Many Torontonians have fond memories of winter in the city – lacing up our skates; holding mittens together; a friendly neighbour helping dig out our car. For newcomers to Canada, winters will include a series of ‘firsts’, with new memories to be made and treasured.
Many Torontonians have fond memories of winter in the city – lacing up our skates; holding mittens together; a friendly neighbour helping dig out our car. For newcomers to Canada, winters will include a series of ‘firsts’, with new memories to be made and treasured.
As part of our First Winter program, we explored how experiences of winter can connect all of us, our stories, and our traditions.
The series included a suite of public programs, supported by Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport:
First Winter Memories
Throughout the skate season, The Bentway is collecting and sharing stories, images, and memories from newcomer communities across the city as they reflect on their own First Winter here in Toronto. What moments of connection or joy brought you light during these darker months? Share your story here.
Lunar New Year celebration
January 22, 2023 from 12pm – 3pm at The Bentway Skate Trail
On January 22, celebrate Lunar New Year with an array of dancers, vendors, and performers from the East Asian Diaspora, including Lion Dancers from the Hong Luck Kung Fu Club.
Newcomer Skate Lessons
Beginning January 26, 2023 at The Bentway Skate Trail
On select nights, newcomer community groups are bringing their members to The Bentway to take to the ice for the first time, guided by expert instructors. If you are a newcomer and would like to learn more, please email us at [email protected].
The Land You Came From, The Land You Are On
January 26, 2023 from 7pm – 9pm at Fort York National Historic Site
Gather around the fire for an evening of storytelling, knowledge sharing, and community warmth guided by the Talking Treaties Collective. This creative workshop invites newcomers to Tkaronto to learn first-hand knowledge of the history of this land and the people who cared for it, while also sharing their own stories and journey. Joining us for the workshop? Register for a newcomer skate lesson on the same evening.
First Winter Stories: Creative Storytelling Workshop
February 2, 2023 from 7pm – 9pm at The Bentway Studio
In this creative workshop led with Department of Imaginary Affairs, we invite the newcomer community to share stories of their own “First Winter” experience through a variety of art-based storytelling methods such as collage, drawing, writing, or embroidery. Joining us for the workshop? Register for a newcomer skate lesson on the same evening.
Midwinter Concert with Small World Music
February 9, 2023 from 7pm – 10pm at The Bentway Studio
Take in the sounds of musicians from newcomer communities during an intimate concert at The Bentway Studio at Canoe Landing Campus. Joining us for the concert? Register for a newcomer skate lesson on the same evening.
Communal Dinner with Newcomer Kitchen
February 16, 2023 from 7pm – 9pm at The Bentway Studio
To celebrate the end of the season, participants in the newcomer programs will come together to enjoy a communal dinner hosted by The Bentway and Newcomer Kitchen, a non-profit and social enterprise led by Syrian refugee women.
