News release

New Glasgow Enters the Ice Age

Office of Health Promotion (Jan. 2003 - May 2005)

The people of New Glasgow's west side have home ice advantage this weekend, Feb. 4-6, when the community's outdoor rink is showcased to the public.

As part of the national Ice Dreams initiative to Take the Roof off Winter, the Office of Health Promotion showcases an outdoor rink annually to create awareness and to celebrate all outdoor rinks and outdoor play in winter.

This year's featured attraction is the outdoor rink that has been built in New Glasgow each winter for nearly 70 years and that is always a focal point for the community's annual West Side Winter Carnival.

"Nova Scotia has the perfect weather for all types of winter activities, be it skiing, skating, or just fun in the snow," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We want to show people how much fun outdoor rinks are, and being outdoors in general. It's time to take the roof off winter."

The 36th annual West Side Winter Carnival will include an opening ceremony today, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m., fireworks, public skates, food and prizes, a variety show, and more.

"The residents of New Glasgow's west side should be very proud of the job they have done over the past and continue to do today," said local organizer Michelle MacDougall. "We have a young, vibrant, growing community with members who are willing to pitch in with whatever is needed. They are all outside enjoying what nature has to offer. It is because of these people that the West Side Community Centre is what it is today."

Health Promotion is the provincial delivery agent of a national initiative called Ice Dreams, which is part of the Go for Green program. The Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia is also a supporter of the program. Ice Dreams was developed to show Canadians that just because the temperature has dropped, it doesn't mean that there are any fewer opportunities to get outside and be active. The program is about the rebirth of outdoor rinks -- historical playgrounds for hockey and skating.

For more information on building an outdoor rink, see the website at visit www.icedreams.ca . For more information on the West Side Winter Carnival, call Michelle MacDougall at 1-902-755-6862 or 1- 902-752-6554.