Learn about initiatives and activities from our Canadian Capitals.
Share your news and achievements throughout the CCCO network.
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Thank you to Canadian Heritage for
its financial contribution enabling the translation.
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In this second edition of Capital News, you will find information from the Executive Committee and on our upcoming events along with, to enjoy our Canadian Winter, information on winter activities in our Capital Cities.
And, most importantly, we want to hear about your Capital: please contact us at secretariat@ccco-occ.ca to share information from your city, legislature, provincial commission, organization throughout the CCCO network.
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The program and speakers list will be made available shortly.
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NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE |
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Greetings from the President
The Canadian Capital Cities Organization (CCCO), including representatives of capital cities from coast to coast to coast, national and provincial capital commissions, and Legislative Assemblies, is actively planning for 2022 and a return to in-person networking and collaborative activity.
Your 2022 Executive Committee, elected at our Annual General Meeting, includes:
· President: Laurel Lea | Charlottetown, PE
· Past-President: Marianne Alto | Victoria, BC
· Vice-President: Daniel Feeny | Ville de Gatineau, QC
· Treasurer: Monique Goffinet-Millet | Regina, SK
· Secretary: Sandy Hickman | St. John’s, NL
The Executive Committee is planning to continue our well-received Speaker Series in 2022 and, in line with CCCO’s Strategic Plan, to develop projects of interest to all Canadian Capital Cities with a focus on promoting the unique and symbolic significance of Canada’s capital cities and providing an interactive network among Canadian capitals sharing learning and best practices, building links, relationships, and collaboration. Be on the lookout for new ways you can get involved in the months to come.
Unfortunately, due to the dramatic spread of the Omicron variant and the ongoing challenges this has placed on travel and interaction across our country, our 2022 Winter Meeting in Ottawa had to be cancelled. We thank our partners at the NCC and City of Ottawa for their generous collaboration and look forward to returning in Winter 2023.
Save the date for our 2022 Annual Conference which will be held in-person in Whitehorse, Yukon – the Wilderness City. Centred around the theme of “Northern Innovations” the conference, as always, will include plenty of opportunity for education/professional development along with networking opportunities with peers from across the country. Interested in a unique experience: plan to come early to witness the longest day of the year during Summer Solstice! Registration and conference details will be available soon.
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Parliamentary Education Office,
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Adapting our services during the pandemic
In pre-COVID times, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia was pleased to welcome visitors from all over the world for free guided tours of the BC Parliament Buildings. In the two years since the pandemic started, the Parliamentary Education Office has adapted our services to offer more of our programming online and outdoors.
From Virtual Classroom to online programming and to the creation of a virtual tour along with outdoor tours, we feel that we are still reaching our audience in a meaningful way. Having said that, we look forward to the day when we can have all these visitors back inside the Parliament Buildings with us!
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CAPITAL WINTER ACTIVITIES |
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COVID has certainly, again this winter, caused us all to revise, modify, change, adapt and in some cases cancel activities ...but has not prevented capital cities, organizations and partners from adapting and creating imaginative winter activities. Here are some examples: |
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National Capital Commission Rideau Canal Skateway |
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Each winter, the NCC transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart of Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, over a total length of 7.8 km. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal in winter becomes a treasure that is the pride of Canada’s Capital and a signature destination.
The skating season typically runs from January to early March, but it is weather-dependent. When open, the Skateway is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Photo credit: National Capital Commission
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National Capital Region Winterlude ....throughout Canada |
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To help ensure the health and safety of participants, Canadian Heritage, in consultation with partners, explored a variety of options to deliver Winterlude programming in a safe manner. The health and safety of Canadians and event staff remains a top priority. Taking this and evolving public health measures into consideration, Canadian Heritage has decided to go forward with the most prudent approach.
For this year’s edition, Canadians from coast to coast will enjoy Winterlude’s ever-popular National Ice-Carving Championship. Representing the 10 provinces, pairs of carvers will have 20 hours to take 15 blocks of ice and create their works of art. This Championship will invite all Canadians to celebrate winter across the country by voting for their favourite ice sculptures on Winterlude’s website.
