Cambridge man constructs ‘larger than life’ snow castle in front of home

Who says snow forts are just for kids?

Cecil Devine, a retired landscaper and draftsman, has taken the loving winter tradition of snow castle building and taken it to the next level. In front of his home on Concession Road, a massive snow castle has taken up much of his property and is garnering attention from neighbours and local drivers.

Devine said he started building the castle during the first snowfall in December and it is the third time he has tried building it.

“When it started snowing, I just started piling it and packing it,” said Devine. “I enjoy the winter, I always have.”

The design of the castle spans almost the size of his yard, and includes a ramp, a Canadian flag, several small areas and several “turrets.” Devine said he will use garbage cans and old boxes to create the snow bricks. He’ll also use a small black saw to cut out any frozen together pieces and a blue recycling bin to gather snow from his neighbours.

“I’ve harvested my neighbour’s snow three times,” said Devine. “This wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”

Devine said at the end of the day, the castle is for the local neighbourhood kids to play in and inspire to build their own instead of staying inside. He said he will continue to add sections to the castle for the rest of the season.

“Do I have a plan? Yeah it’s on a white piece of paper and I lost it in the snow,” said Devine. “It’s in there [the castle] somewhere, I’ll find it in the spring.”