Canadians Invited to Bid Farewell to Canada 150 in True Winter Style

A family skating rink on Parliament Hill, Christmas Lights Across Canada and Skating Day events in communities across the country are just some of the activities offered this December

OTTAWA, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Throughout the year, Canadians in communities across the country have come together to celebrate our shared heritage and the many things that make our country unique, diverse and vibrant. As we approach the final month of this milestone year, Canadians will have many opportunities to bid farewell to Canada 150 in true winter style with a variety of cultural and sports activities.

From December 7 to 31, 2017, for the first time ever, together with the Ottawa International Hockey Festival and their supporting partner, the Ottawa Senators, a family skating rink will be constructed on Parliament Hill. It will be open to all Canadians and serve as the focal point for Canada 150 Skating Day on December 10, which will also include events in 200 community arenas from coast to coast to coast. Canadians and visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to lace up their skates and participate in free skate time, as well as a variety of winter, cultural and sports activities.

As part of these activities, Canadians will experience true winter magic during the annual Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony on December 7. This incredible illumination event will feature the magical Winter Lightscapes multimedia show, a musical and pyrotechnics performance that is sure to delight the senses as hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights shine across Canada's Capital Region. The program is presented by Manulife, exclusive sponsor.

Also, on December 31, the young and the young-at-heart are invited to gather on Parliament Hill for a wonderful closing event to mark the end of this remarkable year. Don't miss the countdown to midnight and watch astonishing bursts of colour light up Parliament Hill as we ring in the New Year.

More information on the activities and full programming will be available in the weeks to come.

Quotes

"This has been an incredible year for Canadians across the country. As we approach the final months of this year-long anniversary celebration, there will be plenty of activities and events on offer for families and visitors of all ages. I invite everyone to come out and celebrate our amazing country in true winter style."

?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Canada 150 outdoor rink will create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will showcase skating, ice sports and the game of hockey to top off a year of amazing family-friendly Canadian events in Ottawa. This will be an incredibly unique rink, set on Canada's preeminent backdrop, Parliament Hill. It makes me proud as a Canadian to have the opportunity to bring Ottawa Senators players and alumni along with community activities to help support the events and to celebrate one of our country's greatest treasures, the game of hockey."

?Eugene Melnyk, Owner and Governor, Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

"The Bell Capital Cup is one of the premier youth hockey tournaments in this country and a holiday tradition in Ottawa. The opportunity to play outdoors on Parliament Hill as part of Canada 150 will provide a pure and unique Canadian family hockey experience for the participating children and teams. The Ottawa International Hockey Festival is proud to partner with the Government of Canada on this exciting initiative."

?Todd White, Honorary Chair of the Ottawa International Hockey Festival and former Ottawa Senators Hockey Player

Quick Facts

Canadian Heritage has partnered with the Ottawa International Hockey Festival to build an outdoor family skating rink on Parliament Hill.

The illumination ceremony of the 33^rd edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada will feature the magical Winter Lightscapes multimedia show, a musical performance and pyrotechnics.

The Government of Canada has supported 725 initiatives that encourage Canadians and the world to participate, celebrate and explore our country in 2017.

Associated Links

Canada 150 http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1503662730875/1504285487279

Canada 150 Skating Day http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1503662730875

The Symbols of Nunavut Will Be Added to the Centennial Flame https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/09/the_symbols_of_nunavutwillbeaddedtothecentennialflame.html

Canada 150 Skating Day: A Family Event to Celebrate An Iconic Winter Activity https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/03/canada_150_skatingdayafamilyeventcelebratingacanadianiconicwinte.html

SOURCE Canadian Heritage