Information and photo credit: Winterlude website
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Ottawa Snowfest 613 Contest |
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One of the joys of winter in Ottawa is making snow creations of all kinds, and Ottawa Tourism wants to see what you can do with the cold white stuff! Back by popular demand for a second year, the Snowfest 613 contest highlights the beautiful snow art you create in your own yard and nearby parks. So get out there, work your snow magic, and share the photos for a chance to win great prizes! |
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Whitehorse Yukon Rendezvous Festival |
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Long before the first Yukon Rendezvous Festival, before Whitehorse was Yukon’s capital and before the population grew to what it is today, Yukoner’s came together at the darkest, coldest and loneliest time of the winter. Coming together had a practical function as it was used as an opportunity to collect census data on Yukon’s residents. But more than that, it was an opportunity for everyone in the community to get out of their cabins, have a few laughs and visit with their fellow “sourdoughs” – the others who were toughing out the cold, dark winter.
This is the essence of what it is to be a Yukoner – to be accepted, to know that you will have support in the toughest conditions and to genuinely feel part of something special. This sense of Yukon pride developed out of necessity because of the harsh reality of Yukon’s remoteness, but it is instilled in all Yukoners to this day and is at the core of what the Yukon Rendezvous is all about.
Yukon Rendezvous is a festival that truly raises the bar on Northern happiness and is known nationally, and internationally, as “What the Yukon is all about."
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FROST Regina: A celebration of our winter City |
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Winter will come to life February 4-13, 2022 at the inaugural FROST Regina – an exciting new celebration of recreation, culture, art and enter-tainment in Regina, Saskatchewan.
A dedicated group of 25 community leaders have been collaborating to deliver this signature winter celebration that will enhance the visitor economy while providing inclusive and welcoming opportunities for city residents.
“We’re excited to showcase our winter city and the exciting opportunities that our prairie winters have to offer,” said City Councillor and FROST Regina Co-Chair, Lori Bresciani. “FROST will create an opportunity for our community to embrace winter, contribute to our civic pride and cultural vibrancy.”
There will be a combination of free and ticketed events across the city at each of the four ‘hub’ locations. For more information on FROST Regina and to check out the full event schedule, click on button below.
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Victoria's Winter ...in bloom |
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The citizens of Greater Victoria have an innovative activity in winter ….counting blooms !
The Greater Victoria Flower Count is an annual light-hearted promotion sponsored and organized by local businesses, Destination Greater Victoria and The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The goal is normally to bolster community pride and increase awareness of Greater Victoria as an attractive shoulder-season tourism destination and an incredible place to work, live and play.
This year they will also use the Flower Count to share a virtual bouquet with the rest of Canada during this time of challenges and remind them that spring is coming soon and with it a season of rejuvenation.
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Winnipeg Festival du Voyageur 2022 |
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The largest French event in Western Canada, Festival du Voyageur, anticipates offering programming that continues to shine that famous joie de vivre and Voyageur spirit. At present, a hybrid in-person and virtual format is planned for the celebration of the 53rd Festival du Voyageur taking place from February 18 to 27, 2022.
A creative, ambitious, and tenacious team at Festival du Voyageur is planning a wide range of activities and performances by local artists. Festivalgoers will be able to step into the always greatly anticipated Parc du Voyageur to benefit from outdoor activities such as historical interpretation at Fort Gibraltar, children’s playground and large slide, horse sleigh rides, snowshoeing, sticky and delicious maple taffy, and traditional and contemporary music projecting from the new Boîte à chansons – a mobile concert trailer.
Information and photo credit: Festival du Voyageur website
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Edmonton Silver Skate Festival |
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Wander through the Snow Garden, explore the magic of the Folk Trail and artistic installations, learn more about Alberta's Indigenous story in the Heritage Village, challenge yourself to the recreational activities, then explore the incredible river valley.
This year’s Silver Skate Festival will include live music on weekends, fire building exercises, figure skating, local food trucks, and more.
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Toronto Bentway Skate Trail |
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The Bentway welcomes back local neighbours and city-wide visitors for another winter of fun and skating! The Bentway Skate Trail’s 220-metre figure-eight loop will open for skating with skate rentals, hot drinks, special events, free skating lessons, and public art including a winter art exhibition by Inuvialuk artist Maureen Gruben.
