On Monday, February 12, City Council approved the operating budget for the Wrenford Ice Days winter festival, clearing the way for the annual celebration to proceed this weekend at Riverside Flats Park.
The approved budget allocates $85,000.00 for the weekend event, covering ice resurfacing for the outdoor rink, stage and sound equipment for the concert series, warming tents for vendors, and safety personnel. The funds will come from the City's Recreation & Culture operating reserve and a $20,000.00 grant from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area.
The festival, held every Family Day weekend, draws tens of thousands of residents and visitors from across the region. This year's programming includes a 500-metre downhill ski run, cross-country ski trails on the Corvid Creek Ravine trails, a children's snow play area, and live music on the main stage. The City's Roads & Winter Maintenance crew will begin preparing the park's lawns and parking lots on Thursday, February 15, to ensure safe access for all attendees.
"We've worked closely with community partners to keep this festival accessible and free for everyone," Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price said. "Family Day weekend is a chance for Wrenford to come together outdoors, and this budget ensures we can continue that tradition safely."
Residents planning to attend are reminded that on-street parking is prohibited along Water Street and Tamsin Street from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on all festival days due to the overnight winter maintenance parking ban. Free transit service will run every twenty minutes on the 1 Mercer Street route from the Downtown Transit Terminal to the Riverside Flats Park stop throughout the weekend.
For the full event schedule, vendor information, and volunteer sign-up sheets, visit the News & Events page.
