2010 Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario Revealed During Annual Conference
This year’s Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario list was released this weekend at the Festivals & Events Ontario Conference held this year in Ottawa and eight Ottawa Festivals made the annual list of distinction.
Congratulations to Canadian Tulip Festival, TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Canada Day Celebrations, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Rideau Canal Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival and Winterlude.
Below is the announcement released at the conference by FEO:
Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) announced the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario last night as part of the Association’s President’s Gala, a celebratory conclusion to its annual conference.
Sponsored by VIA Rail Canada, The Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario designation is presented to a select few of more than 2,000 that occur annually within the province. Among the winners were household names like the Scotiabank Caribana Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. It also featured many smaller, festivals such as the Lanark Highlands Art of Being Green Festival, the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival and the Rideau Canal Festival. In conjunction with the Top 100, FEO also announced its 2010 Achievement Award winners. Achievement Awards acknowledge individual festival and event excellence and best practices across a broad range of categories.
The President’’s Gala is a follow up to a Welcome Reception that was held on Wednesday night. The Honourable Mr. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture was in attendance to welcome guests and announce the 2010 Festivals and Events of Distinction. This year’’s inductees were Rogers Bayfest and the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.
“Solicitations for submissions were issued towards the end of the previous calendar year, and an independent jury of industry peers conducted the selection process just prior to the Conference,” explains the Association’s Executive Director, Gary Masters.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, 93% of recreational travelers are seeking cultural and entertainment experiences, such as festivals and events, when they plan a vacation. Over the past two years, approximately 2,000,000 people who visited a festival or event say it was the primary reason for their vacation.
“With so many options for the festival-goers here in Ontario, it can be hard to know which festivals and events offer the most rewarding experiences. As the provincial Association for this industry, we believe it is our responsibility to set these standards and present the results to our consumers in an easily accessible and recognizable brand,” states FEO’s President, Sarah Wood.
The winners of this year’s Top 100 will be highlighted in the annual Festivals and Events in Ontario Guide distributed in both a printed and online format. A list of the 2010 winners can be found on the Association’s website, www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca.
Report shows statistics of Ottawa’s artists
EMC Entertainment
More than one-third of Canada’s artists live in five of the largest cities, according to a report released today.
“It is critical that we create an environment here in Ottawa that keeps artists in the nation’s capital,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “We know that artists not only contribute to our quality of life, but also to the social and economic vitality of our city.”
“This report is invaluable as a benchmark for tracking the creative capacity of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods,” added Coun. Diane Deans, chair of the community and protective services committee. “We must work to ensure that Ottawa provides competitive per-capita support for arts and festivals as well as access to affordable studio space, inexpensive housing, galleries, rehearsal and performance spaces.
Full story available on the EMC website: Report shows statistics of Ottawa’s artists
Economic plan vital to our future
From Randall Denley’ s commentary in the Ottawa Citizen
We need a sector-by-sector economic development plan with creative and achievable goals for every element of our local economy. Tourism would be an obvious place to start. Arts and culture is another blind spot. We tend to see culture as an expensive frill, not a city-enhancing activity. Arts and culture is part of a huge international entertainment industry, of which we have only a tiny slice.
Economic development is the key to ensuring our future prosperity and to improving the quality of our city. We need to plan it in a thoughtful and intelligent way, but the focus has to be on results, not talk. O’Brien is positioning himself as an economic-development champion and he hopes to have a new plan ready by early summer. His first big challenge is to engage the public and the second is to see beyond passing the ball to some other agency. But give credit to the mayor. At least he understands why all of this matters.
Read the full column: Economic plan vital to our future
Canadian Tulip Festival Getaway Package Available
If you are planning on visiting Ottawa during the Canadian Tulip Festival, check out the package available on the Ottawa Tourism website. In addition to a special rate on Tulip Festival tickets, the package also includes a Rideau Centre savings directory and admission to other area attractions.
» Visit the Ottawa Tourism website: Tulip Celebration Getaway Package
Operations Concessions
CONTRACT LENGTH: 26 weeks
START DATE: February 22, 2010
END DATE: August 20, 2010
JOB SUMMARY: Helps coordinate the operations aspects of staging the 2009 festival, working closely with the operations manager. In particular this position will renew all participating concessionaires and recruit new concessionaires to be on-site during the festival period.
Works under the operations manager to ensure logistics for all venues are satisfied (portable toilets, garbage bins and removal, beer and wine, tents, furniture, phones, radios, safe, barricades, signage, concessions, first aid, security, permits, trailers, & backline).
REPORTING: Executive Producer, Operations Manager
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and disseminate tender requests for proposals on sound, lights, seating, trailers, and musical equipment; order, receive and secure the equipment and place it in the appropriate venues and return it once the festival is complete
- Deal with all physical aspects of setting up Confederation Park including ordering and setting up risers, barriers, fencing, any other physical items needed to secure the park, all signage, rental furniture, souvenirs, etc., and also ensure that the equipment is properly maintained while in our responsibility, and returned
- Create and distribute all festival identification badges (volunteers, artists, staff, security, vendors, board members, etc.)
- Acquire all necessary permits and complete all paperwork necessary for securing the grounds, road closures, first aid, security, noise exemption, etc.
- Prepare a final report on the project and make recommendations for the next Festival
- All other duties as assigned
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Previous stage management or production management experience a definite asset
- College and University education is an asset
- Strong organizational skills, excellent verbal and written skills
- Computer literacy and knowledge of database management systems an asset
PLEASE NOTE: this is a very physical job and will need a candidate who is in good physical health and capable of lifting (50-100 lbs) for extended periods of time and who can withstand long periods on their feet either standing/walking, lifting, assembling infrastructure or other physical labour during the festival. This position is supported by a team of employees and volunteers who will be undergoing similar physical demands.
- Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure
INDUSTRY CONTACTS:
- Festival partners and other festivals
- Mmany government contacts
- Suppliers to the festival, including tent, stage, sound, lighting, technical services, etc.
TO APPLY:
Forward CV to info@ottawafestivals.ca or fax to 613.233.3134.
Only those candidates who meet the JCP criteria will be contacted for an interview. To learn more about the JCP criteria, please click here.
Office Assistant
CONTRACT LENGTH: 26 Weeks
START DATE: ASAP
END DATE: August 13th, 2010
JOB SUMMARY: Assist Producer, and WESTFEST staff, with administrative tasks including telephone and written correspondence, maintaining databases, filing, office deliveries, and all other administrative duties as assigned
REPORTING: Reports directly to the WESTFEST Producer and WESTFEST senior staff
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with the Producer, and senior staff, to ensure smooth daily office operations
- Manage office functions such as incoming and outgoing inquiries, filing system, maintaining databases, implement processes and systems where necessary and requested
- Assist in with marketing and sponsorship development
- Organize and prepare documentation for meetings and events
- Liaise with collaborating organizations
- Assist the Producer, and contracted staff, with all other duties as required
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- University degree or college diploma a definite asset
- Must be computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel and Word
- Must have excellent communication skills (bilingualism a definite asset)
- Must have strong writing skills
- Previous event experience a definite asset
- Possessing a valid driver’s license a definite asset
Westfest is an anti-sexist, anti-racist, anti-homophobic environment that is committed to diversity and equity. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of colour, members of racial and/or ethnic minorities, Aboriginal people, and lesbian, bisexual, gay, transsexual, transgendered and queer-identified people.
TO APPLY:
Forward CV to info@ottawafestivals.ca or fax to 613.233.3134.
Only those candidates who meet the JCP criteria will be contacted for an interview. To learn more about the JCP criteria, please click here.
Volunteer Coordinator
CONTRACT LENGTH: 26 Weeks
START DATE: ASAP
END DATE: August 6, 2010
JOB SUMMARY: The Volunteer Coordinator for Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest is responsible for supporting already established recruitment, training, orientation, supervision, recognition and retention strategies for over 3000 volunteers.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: The Volunteer Coordinator reports directly to and works under the supervision of the director of Volunteer Services.
PRE/POST FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide admin. and meeting set-up support for all area leader and public meetings such as note-taking, minutes, hand-outs, etc.
- Coordinate training sessions such as Smart Serve
- Support volunteer recognition initiatives such post-fest volunteer appreciation party
- Manage, using excel spreadsheets and tables, various lists
- Volunteer recruitment: update volunteer postings for Volunteer Ottawa and other volunteer websites; support recruitment campaign by promoting volunteer opportunities at public and school fairs
- Ticket sales (pre-fest)
- Assist with volunteer service awards program
- Provide general admin support for silent auction, thank you/reference letters, and newsletter production
- All other duties as assigned
ON-SITE FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITES:
- Manage communication tent, random draw program and massage therapy on-site
- Provide leadership support for all volunteer area leaders during festival
- Assist with volunteer registration process as required; liaise with volunteer trailer to manage daily on-site volunteer stats
- Assist area leaders with database reconciliation as required
- Offer admin support at required
- All other duties as assigned
SKILLS:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, public speaking experience an asset
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task, and meet deadlines in a busy environment
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel required
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Volunteer management certificate preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 1-2 years successful experience in volunteer management, preferably in the non-profit sector
- Event management experience an asset
- Bilingualism preferred
TO APPLY:
Forward CV to info@ottawafestivals.ca or fax to 613.233.3134.
Only those candidates who meet the JCP criteria will be contacted for an interview. To learn more about the JCP criteria, please click here.
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.
Ottawa needs to boost ways of attracting more events
Mark Sutcliffe, The Ottawa Citizen
… is there a better way for Ottawa to chase down events that bring tourism and economic development?
What if, rather than tackling these opportunities one by one, there was a permanent committee working on attracting the best possible events to the city? And here’s the bigger question: What if that committee had some money behind it?
That’s the discussion that Noel Buckley wants to start. Buckley, the president of Ottawa Tourism, thinks the community needs to get more strategic about which events Ottawa should go after — from sports to entertainment to large conventions — and which it shouldn’t. And he thinks it’s worth investing some money into the effort.
Full Story: Ottawa needs to boost ways of attracting more events
Final weekend of Winterlude
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to invite residents and visitors to take part in the third and final weekend of the 32nd edition of Winterlude.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to invite residents and visitors to take part in the third and final weekend of the 32nd edition of Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, which kicked-off on February 5 and ends on February 21. Here is an overview of some of the activities taking place during the final weekend of Winterlude.
The NCC is proud to celebrate the Olympics during the 32nd edition of Winterlude. On Sunday, The NCC, in collaboration with the Ottawa Pacers and Gloucester Concordes Speed Skating Clubs, will stage speed skating demonstrations on an Olympic-size skating oval on the Rideau Canal Skateway at Dows Lake. The event gets underway at 2 pm with demonstrations of individual and pursuit skating, followed by a battle of the blades between Ottawa Senators Alumni and local competitive speed skaters. From 3 pm to 4 pm there will be public skating on the oval, with speed skates and gloves available for use from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. A radar system will be set up to record skaters’ speeds. Beginning at 5 pm, residents and visitors will be able to view live coverage from Vancouver of the 1500 metre Olympic speed skating competition on a giant screen. The competition features the Capital’s own Kristina Groves.
Again this weekend, residents and visitors will be able to learn about Canadian northern traditions, and be entertained at three official sites in Canada’s Capital Region.
To read the full press release, click here.
