Santa has a time in Constance Bay

CONSTANCE BAY – With a light snow falling over Constance Bay, painting the bare trees along the parade route hours in advance of the official start, the scene was set for the fourth annual Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade.

While the Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade has been happening for years and years, last Saturday’s (Dec. 13) parade was only the third time it had been held at night.

The switch has been a success for the organizers, the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association (CBBCA), and this year the group made another change – they tightened up the formerly sprawling parade route.

In pre-2025 years, the parade gathered on Bailie Avenue and hit Constance Bay Road following it to Bayview Drive and taking that all the way to the Constance Bay community centre on Len Purcell Drive. This year the parade gathered at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church on Bayview, shortening the route by roughly a half kilometre.

This too seemed like a successful move, as it meant crowds were closer together while enjoying the parade rather than being spaced out in mini-hubs along the route.

Add that to a large number of floats, including some surprise late entries, and the roughly 25-minute long parade, with Santa and the missus bringing up the rear, was a huge hit. Other special guests included the Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe and West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly who had to choose between participating in the Constance Bay parade or the other one happening just down the road, the Carp Santa Claus Parade.

As is tradition in Constance Bay, following the parade kids and parents alike were invited to the community centre for hot chocolate and a chance to meet Santa and Gertrude Clause for some up close, one-on-one time.

Organizers say it was a hit.

“Thank You, Constance Bay,” CBBCA special events director Meghann Blyth released in a statement the following day (Dec. 14). “A huge thank you to our sponsor, Harlow, for supporting the 2025 Santa Parade and After Party and helping us bring the magic to life. We truly couldn’t do it without you. The parade and after party were an absolute hit — and it’s all because of this amazing community.”

Blyth said it was a massive effort to bring the parade to life.

“From our incredible volunteers, seriously, an unreal amount of you, to every float, marcher, and smiling face along the route — this night doesn’t happen without everyone showing up the way they always do,” she said. “A special shout-out to Miss Twisty for the balloon magic and Cassie, our amazing face painter, who kept kids smiling all night long — you both brought so much joy to the centre. Thank you for another unforgettable night. This community continues to amaze us — year after year.”

Kanata-Carleton MPP Karen McCrimmon, who had a float in the parade, was impressed by the event.

“Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade was absolutely epic,” McCrimmon released in a statement Sunday (Dec. 14). “Team McCrimmon was there to share in the joy of the day. Thank you to Meghann Blyth for your leadership in welcoming far more entries than anticipated. Your grace and spirit made the parade truly special. Thank you to everyone who put in the effort, the pride in this community is so evident. CBBCA – membership has its privileges. Check it out. Thank you as well to all the volunteers, parade marshals, and those who made donations to the West Carleton Food Access Centre.”