For better use and better management. The UNOFFICIAL Website of Toronto's Outdoor Skating Rinks
See correspondence for 2012-2013 on publiccommons.ca.
Excerpt from Parks memo FYI
The outdoor skating season will soon be upon us, and we know that Torontonians are passionate about their outdoor rinks! Each year we strive to provide accurate information about the operation of 51 outdoor rinks through our Fun Guide, online at toronto.ca/parks, and through 311.
Our division is committed to providing residents with free drop-in skating opportunities and high quality instructional programs. Our 51 outdoor rinks offer a range of free pleasure skate and shinny hockey programs. Depending on the weather, our seasonal plan is to open 14 outdoor rinks early for an extended season, from November 19, 2011, to March 11, 2012. Our remaining rinks are scheduled to run for 12 weeks, and be open from Saturday, December 3, 2011, to Sunday, February 26, 2012.
However, every year the weather presents a challenge in operating for the extended season. In order make outdoor ice, we require three days of temperatures that are below five degrees Celsius. Without cold enough weather, the compressors can't keep the ice frozen throughout the day. This is a particular challenge in the early part of the extended season.
The weather forecast is predicting temperatures to be above normal averages this Saturday and Sunday, which may affect the opening dates of our outdoor artificial ice rinks. We will make every effort to ensure the ice can be made, but if the weather forces a delay in rink openings we will ensure that information is being communicated to your office and the public.