This winter, the City of Toronto welcomed skaters to more than 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks and 54 natural ice rinks in neighbourhoods and communities across the city. This season, there were an estimated more than 300,000 visits during almost 55,000 hours of operation.
With the start of spring and the weather warming up, the 2021/2022 outdoor skating season will end on Sunday, March 20.The City’s outdoor artificial ice rinks, which have been supported by more than 900 part-time recreation staff, provided hundreds of thousands of people with a safe, affordable outdoor activity this winter while provincial public health restrictions were in place to limit the spread the COVID-19.
Parks staff worked with community groups to facilitate 54 natural ice rinks in parks across Toronto this winter, nine more than last year. Every winter, residents build and maintain natural rinks on parkland with the help of staff who provide access to water and shovels, as well as instructions on ice preparation and maintenance. This year, the application window was extended to December 31, 2021 in order to accommodate new rinks all over the city.
Unlike the previous skating season, online reservations and capacity limits were no longer required for skating. In addition to leisure skate, participants were able to enjoy shinny, adult and children learn-to-skate and instructional hockey programs, and the City’s first figure skate pilot program which ran at select outdoor ice rinks.
Toronto began opening outdoor ice rinks in late November and early December. The majority of rinks remained open seven days a week throughout the winter season. Natural ice rinks are typically operational between January and March, weather permitting.
More information about the City’s Welcome T.O. Winter parks is available on the City’s Welcome to Winter webpage.
Quotes:
“This winter, we welcomed more than 300,000 visits to outdoor rinks across the city. Thank you to the City staff who have kept these rinks running throughout the skating season and thank you as well to the residents and community groups who make the 54 natural ice rinks possible. As an integral part of our Welcome T.O. Winter park plan, outdoor skating is a Toronto staple and favourite for all. City parks and recreational facilities are available year-round for fun, safe experiences for residents, visitors and families.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Outdoor winter activities are a safe and fun way for people to come together despite the challenges created by the pandemic. This year, along with our regular skate programs, we reintroduced shinny and added amazing learn to skate programs. Outdoor skating is a Canadian tradition, a great way to get outside, get active and stay healthy this winter.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“This year we returned to skating stronger than ever! Whether you are a seasoned pro or stepped onto the ice for the first time, our free drop-in and skate programs provided opportunities for all ages and levels of experience.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the infrastructure and Environment Committee
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.