As cold weather settles in, the City of Selkirk is encouraging residents to embrace the season through a wide range of winter programs and recreational activities.
Kyla Ray, the City of Selkirk’s manager of cultural and recreational programs, said the city aims to create opportunities for residents to explore, learn and grow with friends and family, while supporting both physical and emotional well-being. She explained filling activity gaps and offering unique, enriching experiences remains a top priority.
“For me –– as a recreation nerd –– I know winter can be difficult for a lot of Canadians,” Ray said. “Some people thrive in the cold, while others choose to hibernate. We want to encourage families to make the best of winter by showing them that we can still have fun and get through the cold and dark months together.”
Registration for winter programs opens Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. for both residents and non-residents through the City of Selkirk’s recreation programming webpage.
Ray is particularly excited about several new offerings this season, including The Frost Force, an outdoor exploration series made possible through community partnerships, grants and funding opportunities. Open to participants of all ages, individuals can register for one, two or all three sessions.
The Frost Force kicks off Jan. 18 with a guided ski through Selkirk Park in partnership with Oak Hammock Marsh. A snow sculpture workshop will follow on Feb. 15 at the Kin Centre Water Tower Park, with a guided snowshoe hike rounding out the series on March 15. All sessions run from 1 to 3 p.m., are free to attend, and include all required equipment such as skis, snowshoes and sculpting supplies. Pre-registration is required and adults must accompany those 12-years-old and younger.
“The Frost Force is the perfect way to get a taste of winter activities,” Ray said. “Selkirk Park is beautiful in the winter, so let’s teach people how to explore it. This could be the start of something so much more.”
Ray hopes participants walk away having learned something new–– and perhaps discovered a new winter hobby.
“It’s our goal to bring joy and movement to others, improving the quality of life for the people we serve,” she said.
For those who prefer less structured activities, the city has also introduced outdoor activity bins stocked with family-friendly items that residents can borrow at no cost. Similar to the city’s toboggan borrowing in Little Lake Park, the outdoor exploration bins are located near Picnic Shelter 3 in Selkirk Park and at the Kin Centre Water Tower Park.
Inside, residents will find snow play equipment, scavenger hunt templates and nature journaling ideas. The activities rotate seasonally to ensure fresh and relevant options throughout the year.
Ray explained the initiative allows people to enjoy the outdoors independently without financial barriers. While there were some concerns about potential misuse, she said the bins have been well respected and warmly received. Modeled after similar initiatives in neighbouring communities, the bins are locked and require a code to access. A QR code on the bins directs users to a form, and once completed, the access code is provided.
“People have been very appreciative of the opportunity,” Ray said. “If things continue to go well, we’d love to consider adding more bins throughout the city.”
Indoor options are also available, including Selkirk’s first-ever Great Puzzle Race, taking place Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Participants will compete in teams to complete a 500-piece puzzle, with prizes awarded for fastest completion, best-dressed team and a door prize.
The event is open to players aged 12 and older. Teams of four can register, while smaller groups and individual registrants will be paired together. From 6 to 6:55 p.m., participants are invited to bring an appetizer, mingle and socialize before the competition begins. Teams will have up to two hours to complete their puzzles, which will be different but similarly themed and from the same brand. Registration rates for residents and non-residents will be posted once the city’s 2026 fees are approved.
“Our goal is to provide opportunities for people to feel like they belong,” Ray said. “And what better way to do that than solving a puzzle with friends for a fun, lighthearted evening that helps defeat the winter blues?”
Several popular programs are also returning this season, including after-school programming, Selkirk Loves to Read, and various safety and practical courses. Ray said she is especially excited for the return of weekly skating programs, along with three special events: Date Night Skate on Feb. 15, Glow Skate on March 27, and Paint the Ice in April once hockey and ringette season concludes in April.
“It’s a priority for the City of Selkirk to make use of the vibrant community spaces we have,” Ray added. “These programs reflect our vision of creating the best possible recreation opportunities for everyone.”
To ensure accessibility, the city is offering several free or low-cost options. Ray encourages anyone with special needs or concerns about participation to reach out to city staff to discuss possible accommodations.
“It’s about giving people the opportunities they need to thrive in the community,” she said. “When people feel like they belong, it makes living here that much more meaningful.”
Program success is measured both quantitatively through participation numbers and qualitatively through participant feedback. Surveys are distributed at the end of each session to gather insights and guide future programming decisions.
“Come and have fun this winter with us,” Ray said. “You might just open the door to a whole new world of hobbies.”
For a full lineup of winter programming, visit www.myselkirk.ca/sports-recreation/cityprograms. Registration closes once capacity is reached or a few days prior to each event. For more information, residents can contact Citizen Support through the City of Selkirk’s website.
