INVERMERE — The “cold war” is heating up, and both Ottawa and Winnipeg are starting to respond to Invermere’s world record dreams.

Before Christmas, mayor Gerry Taft sent out letters announcing Invermere’s plan to make the Lake Windermere Whiteway the world’s largest outdoor skating rink to the groups responsible for maintaining the ice rinks in both of the current record-holding communities, as well as their local councils.

The Forks Renewal corporation, which maintains Winnipeg’s skate track (currently the world’s longest), was the first to write back.

“All I can say is ‘welcome to the club,'” says the letter, which also offers the district assistance and advice on its effort and an invite to “skate in Winnipeg to compare notes.”

Ottawa (whose Rideau Canal holds the record for the world’s largest outdoor skating rink) also fired back last week, with mayor Jim Watson writing in.

“The Rideau Canal is a special experience unlike any other,” Watson wrote, pointing out the canal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Natural Historic Site of Canada, in addition to its Guinness fame.

“I’d be happy to sit down and discuss further once Invermere acquires a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Lake Windermere.”

Watson also invited Taft for a skate on the canal.

“I’ll even buy you a beaver tail,” he added in closing.