Program for 40th Winterlude 2018 Unveiled

From: Canadian Heritage

News Release

OTTAWA, January 15, 2018

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today unveiled the official program for Winterlude 2018. She was joined by Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, and Louise Boudrias, Deputy Mayor of Gatineau.

An array of activities—reflecting both Canada’s Capital Region and the country as a whole—have been planned for the winter celebration’s three official sites. Snowflake Kingdom, sponsored by Tim Hortons, will offer visitors a new experience, as the official site is being relocated to Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park North. Visitors will still get to take part in the fun winter activities they are used to, such as the super slides, but the site will also feature fun Nordic activities and unique performances for kids of all ages.

Crystal Garden in Ottawa’s Confederation Park is where the stage is set for an exciting start to the festivities. World-renowned Canadian performer André-Philippe Gagnon will lead the 40th Winterlude Kick-Off Celebration, starting at 7 p.m. on February 2. A laser show will wow the crowd on opening night, along with DJ 4Korners, the official DJ of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. The Sub-Zero Concerts on the CircleK Stage will continue to liven up the Park on Friday and Saturday evenings as a variety of talented Canadian entertainers and DJs take the stage. Visitors will be able to watch ice carvers at work during the 31st Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition, see a majestic ice sculpture remembering the Rideau Canal horse races and revisit past Winterlude editions with a retrospective photo exhibit. Participants can also enjoy a wide range of programming at Marion Dewar Plaza (Ottawa City Hall), including live DJs sponsored by OLG, the 14th annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast, and the OLG All for Skating shows, with special skating performances by the Embassy of Germany in Canada on February 3.

The Rideau Canal Skateway, presented by OLG, will once again host some of Winterlude’s classic activities, including the 35th annual Winterlude Triathlon and the 38th annual Bed Race. Returning to the Canal is an old tradition, the Waiters’ and Waitresses’ Race on Ice, and the hugely successful Ice Dragon Boat Festival is back for its second edition. There will also be a wide range of activities presented by Winterlude partners at other venues around the region.

Quotes

“It is with great excitement that Canada’s Capital Region readies to host a milestone edition of this much-loved winter celebration. Visitors can look forward to wonderful activities that highlight our country’s nature, climate and culture. I invite everyone to join in the excitement. Come out and skate, slide, embrace the beauty of the ice and snow sculptures—and say hi to the famous Ice Hog family!”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Ottawa–Gatineau residents and visitors are invited to take part in the festivities and enjoy everything Winterlude has to offer! It is a truly Canadian celebration with something for everyone.”

—The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre)

Quick Facts

  • Winterlude runs from February 2 to 19, with all sites open for Family Day in Ontario.

  • The theme for the 40th edition of Winterlude is “I love MY Winterlude!”

  • The Sub-Zero concerts (Fridays and Saturdays) will feature a Silent Battle of the DJs, Aaron Pritchett, the Boogie Wonder Band, DJ Abeille, Koriass, Dramatik, King Abid, Philippe Fehmiu, Francesco Yates and more.

  • OLG is the presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway and Official Sponsor of Winterlude; Tim Hortons is the sponsor of the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park; and CircleK is the sponsor of the main stage in Confederation Park, known as the CircleK Stage.

  • Winterlude would not be possible without the support of around 700 volunteers.

  • Visitors are encouraged to make their way to the Winterlude official sites with the free OLG Sno-bus service.

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Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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