Winterlude visitors like it cold and snowy: Thousands descend on Snow Kingdom to enjoy slippery slides and sweet treats
Katia Dmitrieva, The Ottawa Citizen
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.”
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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
Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights to brighten Canada’s Capital Region
[Source: NCC press release]
Magical evening will officially kick off the holiday season
Canada’s Capital Region ─ The National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with Manulife Financial, is pleased to invite members of the public and of the media to the launch of the 27th edition of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program. The official illumination ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6 pm on Parliament Hill.
Russell Mills, Chair of the NCC, Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, and Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Financial, will be joined by special guests as they officially switch on the thousands of light bulbs that will illuminate Parliament Hill as well as many institutions, monuments, and other prominent landmarks located along Confederation Boulevard, in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region.
An important national component of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program: many provincial and territorial capitals are also holding their own lighting ceremonies.
“The NCC is proud to work in collaboration with all the provinces and territories to bring their holiday messages to Canadians,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “This link of lights is a symbol of peace, respect, and hope.”
Locals find family fun at Winterlude
TRACEY TONG
METRO OTTAWA
Winterlude may be known for bringing tens of thousands of people to Ottawa every year, but it also gives locals a chance to find entertainment right in their own backyard.
Family Day long weekend brought thousands of locals to Winterlude’s three sites, including the Rideau Canal Skateway, Confederation Park and Jacques-Cartier Park yesterday.
“Last year was a bad time for the economy,” said Ottawa resident Jennifer Parker. “I think a lot of families are really glad for quality activities they can take their kids to easily, that the kids will actually enjoy, and that won’t break the bank.
“Children shouldn’t have to miss out because the economy was in a slump.”
Parker and her husband brought their kids to Jacques-Cartier Park yesterday, where there were snow slides and ice fishing events.
Ottawa resident Becky Draper has enjoyed skating on the canal and Beavertails during Winterlude for years, but this year was extra special — it marked the first Winterlude for her year-old son.
City resident Jim Shivas never misses Winterlude. His favourite activities include skating on the canal and checking out the ice sculptures. The weather was perfect for winter fun this weekend, he said.
“As long as you can still see the stuff and go skating, that’s what matters to me,” he said. “I’d come out at -20.”
Bernadette Bailey and her daughter, Hannah, take advantage of Winterlude offerings by playing host to out-of-town friends and family every February.
While some people never miss Winterlude, other residents discovered it for the first time.
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Mayor’s Ninth Annual Christmas Celebration
The Mayor’s Ninth Annual Christmas Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 1 to 5 pm. in the Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street. This fun-filled celebration will include a visit with Santa, crafts in Santa’s workshop, story telling with Mrs. Claus, live music and entertainment, plus some tasty treats including BeaverTails, Papa Jack Popcorn and much more!
Program: Main Stage – Aberdeen Pavilion
1:15 to 1:25 pm His Worship Larry O’Brien offers words of welcome
1:30 to 2 pm Maria Hawkins
2:05 to 2:35 pm École secondaire publique De la Salle
2:40 to 3:10 pm Dominic D’Arcy
3:15 to 3:45 pm Mario the Magician
3:50 to 4:20 pm Atlantic Voices
In addition, enjoy skating to the magic of Christmas music on the Urbandale Centre ice (Ottawa Civic Centre) from 1 to 4 pm. From 1 to 2 pm, you will have an opportunity to meet and skate with members of the Ottawa 67’s Six0 Power Dancers.
To help those in need and to share in the spirit of the holiday season, admission to this event is a non-perishable food donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. A donation makes you eligible for a door prize. Only those 18 years or older are eligible for the draw.
OC Transpo will offer free bus rides on all routes to and from Lansdowne Park from noon to 6 pm on Sunday, December 13 to children 11 years and under when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Hydro Ottawa Holiday Light Exchange
Bring in two old strings of holiday lights and exchange them for one string of energy efficient multi-coloured LED lights. Limit of three LED strings per person, while supplies last.
Inquiries: Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
