People are complaining about the new skating loop in Mississauga

The new skating loop is now open in Mississauga and while the majority seem to love the new ice trail, some people raised concerns.

The Port Credit Memorial Park Skating Trail in Memorial Park opened on Friday, Jan. 19.

The 210-metre-long loop had been anticipated for several months. But as soon as it opened, people complained about the new addition.

“Waste of taxpayers money considering there is an arena and river to skate on right beside it,” one person wrote in Port Credit Friends Facebook group.

Some suggested the funds could have been used for affordable housing.

“…hope in the near future enough money is put into affordable housing…ppl like us are all waiting n hope a solution is found before we lose the apartments were in..its getting really scary,” one person wrote.

The estimated cost of the path construction was $1.9 million and funding came from Councillor Stephen Dasko’s discretionary Ward 1 funds, as well as community benefit funds from developers.

The city obtains community benefit funds from developers when projects go above the permitted height or density for the property but are still deemed good planning. The funds are normally used for something that is a benefit for the community such as a park or public art.

The new loop also presented some concerns about safety. People complained about the lack of rules at the loop, according to a post in the Port Credit Life Facebook group.

“Teenagers speed skating will be knocking kids and people over like bowling pins,” one person wrote in Port Credit Friends Facebook group.

The official rules are posted on the rink and are standard at all the rinks in the city, a City of Mississauga spokesperson tells insauga.com. 

They were posted proactively before the rink opened, the spokesperson said.

Thus far the city hasn’t received any complaints about misuse. If residents would like to report misuse of the rink, they should call 311.

But the majority of people seem to love the new rink and the value it brings to the community.

“Many young families enjoying out door activities rather than watching tv or on their phones,” one person wrote in the Port Credit Friends Facebook group.

“An outstanding initiative for the community. It was heartwarming to see how many people genuinely enjoyed it,” another person wrote on Councillor Stephen Dasko’s post about the opening.

Approximately 100 residents came out for the Jan. 19 opening, the city spokesperson said.

“…we’re happy to say it is busy daily,” the spokesperson added.

A bigger celebration is planned for Saturday, Feb. 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, see Coun. Dasko’s website here.