Ice Rinks and Outdoor Boardrooms: Why We’re Already Missing the Winnipeg Chill
It sounds a bit wild to say while we’re still shaking the frost off our boots, but there’s a part of us that misses winter already. Winter is almost officially over.
Even with the promise of better weather in April, looking back at shots like this glowing rink in Central Park reminds us of the quiet, surreal beauty that only a frigid Winnipeg night can provide. There is something about the way the light hits the ice and the city hums in the distance that makes the cold feel like a cozy blanket rather than a barrier.
If you look closely at our photos from this last year, you’ll notice a recurring character: the park bench. For many of us, these benches and nearby picnic tables have become our primary offices. We’ve lost count of how many meetings, brainstorms, and catch-ups have happened huddled on a wooden slat under a canopy of trees—or a layer of snow. We’ve always had a thing for meeting in unusual spaces, but the pandemic turned that quirk into a full-blown tradition that we just never wanted to quit.
The shift to the outdoors changed the way we connect. There’s no fluorescent hum or stale office air; instead, there’s the grit and life of the city passing by. When we find a beautiful park bench, whether it’s tucked into a historic corner of the Exchange District or sitting center-stage by a frozen rink, we take full advantage. It’s where our best ideas are born—usually over a steaming coffee and a quick prayer that the wind doesn’t pick up.
As we move toward our spring exhibition, you can expect to see plenty of these “outdoor boardrooms” featured in our work. These simple, random slices of life are the heart of our city’s story. They represent a time when we learned to embrace the elements and find community in the most unexpected places. We’re excited for the thaw, but we’ll always have a soft spot for the quiet, frozen moments on a park bench.
About the Author
