Enbridge Gas to host a free Winterlude pancake breakfast – Feb. 6
TORONTO, ONTARIO – (Marketwire – Feb. 1, 2010)
Enbridge Gas Distribution will host a free Winterlude pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The community is invited to come by for free pancakes and hot chocolate in the Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, across from Confederation Park.
Enbridge is a long-time sponsor of Winterlude and has hosted the pancake breakfast for the past six years. The breakfast is one of the opening events to help kick off Canada’s winter celebration.
“Enbridge and its employees look forward to getting Winterlude off to a great start,” says Will Akkermans, General Manager, Enbridge Gas Distribution. “Participating in this annual tradition is one of the ways Enbridge proudly supports the communities that we serve.”
For more information go to www.enbridgegas.com.
[Originally posted at http://newsblaze.com/story/2010020107240200001.cc/topstory.html.]
27 Years of Winterlude Triathlon in Ottawa
By Devashish Paul
www.xtri.com
2/2/2010
The Winterlude Triathlon is one of Canada’s oldest multisport events. This Saturday Feb 6, 2010, it goes into its 27th year in Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Typically, and I say typically, because mother nature works in weird ways, the event is held in the following format:
• 8K mass start speed skate event on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
• T1 on the ice and change into XC skis, with a race distance of 5-6K depending on the year
• T2, back on the ice and then run 5K with 4K of it on ice, and 1k on a path beside the Rideau Canal
Typically the top competitors are done in around 1 hour, so if you want to put it into the context of summer triathlon, it is more like a sprint triathlon, but requiring a unique mix of winter sporting skills. It is traditionally the kick off event for both the Winterlude Festival in Ottawa, which is essentially a 2 week long excuse to party in the depth of winter with a variety of events centered around snow and ice around the historic Rideau Canal.
For those who have been here to race the Canadian Irondistance and half irondistance events in September, the Winterlude tri uses some of the same “geography” smack in the middle of town along the Canal that Colby built in the 1800’s so that the capital could be connected through waterways down to the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system….now it is used largely by boaters during three seasons and skaters in the winter.
While you might think “what does an event like this have anything to do with triathlon in the ‘traditional sense,’” think twice. As you know, Canada is not just famous for producing hockey players, but we have a long history of producing Triathlon Olympic medalists and Kona champions. It is funny how a nation that is largely covered by snow and ice for 4-5 months can produce champions in the heat of Kona, Sydney or Beijing. Chalk it up to some of the mental tenacity that comes with growing up under some pretty harsh weather circumstances, where we learn from an early age that you can’t let bad days get in the way of training. Heat, cold, wind, snow, ice…in the mind you use the same psychology to work with nature to achieve personal victories.
So back to the Winterlude tri, while we get our swims in at the pool, battle nature during our runs and are confined to the trainer for any form of riding, many of us get ready for the next triathlon season with a mix of the above, complimented by XC skiing, snowshoeing and speed skating. The sports offer great compliment to our triathlon preparation and best of all, another “racing season” to beat ourselves up over.
I raced the Winterlude triathlon for several years and it is truly one of the most fun days of my year. Sure as heck beats the inevitable shuffle with the 800 lbs gorilla around 16 miles into an Ironman run.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Race Director Rick Hellard recently who aside from running this race is an accomplished athlete of his own right with an 8:41 Ironman PB and a former member of the Canadian Elite triathlon team. Rick also has a thriving coaching business (www.zone3sports.com) that has helped athletes from across the region achieve PB’s from first time Ironman finishes to overall IM victories.
To read Dev’s interview with Rick Hellard, click here.
Winterlude kicks off at Museum of Civilization – Feb. 5
By Tony Lofaro
The Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — The 32nd edition of Winterlude opens Friday night at the Canadian Museum of Civilization with a splash that includes, among other special effects, a musical fireworks show.
The opening events take place indoors and outside the museum beginning at 7 p.m.
The evening includes The National Parcs, three musicians and a VJ who use strong lyrics and visuals to promote positive environmental messages in their show Timbervision. As well, those attending will see The Mythical Creatures on Stilts showcase with larger-than-life animal characters on stilts, and Nite-Lite, an interactive installation by artist Alexandra Gonzalez-Vucina that borrows from the concept of Lite-Brite, the popular toy from the ’60s and ’70s.
