Winter Recreation update

This season is packed with exciting programs, festive events, and opportunities to get involved in your community. Whether you’re looking for fun ways to stay active or creative outlets to try something new, there’s something for everyone in the Township of Severn this winter.

Coldwater Community Centre offers skating and drop-in programs for all ages

We offer a variety of times and programs including:

Moms, pops, and tots (Parents and caregivers with children ages eight and under )
Seniors skate (ages 55 plus)
Seniors shinny (ages 55 plus)
Regular shinny (ages 18 to 54 years)
Homeschool skate (pre-schoolers and home school families)
Public skating (all ages)

View the full skate schedule on our Skating page.

Holiday skate schedule

Thanks to our sponsors for providing free skating this holiday season. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for 2025. Please contact us if you would like to support our community by sponsoring a public skate.

Skating schedule

Date and time	Sponsor
Sunday, December 22: 12:00 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.	Coldwater Firefighters Association – Station 3
Monday, December 23: 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270 Coldwater
Monday, December 23: 3:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.	North Simcoe Tree Service
Friday, December 27: 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.	Topline Feed and Farm Supply
Friday, December 27: 3:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.	North Simcoe Tree Service
Sunday, December 29: 12:00 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.	Simcoe Sewer & Water Ltd.
Monday, December 30: 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270 Coldwater
Monday, December 30: 3:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.	Rostance Electric
Tuesday, December 31: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.	Coldwater Lions Club
Thursday, January 2: 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.	MPP Jill Dunlop
Friday, January 3: 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270 Coldwater

Adult and seniors programs

Our Recreation Programmer is working hard to deliver new programs to enhance your health and wellness. View program details and fees on our Adult and Seniors Programs page.

We also offer drop-in programs including Caregiver (and Baby) Beginner JumpFit, JumpFit 30-Minute HIIT, and Shuffleboard.

January recreation programs open for registration

To register for a program please complete and submit the recreation Registration form in person or by mail.

Registration form

Programs

Beginner Watercolour course: (Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), Wednesdays from January 15 to February 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

Zumba Dance Fit: (Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), January 16 to March 6, 2025 (8 sessions), Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Yoga for Beginners:
- Coldwater Community Centre upstairs hall (11 Michael Anne Drive), January 16 to February 20, 2025 (6 sessions), Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), January 14 to February 18, 2025 (6 sessions), Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Beyond Beginner Yoga:
- Coldwater Community Centre upstairs hall (11 Michael Anne Drive), January 16 to March 6, 2025 (8 sessions), Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), January 14 to March 4, 2025 (8 sessions), Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Yoga for Resilient Aging:
- Coldwater Community Centre, upstairs hall (11 Michael Anne Drive), January 13 to March 3, 2025 (7 sessions), Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), January 15 to March 5, 2025 (8 sessions), Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

New summer kids camps coming to Severn in 2025

We'll be running brand new summer kids camp in 2025! Thanks to funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation these new camps will run from Monday to Friday in July and August. Our camps will strive to create a safe environment for children to enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, sports, and theme days with a focus on making friends and having fun. Camps will be offered in Coldwater and Washago for children 4 to 12 years of age.

Stay up to date on camp announcements by subscribing to our News and Notices.

An idyllic winter wonderland to skate, ski, sled, and explore

Enjoy some winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing, but even if its milder, you can still take advantage of the trails and embark on a family-friendly winter hike through Ian Crichton Memorial Park (2055 Birkeshire Woods Lane), or by visiting the Simcoe County Forests' Slessor Tract (3721 Burnside Line), or exploring Couchiching Conservancy's Grant's Woods (1485 Division Road West).

A popular route is Severn's 30-kilometre Uhthoff Trail. Users can hike, cycle, ski, or horseback ride along the Uhthoff Trail that crosses over rivers and wetlands, through woodlands, and past charming settlements. Once the conditions are suitable and the Uhthoff Trail is opened by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiler Clubs, please ride safely. Always consult the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca prior to accessing snowmobile trails.

Although most users are respectful, a reminder to:

follow the speed limits and observe trail conditions as posted
respect others on the trail, such as those that may be walking, skiing, or horseback riding
keep dogs leashed and under control at all times
please stay off of other people's properties
use the designated streets or pathways to get to the trails
stay visible by wearing high-visibility or safety items and bright colours

View the Uhthoff Trail Map to find parking, trail access points, and to plan your route.

Volunteers needed for our outdoor rinks

Help Severn stay active and healthy this winter by volunteering at the outdoor rinks at Bass Lake Woodlands Park and Washago Community Centre. These rinks rely on community support to ensure they remain open for use.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

clearing snow from the ice surface
flooding the rink to maintain smooth skating conditions
monitoring the ice and reporting any concerns to staff
no experience is necessary; training will be provided

If you'd like to help create a fun and safe space for outdoor recreation in Severn, please complete the Outdoor Rink Volunteer form.

Visit the Trumpeter swans in Washago

In the winter, Washago is one of the favourite hangouts of Trumpeter swans. The swans enjoy Washago Centennial Park for its minimal ice-cover, quiet surroundings, and access to food. These beautiful birds were almost extinct in Ontario in the 1980's but have been successfully reintroduced. A reminder that feeding the geese is not permitted per our Feeding Wildlife By-law (By-law 2020-35). Always keep your distance when viewing wild animals.

Coldwater Christmas Bird Count

Calling all bird enthusiasts! Get outside and join the second Annual Coldwater Christmas Bird Count and contribute to North America's longest-running citizen science project. Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count collects data on bird populations and species distribution, aiding conservation efforts across the continent.

You can participate in two ways:

count birds from the comfort of your home at your feeders

join a field team and survey a sector of the circle with experienced local birders

Details

Where: 1 River Street, Coldwater

When: Saturday, December 28

Time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To participate, email Patrick Jackson at coldwatercbc@gmail.com. Learn more at Birds Canada.

Subscribe to Severn's community event calendar

If you're looking for live music, a winter market, or recreation opportunities, find out what's happening at: severn.ca/calendar. Subscribe to updates or quickly create an account to submit your own event.

Stay informed

Stay-up-to-date on new programs and services at: severn.ca/subscribe.

Staff contact

Stephanie Van Luven
Recreation Programmer
Phone: 705-325-2315 x236
Email Stephanie