Use City skating rinks, conserve your well water

As groundwater levels are still gradually recovering, the City asks residents with private wells not to use their water supply to create and maintain backyard rinks. Building and maintaining outdoor rinks requires extensive flooding, which could place a strain on your household’s and your neighbours’ water supply.

All community outdoor rinks, including those operated on a well water system, will open this season. This decision has been made in consultation with the conservation authorities. Using shared community rinks rather than private rinks helps conserve water.

The City supports a network of more than 250 outdoor rinks operated by community volunteers. The opening dates of these rinks are still dependent again upon Mother Nature to provide proper snow amounts and cold temperatures. Residents on well systems can take advantage of these rinks, along with the many outdoor rinks and arenas across the City – conserving water for their household and fellow neighbours.

While it may be tempting to skate on a frozen storm water pond, river or creek, it is a dangerous endeavour. Iced water surfaces are often unstable – posing a life-threatening risk to you and your family. We urge all residents to stay off these ice surfaces.

Whether on an outdoor rink or in an arena, all skaters – from beginners to advanced – are encouraged to wear a CSA-certified helmet. Remember, the City requires all children, 10 years and younger, to wear a CSA-certified helmet in its indoor arenas.

Skating, hockey and other ice sports are important winter activities in every community across our city. They’re fun and keep people active all season long. Visit ottawa.ca/skating to find places to skate near you.