Information and photo credit: Bentway Skate trail website
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Charlottetown's ICE CITY FESTIVAL |
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The distant cousin of Jack Frost Festival, Ice City Festival, is set to return to Charlottetown from February 4 – March 13, 2022. Decking the streets in ice sculptures, art installations and other wintery decor, Ice City will also have the return of Sugar Shacks each weekend at various outdoor patios, the Winterlude National Ice Carving Championship, horse and wagon rides, Skating Under the Stars, Flow in the Snow with Charlottetown Yoga at Founders’ Hall, Snowshoes After Dark, DJs on Confederation Centre Plaza, UFIT – Ice City Style, and more! You won’t want to miss the most fun you’ll have in a snowsuit in Charlottetown. Stay tuned for more details by liking ICE CITY on Facebook and browsing the Schedule of Events.
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ChillFest, St. John's Winter Festival |
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St. John’s ChillFest is an annual community-wide celebration of winter, with a variety of events and activities. Celebrate winter with a variety of Free activities for all ages and abilities.
From Freez’n Fun Run, to Ski and Snowshowing, to the Sweetheart Night and the Heroes’ Family Fun Afternoon at The Loop along with the Virtual Kitchen Party and other activities, ChillFest has something for everyone. New fun activities this year include Snow-ga (winter yoga), General skating at the Mary Brown’s Centre and a Winter Scavenger Hunt in various parks.
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The tradition of celebrating from the end of January until mid-February has been around since 1894 in Quebec City, the world’s snow capital.
A population often faced with harsh winters decided to put on a snow festival to warm their hearts. Interrupted by the two world wars and the Great Depression of 1929, the Carnival resurfaced sporadically until the second half of the century. In 1954, with a view to promoting the economic development of the Old Capital, a group of business people relaunched the festivities and chose Bonhomme as the event’s representative. The first edition of the Québec Winter Carnival took place in 1955 and became a must-attend event for the people of Quebec City and the impetus behind the city’s winter tourist activities. Today, the Québec Winter Carnival is undeniably a major winter event and continues to be a driving force in Quebec’s winter life.
Information and photo credit: Carnaval de Québec website
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Winter Bike Week is a week-long series of events to celebrate winter cycling. Many people in Halifax already cycle all year round, and for those who are on the fence, the Halifax Cycling Coalition has some exciting learning opportunities to help you take the leap into year-round cycling, no matter how chilly it is.
Winter Bike Week kicks off on Monday, February 7 with a virtual Intro to Winter Cycling Workshop hosted by the Halifax Cycling Coalition. There will be virtual events throughout the week, as well as some exciting opportunities to get out on your bike and win some prizes! Local businesses will also be offering deals and discounts for people who bike throughout the week.
Right now, this year’s program of events is virtual – meaning all events and activities are taking place online. This is due to the current public health restrictions in place. But stay tuned, as there may be some more events and activities to come!
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Discover Canada's Capitals...all year long ! |
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Canada's capitals are special places filled with memorable experiences. They reflect our identities as residents of provinces and territories and our national capital reflects our identity as Canadians. The capitals are where we learn about our provinces, our territories, and our country. |
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Yellowknife, Northwest Territories |
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Yellowknife is a city of contrasts and vibrancy. With a population just under 20,000 and one of the youngest populations in the country, it maintains the friendliness of a small town and the opportunity and energy of a metropolis. With shimmering aurora borealis (Northern Lights) about 240 days per year, numerous lakes, walking trails, and a plethora of community events, there is always something new to experience in Our Yellowknife. |
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Fredericton, New Brunswick |
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Great music, mouth-watering eats and a Maritime vibe are all waiting for you at Fredericton’s festivals! From the top international festival experience on Canada’s East Coast, the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, to the Maritime Provinces' longest running marathon, to the largest selection of craft beer available on the East Coast (yes, it’s all about beer!), to a two-week festival celebrating classical chamber music…and that is only a portion of what is happening in Fredericton in 2022: there’s something to pique everyone’s interest!
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The City of Iqaluit is located on Baffin Island at the northern end of Frobisher Bay near the mouth of the Sylvia Grinnell River. Formerly known as Frobisher Bay, the modern City of Iqaluit is rich with traditional Inuit culture. It is the home of many Inuit artists, filmmakers and musicians, plus there are arts and culture festivals staged in the spring and summer that bring artists here from across the territory. |
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To discover all of Canada's Capitals,
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The Canadian Capital Cities Organization (www.ccco-occ.ca) is a uniquely positioned organization that works to create celebration, education, connection and pride across Canada through the diverse story of each Capital City. This national level network of capital cities will serve Canada’s residents through relationships and initiatives highlighting the symbolic and substantive role of the Capitals.
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest news and join in the discussion.
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