This morning visiting dignitaries officially opened the opening in the fence at Champlain Park, then went down to Remic Rapids for the SJAM Ski Festival.
Here’s part of the story, in photos and video.
Video of Getting into Position for Ribbon Cutting

Ribbon Cutting with I think left to right: Gary Lacey (Executive Director, Capital Stewardship, NCC), Sue Holloway (four-time Olympian), Her Excellency Anne Kari H. Ovind (Norwegian Ambassador), Jeff Leiper (City Councillor for Kitchissippi Ward), Dave Adams (kneeling, Winter Trail Manager and Head Groomer), Yasir Naqvi (MPP Ottawa Centre), Young Spiderman (possibly a relative of Yasir), Unknown.
Video of Mascot Dovercat Leading the Winter Parade to Remic Rapids
Video looking around the Remic Rapids Parking Lot, at all those kiosks and flags.
Video of Grooming the Track in the Crowd.
Video of Dave Adams skidding a skidoo on the ice.
Video of Dave Grooming the Curvy Part, Fast!
Video of Getting One Last Groom done of the Uphill Longer Ski Course
For the actual ski competitions, you can find media elsewhere; Dennis posted some nice photos on twitter:
Piles of fun at Remic Park for the first ever @SJAMWinterTrail Ski Festival. Huge success, and surely a new #Ottawa… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…—
DennisVanStaalduinen (@DenVan) January 28, 2018
and you can find more by searching, try https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=sjamwintertrail
– Alex