BE AMONG THE FIRST TO SUBSCRIBE TO CAPITAL BIXI
The NCC is proud to launch the Capital BIXI website where you can find a wealth of information on the bike share service, Capital BIXI, which will be launched on May 18 and run until November 15. Residents and visitors are invited to familiarize themselves with the service by browsing the website, joining the Capital BIXI Facebook page and subscribing to a monthly or yearly service plan.
Canada’s Capital Region will soon have 100 bicycles available in 10 stations in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. The objective of achieving the full 50 stations and 500 bicycles in the Capital region remains.
CLOSE TO ONE MILLION TULIPS TO BLOOM IN THE CAPITAL
Canada’s Capital Region - The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to welcome the Canadian Tulip Festival to Commissioners and Major’s Hill parks, from May 6 to 23, 2011. The NCC provides the colourful displays of tulips found throughout the Capital Region.
Close to one million tulips, more than 50 varieties, will bring the NCC’s flower beds to life and offer a spectacular stage for the world’s largest tulip festival — the Canadian Tulip Festival.
NCC’S TULIP LEGACY EXHIBIT
Commissioners Park, May 6 to May 23, 2011
Visitors are invited to discover the events that led to the “Gift of Tulips” and the lasting friendship between Canada and the Netherlands through the Tulip Legacy exhibit and roaming interpretive guides. After the end of the Second World War, in recognition of the role Canadians played in the liberation of the country, as well as in gratitude for having sheltered Princess Juliana and her children during the war, the Dutch people sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada, with Princess Juliana adding 20,000 more. Since then, as a gesture of ongoing gratitude and friendship the Netherlands sends 20,000 bulbs to the Capital each year.
TULIPS AT THE NCC’S MACKENZIE KING ESTATE IN GATINEAU PARK
Beginning May 19, daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed Tuesdays)
The Tearoom is open everyday from 11 am to 5 pm
William Lyon Mackenzie King was Prime Minister of Canada when Princess Juliana of the Netherlands sent a gift of thousands of tulip bulbs to the Canadian people to be planted in Canada’s Capital. Each spring, tulips also bloom at Mackenzie King Estate located in Gatineau Park. The historic buildings of the Estate, set among a unique collection of ruins and stunning gardens, will be open to the public beginning May 15, 2010.
While touring the Capital, visitors can pick-up a free copy of the brochure “Experience the Beauty! The National Capital Commission’s Tulip Beds”, which provides information on the tulip legacy story, maps out the location of key gardens and designated photo sites in some of the Capital’s most beautiful tulip displays, and recommends walking and cycling routes, with distances, to best enjoy the flowerbeds.
ABOUT THE NCC’S FLORAL PROGRAM
Each spring, close to one million tulips and 200,000 annuals planted by the NCC bloom on Parliament Hill, in Major’s Hill, Commissioners and Jacques-Cartier parks, as well as along Confederation Boulevard, the historic Rideau Canal, the Capital’s scenic parkways and recreational pathways, and in front of national museums and institutions. As the official gardener of Canada’s Capital, the NCC is responsible for the design and maintenance of many of the public gardens and the 90 flower beds found throughout the region. The most impressive display of tulips is found in Commissioners Park, where some 300,000 tulips bloom each year.
For more information on tulips, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800 465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/tulips.
For information on the Canadian Tulip Festival, the public can visit the Festival’s website at http://www.tulipfestival.ca/.
NCC KICKS OFF FIRST WEEKEND OF CANADA’S WINTER CELEBRATION WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS® WINTERLUDE OPENING
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world for the 33rd edition of Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, which starts Friday, February 4, 2011. Over three weeks, until February 21, Canada’s Capital Region will be the ideal destination to discover Canadian winter traditions through a wide variety of cultural, sport and family activities.
Here is a snapshot of the activities taking place during the first weekend of Winterlude:
American Express® Winterlude Opening
Friday, February 4, from 7 pm to 11 pm
The celebration officially kicks off with the American Express® Winterlude Opening at the Canadian Museum of Civilization on February 4th at 7 pm. Events will transport visitors on an artistic and musical multi-sensory experience. The program will feature special lighting effects, an interactive fire experience, amazing sound performances, a DJ dance party and, at 9 pm, a fireworks extravaganza to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Parks Canada.
