Today, the City of Toronto opened 38 of its outdoor skating rinks to the public with an additional 12 opening on December 4. This winter, residents and visitors to Toronto can enjoy the City’s more than 50 outdoor ice rinks, which will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mayor John Tory was at McCowan District Park outdoor ice rink today to launch the City’s outdoor skating season. Mayor Tory was joined by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the infrastructure and Environment Committee; Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee; and Councillor Gary Crawford (Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the Budget Committee.
Pre-registration is not required this year and rinks will operate at full capacity in multiple phases:
• The first 38 rinks will operate November 27, 2021 to March 20, 2022
• The remaining 12 rinks will operate December 4, 2021 to February 27, 2022
• Natural ice rinks and two additional City rinks will open in January
In addition to leisure skate, participants can now enjoy shinny, adult and children learn-to-skate programs, instructional hockey programs and the first figure skate pilot program. Change rooms and lockers are available with capacity limits. Participants are encouraged to arrive fully dressed for their skate. For more information on skating in the city, locations and hours, please visit www.toronto.ca/skate.
This holiday season outdoor rinks will be open:
• Christmas Eve – all rinks open until 6 p.m.
• Christmas Day – 29 locations open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Boxing Day – 29 locations open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve – all rinks open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• New Year’s Day – 29 locations open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cavalcade of Lights also kicks off today at Nathan Philips Square with a month-long display of enhanced lighting installations and festive décor for audiences to enjoy until January 2. An annual tradition for 55 years, this year’s reimagined program will not include a fireworks display or stage concert. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/cavalcade.
Media requests to film outdoor ice rink activity can be accommodated at the following locations:
• Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. (near Bay Street)
• Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W. (near Kipling Avenue)
• Joseph Bannon, 65 Mary Chapman Blvd. (near Weston Road/Sheppard Avenue West)
• Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E. (near Woodbine Avenue)
These locations allow media to film without the need to call in advance. Media access is allowed at these locations only; media must follow the instructions of the site.
All children under the age of six must wear a Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-approved hockey helmet on the ice. Helmets are also mandatory for people of all ages participating in supervised shinny hockey and learn-to-skate programs.
For more information on the City’s wide variety of Winter activities please visit:
www.toronto.ca/welcometowinter
Quotes:
“Our outdoor skating rinks have always been a place for residents to get outside, experience our city and the winter months. I know residents look forward to skating outside every winter. I am happy that we are able to open up 38 rinks across our city today and can provide this safe outdoor activity for families. I encourage residents to get outside this winter and enjoy all that our city has to offer.”
– Mayor John Tory
“This year we are returning to skating stronger than ever! Whether you are a seasoned pro or stepping on the ice for the first time, our free drop in and skate programs have you covered.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the infrastructure and Environment Committee
“Outdoor winter activities are a safe and fun way to bring people together despite the challenges created by COVID-19. Outdoor skating is a Canadian tradition, a great way to get outside, get active and stay healthy this winter.”
– Councillor Michael Thompson, (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“Winter, cold it may be, is still a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Toronto has skating opportunities for all ages, so let’s get some fresh air and exercise, and enjoy the winter season.”
– Councillor Gary Crawford, (Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the Budget Committee
Source City of Toronto
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