OTTAWA FASHION WEEK TO HOST CHARITY SHOW IN SUPPORT OF UNICEF CANADA
The Ottawa Fashion Week Board of Directors is pleased to announce this season’s charitable partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Canada. A runway show, titled “Runway for a Better Way” in support of UNICEF will be organized and co-hosted by Ottawa native, Kevin Carroll (www.allaccesswithkevin.com/) on Sunday, February 19th 2012 in the Confederation Ballroom at the Westin Hotel Ottawa (11 Colonel By Drive). The event will feature celebrity models ̶ Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas/Call Me Fitz), Rosey Edeh (ET Canada), Tré Armstrong (So You Think You Can Dance Canada), Erica Wark (CBC’s Steven and Chris), Leesa Butler (www.f-list.ca), Casie Stewart (www.casiestewart.com), Elizabeth Manley (Olympic Silver Medalist), Gail McInnes (TDot TV), Cory Lee (Degrassi), TL Rader (Professional Ballroom Dancer) and Solange Tuyishime (UNICEF Canada Ambassador) ̶ in designs by Rachel Sin (www.rachelsin.com/) , DeMOYO (www.paidemoyochideya.com/) and Sarah Stevenson (www.sarahstevensondesign.com/) with jewellery by MMCrystal (www.MMCrystal.com).
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 17th to 19th in the Confederation Ballroom of the Westin Hotel Ottawa (11 Colonel By Drive).
Winterlude’s Sno-Bus offered Free of Charge: OLG becomes the title sponsor of the Sno-Bus service
The National Capital Commission (NCC) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced today a new partnership that will provide residents and visitors to Winterlude, access to the Sno-Bus service, FREE OF CHARGE, during Winterlude’s three weekends, February 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19.
“The NCC is pleased to welcome OLG as the title sponsor of Winterlude’s Sno-Bus, and to offer visitors free access to this key service operated by the STO and OC Transpo”, said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer at the NCC. “This partnership is especially important because it encourages visitors to use public transit, and contributes to reducing Winterlude’s carbon footprint.”
Ms. Lemay was accompanied by Rod Phillips, OLG President & CEO, Yasir Naqvi, Ottawa Centre MPP and Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, at a news conference held today at one of the Sno-Bus stops on Elgin Street.
“The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is proud to be part of Winterlude, a great celebration of winter and to continue our commitment to community partnership by sponsoring the Sno-Bus,” said Rod Phillips, OLG’s President and CEO. “As part of this sponsorship, we are excited that this year, the Sno-Bus will be free for all passengers participating in Winterlude.”
“I want to thank the OLG for sponsoring this great initiative,” added Mayor Watson. “Winterlude is a marquee event in the national capital region and having a free and reliable mode of transportation for residents and visitors makes it that much more enjoyable.”
OC Transpo and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) offer this shuttle service linking Winterlude’s official sites: along Queen Elizabeth Drive and the Rideau Canal Skateway to Dow’s Lake; Rogers Crystal Garden at Confederation Park; and Winterlude’s Snowflake Kingdom, located at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. Sno-Bus stops are clearly indicated on Winterlude signs along the way.
About OLG: OLG is proud to work with communities in Ontario and be part of bringing over 200 local events to life each year through our Sponsorship Program. From business events to cultural and music festivals, OLG is an involved and contributing partner in community events and festivals across Ontario. Providing sponsorship support to worthwhile community events is another way that OLG makes life better for people across Ontario.
NCC diversifies Winterlude, making it less dependent on cold weather
Mark Brownlee, The Ottawa Citizen
Photo courtesy Ottawa Citizen, by Pat McGrath
Unpredictable February weather will force Winterlude to focus less on its winter theme in the years to come, organizers say of the festival that has traditionally drawn tourists by celebrating Canada’s cold climate.
Fluctuating temperatures have wreaked havoc on the event in the past few years. Temperatures went as high as 10 C on the Friday before the last weekend of the 2011 edition, forcing organizers to change some marquee events such as the ice sculpture competition and to temporarily close the Rideau Canal to skating.
The event’s organizer, the federally-funded National Capital Commission, has already moved to diversify its lineup from such traditional winter-themed activities to those not dependent on weather. This year’s events include a jazz festival in Confederation Park and a beer and ice wine festival in Gatineau.
Full story on the Ottawa Citizen Website: NCC diversifies Winterlude, making it less dependent on cold weather
Winterlude 2012 will remember the War of 1812
Alicja Siekierska, The Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — Feb. 3 will mark the start of Winterlude 2012, the 34th edition the city’s popular three-week long winter festival.
The National Capital Commission unveiled new details about the annual winter extravaganza Tuesday, which will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 as well as the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. There will be various activities honouring the anniversaries throughout the festival.
The NCC will work with more than 50 programming partners — more than ever before — to bring a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to the event.
NCC CEO Marie Lemay says the increase in partnerships will not only make for a “bigger and better” Winterlude, but it will also bring more community involvement.
“We want the community to take ownership so it’s not just the NCC’s Winterlude,” says Lemay. “Community groups have really taken part in it, building it and taking ownership of it. So it’s everybody’s Winterlude.”
One of the new partners is the Ottawa Jazz Festival, which will launch the first annual Winter Jazz Festival with a series of concerts Feb. 2 to 4, most at the NAC’s Fourth Stage.