Visitors can take advantage of free admission on February 4, from 5 pm to 11 pm, to explore the museum’s many exhibits and enjoy special programming at the Children’s Museum, as well as free IMAX showings of the film EXTREME. Circus performers the
7 doigts de la main will entertain in their signature contemporary style. At 9:30 pm, performers from the National Parks Project will take the stage in the Museum’s Grand Hall to showcase music in celebration of Canada’s artistic and geographic diversity.
The event will also be celebrated at Sun Life 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.
Outdoors on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can bring their snowboard and test their jibbing skills with Fokus Snow Jam. Saturday evening features the best DJs and VJs of the electronic scene with Igloofest .
Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park
“Harmony by Contrast” 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 4 from 8 am to 10 am (Awards Ceremony:
5 pm), and the 24th 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 6 at 6 pm).
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 5, during the Seventh Annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast (Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, across from Confederation Park). While supplies last.
On Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, Winterlude celebrates Chinese New Year. Visitors are invited to see Tuvan- and Mongolian-style throat singing performances by Nathan Rogers, Asian dance performances, All Ablaze acrobatic fire performances, Crystal Journey musical performances as well as to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic Asian yurt.
Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau
Let the winter fun begin — with the Ice Hog Family!
Young and the young at heart alike will enjoy playing in this frosty paradise of giant snow slides. The fun begins on Friday, February 4, at 10:30 am, when Mama and Papa Ice Hog, and twins Noumi and Nouma, join the crowd for the official launch of the Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom – North America’s biggest snow playground.
On Winterlude’s first weekend, visitors will feel the rhythm in Place Gatineau with body percussion, conventional percussion, dancing and singing performed by dynamic artists.
Audiences can celebrate Nunavut with Kaiva (“spin” in Inuktitut), a cultural performance group of young artists from Nunavut’s remote communities, who use the art of b-boying/b-girling to highlight some of their traditions in a fun and dynamic style.
The Canadian Forces are proud to participate in the 2011 Winterlude celebrations. Visitors can meet Canadian Rangers and experience first-hand what they are doing around the world and in the Canadian North. Both adults and kids can test their physical fitness in a military-grade winter obstacle course and get a hug from the Army’s beloved mascot, Juno the Polar Bear!
Crowds at Maison Charron will discover the endless possibilities that Parks Canada has to offer through its national parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated through music, songs, wreck discoveries and picturesque images, plus a majestic snow sculpture commemorating this milestone.
The Rideau Canal Skateway
Celebrating 41 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 this 41st season of skating, the NCC will liven up the world-famous ice surface with great sporting and winter events including returning favourites like the 28th Annual Winterlude Triathlon and the Bedzzz 31st Annual Bed Race which take place at Dows Lake this Saturday.
Skaters at Dows Lake are invited to visit Dows Gallery, an outdoor space in Canada’s Capital where youth can express themselves through art. This winter’s exhibit, Eco Art features photographic artwork with an environmental theme. These works of art will be exhibited for the duration of the skating season.
At Fifth Avenue, residents and visitors can sign up for a free 45-minute Subway® Learn to Skate session, focused on fun and basic skills development, provided by professional coaches from Nepean, Gloucester and Minto skating clubs. Registration on the hour. Plus, visitors won’t want to miss the WestJet Fun ’n Festival Zone, an interactive fun zone, hosted by the owners of WestJet. Activities include a chance to win free WestJet flights, a photo experience, fire performances, and ice carvings. Additionally, the American Express lounge will offer culinary demonstrations and complimentary hot chocolate for visitors.
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.
WINTERLUDE 2011 IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites residents of Canada’s Capital Region to become volunteers for the 33rd edition of Winterlude to be held from February 4 to February 21, 2011.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers contribute their time, talents and energy during Canada’s winter celebration. The NCC invites residents to put on their toques and mittens and join this dynamic team. We are looking for outgoing individuals of all ages to work with children, to host the ice carvers, to escort the Ice Hog family, Winterlude’s furry mascots, and to act as information officers. There is a particular need for individuals who speak French and are available to weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) to help us welcome school kids and visitors coming to the Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park.
Individuals interested in helping the NCC welcome the thousands of visitors who will come to Canada’s Capital Region for our famous February festivities can contact the NCC Volunteer Centre by phone at 613-239-5373 or by e-mail at volunteer_benevoles@ncc-ccn.ca.
For further information, members of the public may also visit the NCC website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/volunteers.