Glacialis is an original performance piece by composer/percussionist Jesse Stewart who produces sounds from very unlikely sources. H2Orchestra features a hydraulophone, the world’s first and only water-based musical instrument which was invented by Canadian artist Steve Mann. Their performance will be in an outdoor bathtub.
Fireworks beginning at 8:50 p.m. will explode to musical accompaniment and can be viewed from the museum grounds, Major’s Hill Park or from Jacques Cartier Park. The fireworks soundtrack will be broadcast live on CHIN Radio, 97.9 FM.
After, DJ Misstress Barbara spins tunes outdoors in a giant bubble. Improvised dance moves to the music of DJ MIsstress Barbara will come from Thomas Clair, Rhonda Dextor, Driven Dance and Culture Shock. And inside the museum, Saltarello, a three-piece band from Rouyn-Noranda will perform instruments from different cultures.
Over at Major’s Hill Park, the Flying Canucks will showcase their freestyle ski and snowboard skills with extreme sports demonstrations. Jacques Cartier Park will also be the scene for the Tethered Hot Air Balloon that lights up and presentations of winter-inspired, short animated films will be screened on a giant snow screen.
To read the full article, click here.
Olympic fever infects Winterlude
Kyle Grant, Centretown Online News
Winterlude is catching Olympic fever this year, as Ottawa’s winter festival – inspired by the 2010 Games taking place in Vancouver at the same time – will feature a snow-and-ice sports theme and a special night devoted to cheering a local speedskater in her quest for gold.
But there will also be a sombre aspect to Winterlude, which begins Feb. 5, as skaters along the canal will be encouraged to make donations to a relief fund for victims of the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
The National Capital Commission announced the official lineup of Winterlude activities at a press conference in Confederation Park on Jan. 19.
To read the full article and see a summary of Winterlude events: Olympic fever infects Winterlude
Winterlude to raise money for Haiti
By JUSTIN SADLER, Ottawa Sun
As the National Capital Commission announced the lineup of Winterlude events Tuesday, CEO Marie Lemay said the commission would raise money for the aid effort in Haiti during the first weekend of the festival.”We’re very pleased to be able to do this.” Lemay said.
Lemay said the NCC would also be calculating the festival’s carbon footprint in an effort to make the event carbon neutral by 2012.
Winterlude highlights for 2010 include performances by H2Orchestra, a group that uses a water-based musical instrument called a hydraulophone; Glacialis, who will play music using instruments made of ice; and First Nations dancers.
Gatineau Coun. Joseph De Sylva said he is excited to see families take advantage of the biggest playground in the world at Jacques-Cartier Park.
He also expects the winter festivities to give the Gatineau economy a significant boost.
“It brings in up to $10 million just in Gatineau,” De Sylva said. “It’s good for all the hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Gatineau.”
Rideau-Vanier Coun. Georges Bedard said the economic benefits are also huge for Ottawa.
“Obviously it brings in tourists and it’s extremely important for our economic development to have as many tourists as possible,” he said.
To read the full article, click here.
City to provide Sno-Bus service for Winterlude
OC Transpo will once again offer the popular Sno-Bus service for Winterlude this year – the best way to travel during North America’s greatest winter celebration.
The Sno-Bus will operate on all three Winterlude weekends – February 6 to 7, 13 to 14, and 20 to 21 – and travel from Confederation Square downtown to all the sites along the Rideau Canal and Dow’s Lake. For service to Jacques-Cartier Park, customers can transfer downtown to the STO Sno-Bus in front of the National Arts Centre.
Ottawa Deputy Mayor Georges Bédard joined Marie Lemay, CEO of the National Capital Commission, Deputy Mayor Joseph De Sylva, City of Gatineau, and representatives from the Canadian Museum of Civilization and American Express for today’s official Winterlude launch.
“Make your Winterlude experience more enjoyable by choosing OC Transpo as your means of transportation to and from the designated sites,” encouraged Deputy Mayor Bédard. “Ottawa residents and visitors alike can take advantage of our service without the worry of dealing with traffic or finding a place to park.”
