City of Ottawa Recreation - Let it snow!

 

Gift Certificates If you can’t decide what to purchase that someone special in your life this year, then let them choose by giving a gift certificate to activities, memberships and more!

Sledding safety tips As the snow is falling, remember to check ahead before you sled.  Visit  Ottawa.ca for the status of official sledding hills. Here are a few safety tips for the sledding season. Remember to sled at approved hills only. Wear a CSA-certified helmet Be aware of the terrain – avoid sledding in the direction of collision hazards such as trees. Learn more about how you can reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others ottawa.ca/sledding.

Jingle Bell Splash Make a holiday splash on Wednesday, December 24 at 9:15 am. Join in on the ultimate festive aquafit class at the Nepean Sportsplex. In 2024, there were 350 participants! Reserve your spot now! Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in.

Recreation pass Look ahead to 2026 with a membership pass for City of Ottawa recreation and cultural facilities. If your new year’s resolution is to be more active, then this is for you. Options range from a ten-visit pass to an annual membership pass. Find the best deal by using the Recreation Pass Finder.

Gifts worthy of a standing ovation There’s something for everyone at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and Shenkman Arts Centre. Family shows, comedy, music, circus and much more!

Reimaging the Belltown Dome Have your say on the future of Grandeur Park and the Belltown Dome. Join the conversation on Engage Ottawa.

What's happening Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 - A Christmas Carol: Solo, performed by Pierre Brault Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 – Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 4 to 12): 5 to 8 pm St-Laurent Complex Sunday, December 21 - Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 6 to 12): 12:30 to 4:30 pm at St-Laurent Complex Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Saturday, December 20 - Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 4 to 12): 10 am to 2 pm at Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Nepean Museum Sunday, December 21 - Weekend Crafters - Vintage paper ornaments: 1 to 4 pm Cumberland Heritage Village Museum  Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 - Introduction to leatherwork – Sleigh bell door hanger (ages 16+)

Rink Building at Kilreen Park – Volunteers Needed on December 13

The QTSR Community Association is getting ready to build this year’s skating rink at Kilreen Park (1240 Southwood Dr.) We are looking for volunteers to help pack down the snow and create the base on Saturday, December 13, starting at 9:00 a.m.

If you are able to join us, you are welcome to bring along a shovel, snowshoes, or a sled—anything that can help with packing the snow. Every bit of help makes a difference, and no special experience is required.

Thank you to everyone who supports the rink each year. We hope to see you at the park!

 

Special advisory: overnight winter weather parking ban in effect on Wednesday, December 10 from 7 pm to 7 am

Due to weather conditions, an overnight winter weather parking ban will be in effect on Wednesday, December 10 between 7 pm and 7 am across Ottawa. These hours might be extended if additional time is needed to complete winter road operations. Alternative parking during a parking ban can be found by visiting the Winter Parking webpage. Please be sure to remove your vehicle when the ban ends if you use it.   During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed. On-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones. Available parking During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to select OC Transpo park and rides as well as certain recreation centres. Some City parking garages are available for parking during winter parking bans, however it is important that residents take note of what time they need to remove their car. Visit our winter parking web page for more information about which City facilities are available during winter weather parking bans. Commercial main streets To help residents shop local, some commercial main streets are exempt from winter parking bans. When a parking ban is called during winter weather events, residents can park in the identified areas, while observing all posted signage and pay and display requirements. Be in the know about snow ·       Subscribe to our electronic email alerts. If you subscribe to e-Alerts, you will receive notification each time a winter weather parking ban is put in place, extended or lifted. There is no charge for this service, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  ·       Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and X to receive updates ·       Residents can also download the City of Ottawa app on their Android or Apple device to receive up-to-date information on winter parking bans and other City news. For more winter parking information, please visit the winter parking web page.