Outdoor Rink during COVID Lockdown

Important notice – Provincial Shutdown Update – Outdoor Rinks

On Monday December 21st, the Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown effective Saturday, December 26th. Additional public health measures include the closure of all indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities with limited exceptions until Saturday, January 23, 2021.

City of Ottawa Seasonal Recreation confirmed that the outdoor rink program is permitted to proceed within the shutdown regulations.

Details are available at https://files.ontario.ca/moh-provincewide-shutdown-en-2020-12-22.pdf.

Although outdoor skating is permitted, there are restrictions and requirements that must be adhered to:

– Any person who enters or uses the [outdoor rink] maintains a physical distance of at least two metres from other persons using the [outdoor rink] (excluding members of the same household). Seasonal Recreation is in the process of updating signage for the rinks to ensure this information is prominently displayed for rink users.

– Team sports, or other sports or games where people may come within two metres of each other, are not practiced or played within the [outdoor rink].

  • This means that hockey and ringette are not permitted within the current restrictions. Goal nets will not be provided at rinks to support the implementation of this restriction

– Any locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses remain closed, except to the extent they provide access to equipment storage, a washroom or a portion of the amenity that is used to provide first aid.

  • Skaters are required to change their skates outside.
  • Where washrooms are available, anyone who is entering the building to use them must adhere to the City of Ottawa’s Mandatory Mask By-Law.
  • The indoor space can also be used for first aid treatment, if there is a risk of frostbite, or if you are concerned about the cold weather affecting a participant at your rink. Again, the City of Ottawa Mandatory Mask By-Law must be followed.
  • Indoor spaces should have high touch point areas cleaned frequently. This includes door-knobs and counter tops.

Public requests for ice time permits will continue to be forwarded to the rink operators. The restrictions for hockey or ringette apply to permit requests as well.

Please let your Rink Supervisors know if you have any specific questions pertaining to your rink at email Matt @ ChamplainParkRink@gmail.com