Despite concerns about the recent mild weather, organizers say Winterlude is set to kick off as planned on Feb. 1.
The National Capital Commission is crossing its fingers in hopes that the canal will be ready and is expecting the usual 650,000-person turn out.
“There will be a number of events regardless of the weather,” Mayor Larry O’Brien said during a press conference about the launch of Winterlude.
This year, the NCC has organized several special events to commemorate a number of anniversaries, including the festival’s 30th. The grand opening will be a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, representing the first French settlement in North America.
It is also the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and Veterans Affairs Minister, Greg Thompson, will unveil a 34-ton ice sculpture, a tribute to the 7,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the war.
Organizers still expect the highlight of Winterlude to be the annual International Ice Carving Competition, which will draw 60 participants from around the globe.
“We have started to make snow for the international carving competition, just as last year. We have prepared a tent but we will be making adjustments as we move along,” says NCC spokesperson Chantal Comeau.
The program Taste of Winterlude will also return. For the third year, participating Ottawa restaurants will be offering special menus that feature ingredients from Ontario.
Other highlights include an ice fishing workshop, skating with former Olympian Josée Chouinard, concerts and themed events based on Northern traditions.
Still, some businesses are not convinced that these events will be enough to draw the large crowds the festival usually attracts, if the canal doesn’t open.
David Smythe, manager of the Lord Elgin Hotel on Elgin Street, says in past years the number of guests has dropped by 15 per cent when the canal did not open on time. Antonio Pace, the front manager of the Albert at Bay Suite Hotel, agrees.
“If the canal does not open, it would decrease the number of guests dramatically.”
Last year, the Rideau Canal – recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – didn’t freeze until Jan. 26, also prompting concerns about the success of Winterlude. However, it was also last year that the canal was open for 45 consecutive days, nearly breaking the record of the longest skating season ever – 2003-2004 season, with 46 days.
The NCC won’t speculate about the exact date the canal will open, but hopes it will be ready earlier than last year’s launch and Comeau adds that sections of the canal will open as they become ready.
Winterlude will run from Feb. 1 until Feb. 17.