Lakefront Skate and Market Officially Open

Scugog – This past Saturday, December 16, members of the Township of Scugog Council and staff, alongside MPP Todd McCarthy, Durham Region Chair and CEO, John Henry, Councillor Jeff Forbes of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation gathered at the NEW Lakefront Skate and Market located in Port Perry for an opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting. Special thank you to Angela S. from 105.5 Hits FM, members of the media, and the public that joined in the celebration!

Although the recent mild weather put a damper on the ice rink, the Vendor Village was unveiled and open to the public for some artisan shopping! We extend a warm thank you to our first vendor group that offered a wonderful selection for holiday shopping.

Vendors included:

• Bubble Scrubbies
• By ‘Bree Beauty
• Crystal Bliss
• Oakridges Fine Fruits & Vegetables
• Tallboy Roasters

Thank you to the 1^st Port Perry Venturer Scouts for joining in to provide holiday gift wrapping.

This project would not be possible without the generosity of the Government of Canada as well as our amazing local sponsors! Funding was acquired from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Advertising sponsors have stepped up to lend support and we thank the following partners:

Platinum Partner:

• Ashlea Jones Athletes in Training

Silver Partner:

• Green Tractors

Bronze Partners:

• All-Risks Insurance
• B&M Welding
• Beavertails
• Corey Hulowski, ReMax All-Stars Realty
• Desjardins
• Larocque Electric

The Lakefront Skate and Market will attract visitors with an exhilarating skating experience from early December to mid-March, highlighting the lakefront and the downtown this winter season. Skating will be available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with vendor kiosks anticipated to be open most weekends.

"The new skating rink provides a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to embrace and enjoy fun winter activities in the Durham Region. Canadians know the value tourism plays in strengthening southern Ontario’s communities, and our government is committed to supporting a multitude of projects across Ontario to create all-season fun for everyone.”

• The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

“Scugog is a beautiful community in all Four Seasons. We welcome the Holiday Season and the Winter weather in January and February because our families and our community can look forward to many outdoor activities including outdoor ice skating in the heart of Port Perry”

• Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. 

“It’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy Durham Region’s winter amenities! The new outdoor skating rink and market are perfect additions to the Scugog community. It encourages residents and visitors alike to embrace the cold weather months and discover (or rediscover) local food and artisan vendors. Thank you to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their support in strengthening Scugog’s tourism industry and contributing to a vibrant Durham Region.”

• John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, The Regional Municipality of Durham.

“The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation congratulates the Township of Scugog on their accomplishment of the Lakefront Skate & Market.  This is a wonderful way to promote tourism to Port Perry and offer a space for outdoor winter activity for all.’

• Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississsaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

“The Township is always looking at opportunities to support tourism in our community especially with the tourism sector still on the road to recovery “We are thankful to the Government of Canada for its support of Scugog Tourism to extend the tourism season throughout the winter.”

• Township of Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten.

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.