at 6 pm).

On opening weekend, visitors to Rogers Crystal Garden will also have the opportunity to:

• visit an authentic Sami Lavvu from northern Norway;
• discover BlizzArt, an outdoor gallery featuring unique Canadian work of art;
• meet artists from northern Canada and see them perform in the Rogers Crystal Globe;
• groove to the tunes of the Sub-Zero Music Series;
• celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in ice and photos;
• learn about ephemeral art and create their own sculpture;
• experience the Yukon through the eyes of talented artists;
• find out more about the great Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, and his expedition through the Northwest Passage.

The public can start off their first Winterlude weekend with a delicious (and free!) pancake and hot chocolate breakfast at 10 am on Saturday, February 4, during the Eighth Annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast (Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, across from Confederation Park). While supplies last.

Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau
Let the adventure begin — with the Ice Hog Family!

Presented by the Ville de Gatineau and the NCC, young and the young at heart alike will enjoy playing in this frosty paradise of giant snow slides. The fun begins on Friday, February 3, at 10:30 am, when Mama and Papa Ice Hog, and twins Noumi and Nouma, join the crowd for the official launch of Snowflake Kingdom – North America’s biggest snow playground.

On Winterlude’s first weekend, visitors will have the chance to:

• find their way through the A-maze-ing Fort Wellington;
• learn about the life of the people who lived in 1812 through interpretation, demonstrations and games;
• take part in a day in the life of a Coast Guard employee;
• test their physical fitness in the Canadian Forces Winter Obstacle Course;
• experience downhill skiing with qualified instructors;
• feel the rhythm at the Snowflake Stage featuring talented performers and acrobatic stunts;
• celebrate Yukon Days with performances and snow sculptures;
• visit the Adventure Zone, where they can try Jumpaï trampolines, rock climbing and catch a lift in a tethered hot air balloon (Feb. 3).

The Rideau Canal Skateway
Celebrating 42 seasons of skating

Each winter, the NCC transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink, which was officially recognized as such in 2005 by Guinness World Records™. The Rideau Canal Skateway is centre stage for many activities during Winterlude. For the celebration’s opening weekend, the world-famous ice surface will host the 29th Annual Winterlude Triathlon and the 32nd Annual Accora Village Bed Race which take place at Dows Lake this Saturday. In addition to pioneer activities and crafts that take place this weekend at Bronson Avenue with the Canada Agriculture Museum, throughout Winterlude visitors to the Skateway will have the opportunity to:

• discover Portraits on the Ice, an outdoor art gallery presented by Library and Archives Canada, which this season commemorates the War of 1812;
• see Fire Weavers and other talented acts at the WestJet Fun ‘n Festival Zone;
• enjoy culinary demonstrations and sample creative Canadian dishes in the American Express Lounge at Fifth Avenue;
• sign up for a free 45-minute Subway® Learn to Skate session;
• take in storytelling theatre, traditional dances, songs and hand drumming with Aboriginal Experiences at Pig Island;
• and much, much more!

Programming Partners
Truly making Winterlude the Capital Region’s winter celebration

For the 34^th edition of Winterlude, more than 50 programming partners, from Ottawa and Gatineau’s private and public sectors, have come together to offer visitors a wide-range of indoor and outdoor activities aimed at animating the Capital like never before. Here is just a sampling of what takes place on the first weekend of Winterlude:

• 21st Annual ByWard Market Stew Cook-Off;
• the first annual Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival;
• Cool Science Saturday at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum;
• Northern Lights 2012: Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase;
• Ottawa Theatres Present Paul Brandt at Centrepointe Theatre;
• CARTE BLANCHE with Jean-Claude Marcus and Samuel Boivin-Provost presented by the Ville de Gatineau;
• The Mighty Popo: Gakondo is presented by the Ville de Gatineau;
• Downtown Rideau CHILL FACTOR.

For more information about Winterlude, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (TTY), 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at Winterlude.gc.ca.

UNICEF is the world’s leading child-focused humanitarian and development agency. Through innovative programs and advocacy work, they save children’s lives and secure their rights in virtually every country. Their global reach, unparalleled influence on policymakers, and diverse partnerships make them an instrumental force in shaping a world in which no child dies of a preventable cause. UNICEF is entirely supported by voluntary donations and helps all children, regardless of race, religion or politics.

“UNICEF Canada is thrilled to be the charitable beneficiary of Ottawa Fashion Week,” says Susan Larkin, Director of Community Engagement for UNICEF Canada. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the fashion community in Ottawa to show their support of UNICEF’s work delivering life-saving services to children around the world.  Our thanks to the organizers, sponsors and participants of Ottawa Fashion Week for helping children survive and thrive.”

$10 from each Sunday and week pass sold will go towards UNICEF and its programming. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca/consumer.php.

About Ottawa Fashion Week

The Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) mandate is to provide a platform for national and international designers and artists to showcase their talent. Over the course of seven seasons, OFW has grown into an avenue of expression, creativity and innovation. The pursuit of artistic expression in all its forms is a defining element in the success of Ottawa Fashion Week. The fifth year anniversary season of Ottawa Fashion Week will be presented with support from the National Capital Commission (NCC) as the highlight of the Winterlude festival from February 17^th to 19^th in the Confederation Ballroom of the Westin Hotel Ottawa (11 Colonel By Drive).