Ottawa Special Events committee approves $330 for Coldest Night walk, sets event dates

The Ottawa Special Events Committee voted to approve a $330 request to cover portable toilets for the Coldest Night of the Year walk scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026, the committee recorded in minutes from its Feb. 5 meeting.

Jim Reilly, a committee member, moved to approve the $330 request; Candy Moore, a committee member, seconded the motion and the minutes record the motion as approved. The request was listed as coming from 'IV Pads' to support the walk running from noon to 9 p.m.

The committee also set the Easter Egg Hunt for April 4, 2026, from 9–11 a.m. at Allen Park and discussed logistics including stuffing eggs, food trucks and children’s crafts. Jordan Block Jams has been booked for Aug. 14, 2026, at Hotel California, the minutes show.

The minutes reviewed the recent Festival of Lights, saying turnout and entries were strong; performers including fire spinners were praised and are expected to return next year. The record notes that a large central tent at Jordan Block obstructed some sightlines and a suggestion was raised to pursue nonpolitical sponsors for floats in future events.

Lloyd Chapman, a committee member, reported that the Messiah Concert drew an estimated 300–350 people and described St. Columba as a "perfect venue." The committee noted a need for a stage for Music in the Park; no funding source or schedule for a stage was specified in the minutes.

A motion to approve the minutes was recorded as made by Michael Dougherty and seconded by Randi Paquette; the minutes do not explicitly record the vote outcome on that line. The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. and adjourned at 6:41 p.m.; the minutes were submitted by Jani Eichelkraut.

Next meeting time is listed in the minutes as Feb. 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (as recorded).