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).

“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.

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

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

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).

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

[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.”

Winners of the 2011 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards were presented on October 3rd in Fort Worth, Texas. The NCC won in the following categories:

• GOLD: Best Event Photograph – Canada Day – The Royal Visit
• GOLD: Best Street Banner – Confederation Blvd.
• GOLD: Best Promotional Poster – Mosaika
• SILVER: Best Full Length TV Program (national) – Winterlude
• SILVER: Best Miscellaneous Multimedia – Decoding Art
• SILVER: Best Single Magazine Display Ad – Ottawa Jazz Festival Program – Today I Toured Canada by Bike Capital Brand Ad
• SILVER: Best Event Photograph – Mosaika
• BRONZE: Best Event Video – Mosaika
• BRONZE: Best Event Website – Mosaika
• BRONZE: Best Educational Program – Raise Your Voices – National Student Banner Contest

The prestigious awards recognize both the quality and creativity of NCC interpretation programs and materials, and brings to eleven the number of awards that Mosaika, the sound and light show on Parliament Hill has won since its launch in July 2010.

For more information about the NCC, members of 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), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

About the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMPC)

The OTMPC is a government agency created in 1999 to partner with Ontario tourism operators to showcase Ontario as a four-season must-see travel destination at home and internationally. For more information visit www.ontariotravel.net. The Ontario Tourism Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the tourism industry. For more information about the awards visit www.ontariotourismsummit.com.

About the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA)

The IFEA is “the premiere association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide,” and has provided cutting-edge professional development and direction for the festivals and events industry since 1956. The organization officially represents industry-leading members, spanning 40 countries and five continents. They strive to create and maintain “a globally united industry that touches lives in a positive way through celebration”. For more information about the International Festivals and Events Association, visit the website at www.ifea.com.

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.

FOREST FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY ENVIRONMENT CANADA

October 8, from 9 am to 4 pm

• Presentation on nature and wildlife (English: 10:30 am to 11:30 am; 1 pm to 2 pm / French: 9 am to 10 am; 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm).
• Ongoing activities (Bilingual: 9 am to 12 pm; 1 pm to 4 pm).

Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road

Explore and learn about Gatineau Park’s flora and fauna during guided walks in the forest. Take part in presentations where specialists will be on hand to answer questions on Canadian wildlife, conservation and research programs, and species at risk.

HIKE WITH THE OTTAWA VOYAGEURS WALKING CLUB

October 1, registration is from 9 am to 10:30 am

Keogan Shelter

Hikers can explore the trails in Gatineau Park by taking part in the 12th annual hike organized by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club. Participants can sign up at the Keogan Shelter between 9 am and 10:30 am, where the 5 km and 10 km hikes depart.  Bring a snack to enjoy! (Participation in the event is free. For those participating in the IVV credits, the fee is $2.00 as the walk is sanctioned by the Canadian Volkssport Federation).

STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE

Mackenzie King Estate ― open daily, until October 16

• Wednesdays through Mondays, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Estate museums are closed on Tuesdays, the grounds remain open to the public.

The Tearoom ― open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, until October 16

Re-live 100 years of Canadian history by visiting the restored chalets and experience nature as you wander the quiet wooded trails laid out by Mackenzie King. Admire the flower gardens and collection of ruins that were the pride of this former prime minister. Or take a break and enjoy a light meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.

PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

Saturday and Sunday mornings until October 23, from 7 am to 10 am

• Section of the Gatineau Parkway between parking lot P8 and the Champlain Parkway.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle, roller-blades or roller skis when a section of the Gatineau Parkway will be temporarily closed to automobile traffic on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be offered in partnership with Cross-Country Canada until the seasonal closure of the parkway network later this fall.

For more information on activities in Gatineau Park, the public may contact the NCC at 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau, or visit the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre located at 33 Scott Road, in Chelsea, Quebec.

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:

• 1^st 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.

• 1^st 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.

“The NCC is delighted to be recognized by the National Association for Interpretation for its expertise in using new technologies in ingenious ways with interpretation projects such as Mosaika and Decoding Art,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing at the NCC. “We are reaching out to all Canadians on multiple platforms to enhance their experience and help them discover their Capital.”

For more information about the NCC, members of 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), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

About the National Association for Interpretation

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a not-for-profit professional association for those involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage resources in settings such as parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites. For more than 50 years, NAI and its parent organizations have encouraged networking, training, and collaboration among members and partners in support of their mission: inspiring leadership and excellence to advance heritage interpretation as a profession. For more information about the NAI, visit the website at www.interpnet.com.

[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.”

In the second year of the contest, seven winning banners were chosen from close to 1300 submissions received from coast to coast to coast. Those winning designs from students across Canada continue to fly high in the Capital until the end of October. To see this year’s winners, and for details about how students can participate in this exciting challenge, visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bannercontest.

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.

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.