A Tradition of Community Spirit and Winter Fun

The history of Ice Skating in Paris, Ontario, Canada dates back to the early days of the town's formation Like many other Canadian communities, Paris has a rich tradition of embracing winter activities, with ice skating and curling playing integral roles in the lives of its residents. The frozen surfaces of Watt's Pond in Paris have long been a focal point for winter recreation. Dating back to the mid19th century, the Paris Curling Club was established in 1843, making it one of the oldest curling clubs in the region. Watt's Pond quickly became a popular spot for curlers, with matches being held on its icy surface as early as 1837

The allure of Watt's Pond extended beyond just curling Evening skates on the frozen ponds became a beloved pastime for many residents of Paris. Picture this scene: under the glow of kerosene lanterns, couples would take to the ice, gliding gracefully in the soft light of the lamps. These romantic outings became a cherished tradition, offering a magical setting for dates and social gatherings.

As the popularity of ice sports grew in Paris, so did the infrastructure to support them The Paris Figure Skating Club, founded in 1963 by Vi Cormier, Honey Kolanko, and

Donna Mason, played a significant role in promoting figure skating within the community. With the support of the first Executive members and Club Professional Jacqueline Barnes, the club flourished, hosting its inaugural show "Ice Capers" in 1964 with 85 enthusiastic members participating

Over the years, the Paris Figure Skating Club has evolved and expanded its offerings. Initially operating with just two hours of ice time per week at the former Syl Apps Arena, the club now calls the Brant Sports Complex its home, enjoying over 15 hours of ice time spread across four nights weekly. The club's membership has grown to over 170 individuals, ranging from young children to adults, all passionate about the art of figure skating. The dedication of the club's coaches, which has grown from one

Professional Coach in the early days to eight coaches today, has been instrumental in helping skaters achieve their goals in competitions and tests. The club's commitment to providing both private and group lessons underscores its mission to foster a love for skating and support the development of its members.

Through the intertwined histories of curling at Watt's Pond and figure skating at the Brant Sports Complex, Paris, Ontario has cultivated a deep connection to winter sports. The legacy of evening skates by lantern light and competitive figure skating continues to thrive, enriching the community and preserving a cherished tradition of embracing the beauty and magic of winter on the ice

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