The City's outdoor artificial ice rinks were popular this past season, with more than 800,000 visits during almost 60,000 service hours. More than 35,000 family accounts were also created or updated, enabling more individuals and families to make a reservation at one of these rinks. More than 900 recreation staff supported rink operations during the 2020/2021 season. The City expanded customer service hours into evenings and weekends to assist residents with skate reservations.
The City also worked with community groups to facilitate 46 natural ice rinks in parks across Toronto this winter. Every winter, residents build and maintain natural rinks on parkland, with the help of City staff who provide access to water and shovels, as well as instructions on ice preparation and maintenance.
The City worked with Toronto Public Health to develop guidelines for artificial and natural ice rinks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At artificial ice rinks, these measures included an online reservation system, additional staffing, signage and mask requirements. At natural ice rinks, signage was developed and installed to remind skaters of physical distancing and mask wearing.
Toronto's outdoor artificial ice rinks opened on Saturday, November 28 and remained open seven days a week throughout the winter until Sunday, March 21. Natural ice rinks are typically open each year between January and March, weather permitting.
More information about the City’s Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan that provided Torontonians with safer opportunities for outdoor recreation this winter is available at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/welcome-to-winter/.