WINTERLUDE’S ICE HOG FAMILY WELCOMES BONHOMME CARNAVAL TO CANADA’S CAPITAL REGION
The National Capital Commission (NCC) welcomed today the Ice Hog family, Winterlude’s official mascots, to Canada’s Capital Region. Papa and Mama Ice Hog and their twins Nouma and Noumi arrived at the Capital Infocentre accompanied by their winter friend from Québec City, Bonhomme Carnaval.
“The reunion between the Ice Hog family and Bonhomme Carnaval reflects the spirit of collaboration that has existed for several years between two major Canadian winter celebrations,” said the CEO of the NCC, Marie Lemay. “This reunion also demonstrates the strong relationship between members of the Canadian Urban Winter Festivals Coalition.”
“The Québec Winter Carnival is proud to have created a coalition comprised of dynamic and professional people who want to focus on raising Canada’s visibility around the world,” said Jean Pelletier, Executive Director of the Québec Winter Carnival. “The Canadian Urban Winter Festivals Coalition is an integral part of our desire to promote the development of powerfully attractive Canadian tourism events.”
LAST WEEKEND TO ENJOY MANY OF THE NCC’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Canada’s Capital Region – Many of the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) outdoor programs and activities are coming to their season’s end this weekend. The NCC invites residents and visitors to take in a last excursion during Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays, to participate in the Discover the Hill program and tour the grounds of Parliament Hill, to visit the National War Memorial, and to have a swim at Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake beaches.
The schedule for the last weekend of these summer activities and programs is as follows:
NCC BEACHES — OPEN UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
Residents and visitors have until Monday, September 6 to swim at Leamy Lake beach, in Gatineau, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and at O’Brien, Blanchet, Breton, Parent and La Pêche beaches, in Gatineau Park, from 10 am to 6 pm. Lifeguards are on site during duty hours to ensure public safety. Swimmers have access to various facilities such as washrooms, change rooms, barbecues and picnic tables. Entry fees to Leamy Lake beach are $6 per automobile and entry fees to Meech, Philippe and La Pêche Lakes beaches in Gatineau Park are $10 per automobile.
40th SEASON OF ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
Gatineau Park: Parkways Reserved for Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays The Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Parkways, which are ideal destinations for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy steep hills, are closed to motorized traffic from 6 am to 11 am. One section, to the north of Lac-Meech Road (parking lot P8), is ideal for families with young children and is closed for two additional hours, from 6 am to 1 pm. (Length: 30.5 kilometres)
Ottawa: Parkways Reserved for Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays
Ottawa River Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
The westbound lanes of the Ottawa River Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from Vimy Place (Canadian War Museum) to Carling Avenue. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. (Length: 5.5 kilometres)
Colonel-By Drive — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of Colonel-By Drive, located on the east side of the Rideau Canal in the heart of the Capital, are closed to motorized traffic from the Laurier Bridge to the Hog’s Back Bridge. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from KPMG. (Length: 7.6 kilometres)
Rockcliffe Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of the Rockcliffe Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic, from the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. (Length: 8.4 kilometres)
Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikeday participants can get their bikes checked free of charge by members of the Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks Sunday, September 5, 2010, from 9 am to 1 pm on Colonel By Drive (near Seneca Street).
Members of the Ottawa Inline Skating Club will offer free one-hour instructional sessions on braking, turning and stride improvement, and provide inline skating tips and advice, with special emphasis on safety, Sunday, September 5, 2010, from 9 am to 1 pm on Colonel-By Drive (near Clegg Street and Echo Drive).
DISCOVER THE HILL INTERPRETATION PROGRAM — ON UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
The Discover the Hill outdoor interpretation program is an excellent complement to the Centre Block tour, which continues all year long. The public is invited to gain a better appreciation of the importance of Parliament Hill by visiting the Info-Tent, enjoying a tour using the free Discover the Hill Outdoor Self-Guiding Booklet or walking In the Footsteps of Great Canadians during a free 45-minute guided tour of the grounds. The Discover the Hill Interpretation program runs until September 6, 2010. For more information, the public can visit the Info-Tent, located on Parliament Hill, weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm and weekends and holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.
