OTTAWA, ON: Today Skate Canada announced the location for the Skate Canada Challenge competitions for 2016 and 2017. The 2016 event will take place in Edmonton, Alta., at the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre from December 2-6, 2015. The 2017 Skate Canada Challenge will be held in Pierrefonds, Que., at the Sportplexe 4 Glaces Pierrefonds from November 30 – December 4, 2016.

Over 500 of the finest skaters from across Canada will participate in the 2016 and 2017 Skate Canada Challenge. Skaters qualify to compete through their respective sectional championships. For novice, junior and senior skaters, this is the only opportunity to qualify for the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. The Canadian Pre-Novice Champions in men’s, women’s, pair and ice dance are determined at Skate Canada Challenge.

“We are delighted to be able to announce both the 2016 and 2017 Skate Canada Challenge events. This is our biggest qualifying event of the season, with skaters hoping to make it to the national championships,” said Dan Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. “Both Edmonton and Pierrefonds have proven themselves as great hosting cities with incredible volunteer teams, terrific hotels and first-class venues. We know both cities will put on fantastic events.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to host the athletes, coaches and fans, and to introduce the rest of the nation to the incredible economic, cultural and athletic advantages Edmonton has to offer,” said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. “For Edmontonians, it is a wonderful chance to see some of Canada’s best figure skating right here in our own community.”

“It’s an honor for Montreal to host such a high caliber figure skating competition. In addition to allowing Montrealers the opportunity to cheer on the best Canadian athletes in this discipline, the event will also result in significant economic benefits for West Island businesses, says Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourism Montreal. “At the 2014 edition, 535 athletes, coaches and staff members participated in the Skate Canada Challenge, generating nearly 2,400 room nights in the region. We will continue working with Skate Canada to make the 2017 Skate Canada Challenge the most memorable yet, and we look forward to welcoming the participants back to the beautiful city of Montreal.”

More than 550 hotel rooms are used for the event, which generates economic activity to the region. At the senior level, many members of Canada’s National Team often compete in the event, as well as junior athletes who have competed internationally.