Winterlude enthusiasts can also park for free at Greenboro Park and Ride lot and take the O-Train to Carling Station where they can enjoy the activities at Dow’s Lake or connect with the Sno-Bus. Parking is free at all OC Transpo Park & Ride lots during Winterlude weekends.
“At OC Transpo, we are committed to working with festivals such as Winterlude to provide convenient transportation to our residents and visitors,” said Councillor Alex Cullen, Chair of the Transit Committee. “Riders can enjoy safe, efficient and effective public transit service to their Winterlude destination.”
For further transit information, call OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit www.octranspo.com.
[Originally posted at OttawaStart.com]
Winterlude lineup of weekend festivities unveiled for three sites
TRACEY TONG
METRO OTTAWA
January 20, 2010
Winterlude is one of the opportunities Canadians have to celebrate our winter traditions and our collective Canadian identity, National Capital Commission CEO Marie Lemay said yesterday.The NCC has unveiled the lineup of events for the 32nd edition of Winterlude and the 40th season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
“Winterlude … will help us build a sense of belonging in our community, and serves as an important draw for tourists from around the world,” said Gatineau deputy mayor Joseph De Sylva.
To be held over three weekends, from Feb. 5 to 21, Winterlude will officially be launched with a musical fireworks display and outdoor dancing at the Canadian Museum of Civilization at 7 p.m. Feb. 5.
Winterlude activities will take place at three official sites – on the Skateway, the Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park and the Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau.
To read the full article, click here.
To view the schedule of activities, visit NCC.
Let The Skating Begin – Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway Now Open
Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway (www.canadascapital.gc.ca/skateway) officially opened today and launched the 40th season of organized ice skating on the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. A 4.3 km section of the 7.8 km Rideau Canal Skateway opened at 8:00 am this morning – from the National Arts Centre to Bank Street. The National Capital Commission ensures that the ice is at least a foot thick before it’s deemed safe to open to the public.
Skating on the Canal is one of the favourite things to do in Ottawa for visitors and residents alike – in fact, many residents skate to work or to school once the Canal is open. All along the Canal are services to make the skating experience more enjoyable – picnic tables, coffee, hot chocolate and of course BeaverTail kiosks. Bring your own skates or rent some at three locations along the Skateway.
The Canal will host young hockey players on January 30, 2010 as part of the programming for Hockey Day in Canada when all six Canadian NHL teams will play one another. The Canal is also the focal point for Ottawa’s annual Winterlude festival (www.winterlude.gc.ca) taking place February 5-21, 2010.
For Further Information:
Rideau Canal Skateway – (1-800-465-1867)
[Originally posted at Travel Video News]
Taste of Winterlude
The National Capital Commission (NCC) and American Express would like to invite residents and visitors to experience Taste of Winterlude and discover the many flavours of Canada’s Capital Region.
From January 28 to February 21, 2010 some of the best local restaurants will be offering exclusive prix-fixe menus, fine dining experiences, wine pairings and other culinary delights.
As of Saturday, December 5, 2009, food and wine enthusiasts will be able to register for Taste of Winterlude’s fine dining experiences – a great holiday gift idea for foodies and wine lovers. Restaurants create unique dining events that feature chefs, sommeliers or winemakers. These multi-course dinner concepts featuring wine pairings with each course and many culinary delights are the perfect opportunity to warm up to Winterlude, to gather up some first-rate company and savour the long winter nights. Please consult the enclosed listing which provides the details for all of the very different experiences on the menu.
Taste of Winterlude is presented by American Express in collaboration with the National Capital Commission. This program showcases, for the fifth year, some of the region’s top restaurants while providing great value to consumers, and aims to entice residents and visitors to dine out during January and February, and enjoy Winterlude activities.
Members of the public who would like to register or offer a fine dining experience as the perfect Christmas gift, may call 613-715-9399 or email events@groovygrapes.com. American Express Cardmembers can go to the Front Of The Line to book early reservations for the fine dining experience, from November 30 to December 4, 2009.
For more information on these special events, please visit the NCC’s website at Winterlude.gc.ca/taste.