Read more on the Ottawa Citizen website: Winterlude 2012 will remember the War of 1812
NCC Launches Request for Expression of Interest for Programming along the Rideau Canal
NCC seeks pilot projects that will enhance the “Capital Experience” on these urban spaces
Canada’s Capital Region ─ The National Capital Commission (NCC) is seeking innovative projects that will animate the shorelines of the Rideau Canal and enhance the “Capital Experience”.
These projects would be implemented as of the summer 2012 by the person or organization that proposes, as a pilot project, to develop or animate the Rideau Canal shorelines. Each selected project will be assessed after the duration of the pilot, which is for a maximum of three years, in order to decide on its future.
“We are hoping that the breadth of this request for expression of interest will result in proposals of creative uses of the Capital’s underutilized urban spaces,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “These spaces represent an enormous opportunity to contribute to the vibrancy of our region.”
Projects will be evaluated by the NCC in light of their overall contribution to the goals of this request for expression of interest and their feasibility.
The request for expression of interest can be found at www.canadascapital.ca . For more information, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY).
Funding cut to Canada Day jazz programming
Joe Lofaro, Metro Ottawa
Organizers of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival are looking for new sponsors for their 2012 Canada Day programming after the National Capital Commission (NCC) said it’s pulling its funding.
Funding from a second sponsor, Galaxie, is also up in the air according to the festival’s executive producer, Catherine O’Grady.
The NCC has partnered with the festival since 2005 to provide funding so that it could offer free jazz programming and a Jazz Youth Summit on Canada Day.
Last year, the NCC gave the festival $45,000 and $60,000 the year before. Next year, all funding will be withdrawn.
Read more on the Metro Ottawa website: Funding cut to Canada Day jazz programming
Tourism Innovator of the Year
Canada’s Capital Region shines with 11 awards
[Source: NCC press release]
Canada’s Capital Region ¾ The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that it has won Tourism Innovator of the Year for the sound and light show Mosaika: Canada through the eyes of its people. The award was handed out last night at the 2011 Ontario Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence in Hamilton, Ontario.
The announcement comes on the heels of the NCC being recognized with 10 international awards at the 56th annual International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Convention & Expo.
“Canadians can be proud that their Capital offers state-of-the-art ways to celebrate, commemorate and learn about our culture,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing at the NCC. “The NCC is thrilled to see its productions, programs and events recognized for their excellence by these Canadian and international industry leaders.”
Fall is in the Air at Gatineau Park
[Source: NCC press release]
Canada’s Capital Region ― Residents and visitors are invited to experience the magical fall colours of Gatineau Park, during the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Fall Rhapsody, from September 30 to October 16, 2011.
The public can get the most from Gatineau Park in the fall, by:
- Exploring over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot. Using sustainable transportation is environmentally responsible and has positive impacts on overall quality of life. Air and noise pollution are reduced, as is road congestion.
- Visiting mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
- Admiring the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake, Camp Fortune or Mackenzie King Estate.
- Enjoying activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre. The public can learn about the hidden treasures in the Park and participate in dynamic free educational programs: “Follies of the Fall Forest” weekends from October 1 to 16, including Monday, October 10.
- Discovering the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path will take you to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, giving you a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.
FALL RHAPSODY 2011 ACTIVITIES
FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST
October 1 and 2 (12:30 pm in English / 2:30 pm in French)
October 9, 10, 15 and 16 (2:30 pm in English / 12:30 pm in French)
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road
An NCC nature interpreter will demonstrate how to recognize some of the 50 species of trees found in Gatineau Park during guided tours. Participants will also learn more about what causes the leaves to fall and change color. These free two-hour programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail.
NCC’s Multimedia Experiences Recognized with Two International Awards
[Source: NCC press release]
Canada’s Capital Region The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that it has won two first place awards in the 2011 National Association for Interpretation Media Competition. The prestigious awards recognize both the quality and creativity of NCC interpretation programs and materials.
The awards are:
- 1st Place: Web/Multimedia category for Decoding Art
The pilot project Decoding Art offers visitors the opportunity to discover the history and the artists who created national monuments in Canada’s Capital Region, through multimedia clips available on smart phones using the QR code technology.
- 1st Place: Long Video category for the sound and light show Mosaika: Canada through the eyes of its people
This brings to six the number of awards that Mosaika, the sound and light show on Parliament Hill has won since its launch in July 2010.
Students’ Art to Fly High in Canada’s Capital
NCC invites young Canadians to express their views in their own inspiring way
[Source: NCC press release]
Canada’s Capital Region ─ The National Capital Commission (NCC), in partnership with Classroom Connections, is kicking off the third year of a cross-Canada classroom banner contest and public art project.
Students in Grades 5 through 8 (Elementary 5 through Secondary 2 in Quebec) are being asked to create and submit a one-of-a-kind banner design to the “Raise Your Voices!” National Student Banner Contest 2012. Designs should represent an issue or topic of importance to Canadian youth. The deadline for entries is February 17, 2012. The seven winning banners will be professionally produced by the NCC and seen by thousands as they fly in Major’s Hill Park from May to October 2012.
“Through this contest, our youth can share the events, people and symbols that they identify with,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing at the NCC. “We look forward to reflecting their ideas and values in Canada’s Capital Region for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”
