CBC radio host, author, and advertising guru Terry O'Reilly had some interesting things to say about living in winter cities:
1. What do you look forward to most about the winter season in your city?
Out in the country where we live, winter is pretty magical. We look forward to the beauty of the snow covered fields and snow tipped trees surrounding our log home. Snowshoeing the trails on a sunny day, followed by a cup of hot chocolate by the fire.
2. How does your city or community celebrate and/or embrace the winter season?
We live near the Blue Mountains of Collingwood, a town north of Toronto where many come to ski and snowboard. Winters in the Collingwood area are all about how good the ski condirions are. Lots of winter festivals and events.
3. What is your favourite winter beverage?
My favourite winter beverege is a coffee with Bailey's on ice.
4. What is your favourite winter city destination?
I like Ottawa, Ontario in the winter. Skating the Rideau is a highlight. Collingwood is very winter-centric. And we like New York around Christmas, and have skated Rockefeller Square.
5. How would you describe winter to someone who has never experienced it?
Winter is like a snow globe. Right after a snowfall, the entire world turns white. It's very quiet, the snow crunches under foot. It's the one time where you can see all sorts of evidence of wildlife, as footprints are everywhere. A beautiful winter day can be bright and cheerful, and you have to be outside. The next day, the blowing snow can reduce visibility to almost zero, so the best place to be is inside by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Winter is what fireplaces are for.
6. What are you most looking forward to about the Winter Cities Shake-Up Conference?
I'm looking forward to hearing all about the challenges various cities have convincing tourists to visit during the winter. And I'm endlessly curious about the best solutions.