Inuksuk Initiatives:
The Great Canadian Speed Skate

The Great Canadian Speed Skate

Speed Skating Canada is pleased to partner with Mr. Jean-Marie Leduc of Ottawa and Heenan Blaikie to present a historical display of vintage ice skates. Mr. Leduc has devoted more than 25 years to his passion of skate collecting and has developed a richly documented historical collection of 341 pairs of hockey, figure, speed and short track skates.

Mr. Leduc's collection includes hundreds of outstanding artifacts including a metre-long wooden clap skate known as the “river skate”. This skate, made in 1870, was the forerunner of today's somewhat shorter long-track speed skate. Another skate, believed to be the first Canadian skate model, made in 1843, consists of a leather shoe and metal blade fused together as one piece. The exhibit also includes Mr. Leduc's personal favorite – the prototype skate specifically designed for short-track by the late Raymond Laberge.

Skates from Mr. Leduc's collection have been exhibited at the centenary celebrations of both the Stanley Cup and Speed Skating Canada, as well as the 75th anniversary events for the founding of the National Hockey League. His skates have also been featured in displays at the University of Ottawa, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, during Winterlude in Ottawa-Gatineau and special events in Calgary and Edmonton, as well as in many schools during the National Capital Week.

This not to be missed exhibit is a unique and historical piece of Canadian sports history.

Location: 2nd floor, City of Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road.

Viewing Hours:

Feb 12	12:00PM 8:00PM
Feb 13-14	12:00PM 4:00PM
Feb 15-28	12:00PM 8:00PM

Click to see larger versions of Mr. Leduc's collection.