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WinterLights Celebrations is a national program promoting community involvement through the enhancement of neighbourhoods and public spaces with decorations, festive events and winter activities.
Photo: City of Charlottetown, PEI
The program consists of five criteria:
Evaluates the responsible illumination and decoration of public buildings, open spaces, institutional, industrial, central business and commercial areas, and a representation of illuminated and decoration of residential properties and streetscapes.
Evaluates outdoor and indoors activities and events such as winter festivals, carnivals, ice sculptures, snow sculptures, ice skating, ice fishing derbies, winter sports competitions, family and youth activities and gourmet/game food events that promote outdoor and indoor activities that take place November 1st to March 31. Emphasis is placed on events that include a heritage / cultural component highlighting the cultural diversity of the community.
Evaluates indoor and outdoor events such as choir festivals, tree lighting ceremonies, concerts, sleigh rides, festive performing and visual arts programs, candlelight walks, Santa Claus parades, carol singing, heritage and family events during the holiday season.
Evaluates the overall betterment of quality of life and enhanced lifestyles through the development and participation of goodwill programs by all sectors including the interaction and inclusions of seniors, youth, minorities and less privileged. Spirit of Giving and goodwill programs may include food bank support, turkey drives, fundraisers…
Focuses on “Showcasing your Community” to encourage participation by local residents and tourists to enjoy all that the winter season has to offer in your community.
Criteria Awards are also presented for all of the above criteria, as well as for the following:
Youth Involvement
Presented to the community who demonstrates how youth can become involved through specific projects or general involvement in the program and community.
Individual Winter Festival
Communities participate by submitting a documented presentation of their Winter Festival or Special Event (this award is open to all communities, participating or not in WLC).
2009/2010 Winner:
Mentoring
A special Mentoring Award may also be presented to recognize outstanding leadership and networking by a community.