INTERPRETATION OF THE NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL — ON UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
Confederation Square is Canada’s place of remembrance. The monuments found there, including the National War Memorial, The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the Valiants Memorial, collectively speak of remembrance, sacrifice, courage and endurance, and represent all those whose actions in times of conflict and war have shaped Canada’s past and continue to influence our present. Visitors can learn more about the history, symbolism and importance of these monuments by speaking and sharing stories with the NCC interpreters stationed at Confederation Square daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. For more information on the National War Memorial and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
For more information on activities offered in Canada’s Capital Region, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
NCC LAUNCHES MOSAIKA, THE NEW SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW ON PARLIAMENT HILL
The National Capital Commission (NCC) today launched a brand new sound and light show on Parliament Hill entitled Mosaika: Canada through the eyes of its people. This new 30-minute experience uses spectacular lighting effects, stunning image projections and a rich tapestry of words, music and sounds to tell the story of Canada — our story — with a powerful narrative set against the spectacular backdrop of the Peace Tower and the Centre Block. It will be presented free of charge evenings until September 12, 2010, and for the next four summers.
“The sound and light show grants the NCC a unique opportunity to instill pride in Canadians and increase visitors’ awareness of our great nation by making the Capital a reflection of the people, values and achievements that define our country,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “Mosaika captures the essence of the Canadian spirit and is sure to dazzle audiences.”
Mosaika, produced by Moment Factory — a Montréal-based production company — is a bilingual show presented seven days a week (weather permitting). Bleacher seating can accommodate approximately 500 spectators. Hours are as follows: from July 8 to 18, 2010, at 10 pm, and from July 19 to September 12, 2010, at 9:30 pm.
The NCC has captivated audiences for 25 years with its sound and light shows. The last edition drew record-breaking numbers and was seen by over 1.2 million spectators. Mosaika is a must-see attraction in Canada’s Capital Region and a perfect activity for a summer evening.
For more information on Mosaika, the new sound and light show on Parliament Hill, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY) or visit the website at www.mosaika-sl.ca.
NCC HIGHLIGHTS CAPITAL ICONS IN VIRTUAL MUSEUM OF CANADA
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is proud to participate in the Virtual Museum of Canada’s new interactive online exhibit, Canada’s Got Treasures!
Launched today, to mark International Museum Day, Canada’s Got Treasures! invites people, museums and heritage institutions from across the country to share videos and photos of objects they consider to be culturally significant to Canadians through popular social media channels. In addition, each week from May to November 2010, new treasures from Canada’s national museums and institutions will be revealed.
Over the coming weeks, the NCC will contribute to the project by highlighting iconic jewels from Canada’s Capital Region. Set to coincide with Aboriginal Awareness Week (May 19 to 22, 2010), the first such treasure to be showcased is the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. This richly symbolic monument pays tribute to the extensive and voluntary contribution of Aboriginal men and women to the Canadian Forces over the years. It reflects traditional beliefs about honour, duty and harmony with the environment.
For more information about monuments and commemorations in the Capital, 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 www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
For more information on the Virtual Museum of Canada, or Canada’s Got Treasures! please visit www.virtualmuseum.ca.
RAISE YOUR VOICES: NCC SHOWCASES STUDENT BANNER ARTWORK
Hundreds of entries from NCC’s coast-to-coast classroom contest exhibited during National Youth Week
The National Capital Commission (NCC), in partnership with Classroom Connections, is pleased to showcase the more than 800 pieces of art submitted by youth to the ‘Raise Your Voices!’ National Student Banner Contest. The online gallery, launched during National Youth Week, from May 1 to 7, 2010, features the handiwork of students from coast to coast to coast.
Across Canada, students in Grades 5 through 8 (Elementary 5 through Secondary 2 in Quebec) were asked to create and submit a one-of-a-kind banner design, representing issues and topics of importance to Canadian youth. The inspired designs represent issues and topics of importance to Canadian youth, such as the Olympic Games and sport; war, peace and friendship; Canada’s history and traditions; multiculturalism; and nature and the environment.
Visit canadascapital.gc.ca/bannercontest to see the online gallery of the more than 800 contest entries, and to view the seven winning designs with detailed banner descriptions.
The seven winning banners, announced in April, have been professionally produced by the NCC and will be flown in Canada’s Capital Region from May to October 2010. In addition, the NCC has sent a set of banners to each winning team and their school, to be displayed as part of National Youth Week celebrations.
For more information about the NCC’s youth programs, classroom resources 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.
