More than 30 outdoor ice rinks in Mississauga soon open for public skating

It’s time for Mississauga residents to once again participate in one of Canada’s favourite pastimes—ice skating on outdoor rinks. 

Whether it’s a leisurely skate at Celebration Square in the city’s downtown core or a pickup game of shinny hockey at any one of dozens of natural ice rinks in neighbourhood parks, the ice surfaces will be ready for skaters in just a matter of weeks, when the weather is cold enough.

Some ice rinks, such as the surface at Celebration Square, are already open. That rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting, until next March 19.

While there is no charge to skate, ice skate rentals and sharpening services are available on site at a cost.

“Whether you’re a skating veteran, looking for exercise or learning to skate, the City (of Mississauga) has you covered with many outdoor, natural and indoor skating rinks,” a City spokesperson said in a news release today (Dec. 6).

Volunteers donate their time to maintain the many natural outdoor rinks and help the City of Mississauga provide the amenities where conditions allow. 

The City provides a heated rink hut and installs rink boards in parks that have a suitable level area as well as electricity and water. Volunteer ice makers help make and maintain the natural ice surface. 

Mississauga operates two artificial outdoor rinks, Celebration Square and Woodhurst Heights Park (3475 Ash Row Cr.), and more than 30 natural ice rinks which are now or soon to be open, weather permitting. There is no charge for people to skate on the outdoor rinks.

The rink at Woodhurst Heights is slated to open on Dec. 17, weather permitting. It will be available to skaters daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Celebration Square rink will be monitored and can accommodate a maximum of 60 skaters on the rink at one time. Each skating session is 45 minutes.  

City officials remind people to bring their own skates to the many natural outdoor rinks as no skate rentals are available at those locations.

For more information, call the City’s info line at 311 or visit the City of Mississauga website.

Meanwhile, officials are urging people to stay off all frozen natural bodies of water in Mississauga.

“They aren’t safe in the winter. Although it may look fun to walk, skate or play hockey on lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks, they are unstable and dangerous,” City officials warn, adding that in addition to the risk of falling through the ice, it’s also against the City’s bylaws.

Furthermore, officials say, if you’re planning to walk, snowshoe or toboggan with children and pets, it’s important to stay away from ice close to shores and river banks.

“The ice may appear safe, but it’s still uneven, slippery and dangerous,” they say. “If you see that a person or pet has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately. Do not attempt to go in after them.”