Private companies step in to keep 12 Toronto ice rinks open
Posted February 20, 2015 6:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thirty-five out of the city’s 52 outdoor ice rinks were set to close on Sunday for the season, but thanks to a $200,000 donation from two private companies on Friday, that number was pared down to 23.
Due to budget restrictions, 35 rinks are only financed by the city to stay open until Feb. 22, while another 17 rinks are set to operate until March 22.
At an announcement at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday afternoon, Mayor John Tory announced that Green For Life waste management company had stepped up to contribute funding to keep open 12 of the 35 rinks scheduled to close.
Later, Tory announced that Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment would also enter into the sponsorship.
“I am grateful to GFL and MLSE for their generous sponsorship of the outdoor ice rinks,” Tory said in a release. “This funding will allow the City to continue to operate 29 outdoor skating rinks until March 22. This is a big win for our city and the many children and families who enjoy the great Canadian tradition of a good outdoor skate.”
These rinks will now remain open until March 22:
- Broadlands CC
- Cedarvale Park
- Colonel Sam Smith Park
- Christie Pits
- Dieppe Park
- Dufferin Grove Park
- Giovanni Caboto
- Glen Long CC
- Greenwood Park
- Alexandra Park/Harry Gairey
- High Park
- Hodgson Public School Grounds
- Humber Valley
- Irving W Chapley CC
- Kew Gardens
- Ledbury
- Mel Lastman Square
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Otter Creek
- Ramsden
- Regent Park (South Park)
- Rennie Park
- Scarborough Civic Centre/Albert Campbell
- Sir Adam Beck
- Sunnydale Acres Rink
- Trinity Bellwoods
- West Mall Rink
- Westway
- Withrow
Tory says it costs about $4,500 a week to operate the rinks.
The city faced the same problem in 2014, before Canadian Tire and Scotiabank stepped forward to donate $270,000 to keep 11 rinks open through late March.
However, both companies told the Toronto Star there were no plans to donate again.
Residents who live near Withrow Park told 680News the rinks are used all the time during the winter and that they would like to see them stay open until the end of March Break, which is March 16 to 20.
Click here to find an outdoor ice rink in your neighbourhood and a list of amenities at each rink.
Below is a map of the city’s outdoor ice rinks, or click here for a mobile-friendly version.
Do you think all rinks should be open until March 22? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