About the National Capital Commission
The NCC is a federal Crown corporation whose mandate is to create pride and unity through Canada’s Capital Region by making the Capital a meeting place that communicates Canada to Canadians. Towards this goal, the NCC organizes large-scale events such as Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations. It also takes great pride in developing and planning a capital for future generations.
About Classroom Connections
Classroom Connections is a non-profit organization dedicated to initiating positive societal change by producing progressive educational resources for Canada’s youth. To learn more about its programs and services, visit www.classroomconnections.ca.
32ND WINTERLUDE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS: Winter Fun Brings Out The Crowds
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the 32nd Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, was a resounding success. Although no official survey was conducted this year, organizers estimate that over 600,000 visitors enjoyed the official sites over the three weekends of Winterlude, which took place from February 5 to 21, 2010.
“Winterlude offers residents and visitors from around the world a chance to enjoy a Northern experience that is typically Canadian. The NCC is proud to contribute to promoting Canada’s Capital Region across Canada and around the world,” said Jean François Trépanier, Executive Vice-President of Operations at the NCC, during the Ice Hogs’ farewell, Winterlude’s closing ceremony.
Winterlude 2010 highlighted the 40th season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the Olympic Winter Games and Canada’s solidarity with Haiti, through a special project with the Red Cross.
American Express® Winterlude Opening
The American Express® Winterlude Opening at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Major’s Hill Park was a great success. More than 25,000 people attended the sports and cultural performances and watched the fantastic musical fireworks display.
The NCC is increasingly seeking federal partnerships to offer diversified cultural programming that highlights the treasures of the Capital Region’s federal institutions. The successful partnership with the Canadian Museum of Civilization demonstrated the potential of this approach.
Rideau Canal Skateway
The Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink, was open from the National Arts Centre to Dows Lake, during all three Winterlude weekends. The quality of the ice surface allowed events and activities to take place along the full length of the Skateway. Today marks the 23rd day of consecutive skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway and the 40th season will continue while conditions allow.
An initiative that engaged youth, Urban Art, an exhibit expressing young local artists’ vision of the Rideau Canal Skateway through graffiti, drew large crowds to the outdoor gallery at Dows Lake. These works will remain on display throughout the entire skating season.
Winterlude visitors had many opportunities to enjoy winter fun and become more acquainted with Canadian traditions during activities such as the Great Canadian Beaver Cup Pond Hockey Classic, the Annual Bedzzz Bed Race, Subway® Learn to Skate lessons, and the Portrait Gallery of Canada’s exhibition of the portraits of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Rogers Crystal Garden at Confederation Park
Rogers Crystal Garden enchanted the thousands of visitors and those who love ice sculptures, during the three weekends of Winterlude.
The 23rd Rogers International Ice-Carving Competition, with 38 professional sculptors from 13 countries, included several competitions that took place in Confederation Park. Visitors could also take in a majestic sculpture celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy, an ice replica of HMCS Sackville, as well as the impressive six-tonne ephemeral ice sculpture of a polar bear.
Rogers Crystal Lounge was also the place to be for those who enjoy DJ music. The performance by well-known DJ Dan Desnoyers attracted a large crowd.
Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom
Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau was a paradise for children, youth and families. Thousands of visitors slid down the 30 slides, made their way through the Olympic-themed snow maze and tried their hand at ice fishing on the Ottawa River.
The NCC, in collaboration with the Ville de Gatineau, presented the National Snow Sculpture Competition, the theme of which was “Winter Fun.” The 10 teams, representing various Canadian provinces and territories, each had the task of carving a 40-tonne block of snow. The sculpture entitled Snow Skates, created by the team from Alberta received top honours, winning both the Jury’s Award and the People’s Choice Award.
Several performances, such as “Arthur L’aventurier,” also captured the attention of visitors to Snowflake Kingdom. The screening of the Québécois film La Guerre des tuques, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, was very popular, as were the walkabouts by the Ice Hog family, Winterlude’s famous mascots.
The NCC is proud of Winterlude’s success, and of the successful skating season on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The NCC gratefully acknowledges the support and collaboration of some 700 volunteers, and its many sponsors and partners, including the City of Ottawa, the Ville de Gatineau, OC Transpo, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Government of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Forces, the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable, American Express®, Rogers, Sun Life Financial and WestJet.
The NCC is inviting the public to mark their calendars for the 33rd edition of Winterlude that will take place from February 4 to 20, 2011.
For more information about the NCC, please call 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (TTY), 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
