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With the warmer weather this week, we will be unable to host the Ice Parade as imagined.
Instead, we invite you to the Winter Pride Party on Sunday, February 12 from 3pm – 7pm at City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue). Skate on the Rink of Dreams, join the outdoor dance party with live music by BLK PRL and DJ Martin Leguerrier and meet local drag performers. Plus grab a BeaverTails and enjoy free hot chocolate.
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The Ice Parade, Canada’s first-ever Pride parade on ice, will kick-off at 4 p.m. on the Rideau Canal Skateway near the Laurier Street Bridge on Sunday, February 12, 2023. ending at the Fifth Avenue Rest Area in The Glebe.
The ice-parade will feature live music and DJ set by BLK PRL, local drag performers on skates, and Capital Pride’s 30-foot Progress Pride Flag carried by players from Ottawa Pride Hockey. Festival-goes, Community members and allies are invited to meet at the start of the parade, in skates or on foot, or join in along the route.
FAQs
Do I need to register to attend the Ice Parade?
No, there is no need to register. Just show up on Sunday, February 12 and join in the fun.
Can I skate with a group or organization?
Groups are welcome to join in the Ice Parade.
Kindly note that unlike our annual summer parade, groups will not be staged in line prior to the start of the Ice Parade. For safety reasons, floats and other large materials are not permitted. If you are planning to bring a large group please contact the Capital Pride team at [email protected]
Can I participate if I don’t skate?
Yes! You can join the Ice Parade by walking on the ice (the NCC recommends walking along the edge of the Skateway) or by walking along the multi-use pathway that runs alongside the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Are pets allowed at the Ice Parade?
Pets (with the exception of service dogs) are not permitted at the Ice Parade. In line with the Rideau Canal Skateway rules, dogs and other pets (with the exception of service dogs) are not permitted on the Skateway.
Can I volunteer?
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help with the Ice Parade. Learn more here: capitalpride.ca/volunteer
Equipment Rentals
Can I rent skates or sleighs?
Several rental facilities are located on the Rideau Canal Skateway. You can learn more about rental equipment on the NCC’s website here: https://rideaucanalskateway.com/pages/about-us
Please note that reservations and payments must be made online in advance and that all rentals require a deposit.
Accessibility and First Aid
What if I require first aid assistance?
Volunteers with first aid training will be on hand during the Ice Parade.
In addition, Skate Patrol Skate Patrol will be on the Rideau Canal Skateway throughout the event and operates a first aid trailer at the Fifth Avenue rest area. Skate Patrol can be contacted at 613-565-1899.
Is the Rideau Canal Skateway universally accessible?
There are several universal access ramps that lead to the Rideau Canal Skateway.
At the start of the Ice Parade, the closest universal access ramps are:
• Rideau (Colonel By Drive side)
• Mackenzie King West (Queen Elizabeth Driveway side)
At the end of the Ice parade, the closet universal access ramps is
• Holmwood (Queen Elizabeth Driveway side)
In addition, the washrooms and change rooms along the Rideau Canal Skateway are universally accessible.
More information about accessibility is available via the NCC website at: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/universal-access-rideau-canal-skateway
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