Some of the City’s boarded, outdoor skating rinks will begin opening for the season starting on Friday, Dec. 24.

These sites include: (South) West Thunder, James Street, Tarbutt, Wayland, North Neebing, West Arthur, South Neebing (North) Current River, North End, Brent Park, Carrick, County Park, West End, and John Kushner.

The remaining boarded rinks will remain closed temporarily as they require further flooding and maintenance prior to officially opening. All un-boarded skating ponds are also still being prepared, pending weather conditions. Skating is not recommended on closed rinks as the ice surface may be hazardous to users.

The City operates and maintains outdoor skating rinks at 39 different locations. Supervised sites have change rooms available on the days that they are open/supervised, and operate from 2 pm – 10 pm Monday to Friday, and 1 pm – 9 pm Saturday and Sunday (check website for days of operation for each site).

During the holidays the following sites will be open/supervised from 1 pm – 9 pm on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day:

  • Carrick Park
  • North End Community Centre
  • West Thunder Community Centre
  • James Street Playfield

All remaining, supervised sites will be unsupervised Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1.

This year a new skating trail is being introduced at Vickers Park which is tentatively scheduled to open December 24, however the current weather conditions are reducing opportunities to apply the necessary floods to complete the installation. Residents are encouraged to check the website for updates.

COVID-19 REGULATIONS

In keeping with current Provincial regulations, outdoor rinks will remain open with the following operational rules in place:

  • Heated change rooms will be available for skate changing with restrictions on capacities that will be posted at each site.
  • Washroom facilities will be available for use subject to the same facility capacity limits posted.
  • Rink users are encouraged to maintain a physical distance of two metres (excluding members of the same household).
  • Unorganized outdoor sports and games are currently permitted, however this may change if additional restrictions are implemented by the Province.
  • Organized team games/activities and ice bookings are not allowed.

Residents are reminded that ice conditions change with the weather throughout the season and can result in short-notice closures.

To learn more about the City’s outdoor rinks and for a full listing of locations and hours, visit our Rinks page.

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Contact: Cory Halvorsen, Manager – Parks & Open Spaces Section, 625-2355