Warm weather prompts slate of rink closures in Regina, Saskatoon
The public skating rinks open for Frost 2024 at Pat Fiacco Plaza and the Yards are also closed for now.
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Unseasonably warm weather has put a damper on winter activities in both Regina and Saskatoon as a slate of rink closures were announced this week.
Officials announced Thursday that effective immediately, the Rink on Wascana and nearby warming booth would be closed for the remainder of the season, according to the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC).
In Saskatoon, the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink announced its closure until further notice as of Wednesday.
Notice from the PCC said the ice melting has created public safety risks, prompting the Rink on Wascana’s closure. Boards lining the skating zone were removed Thursday.
“We are disappointed to close the rink, but remain committed to providing a safe and enjoyable Frost experience,” PCC executive director Jenna Schroeder said in a news release.
Frost Regina 2024 continues until Feb. 4, with another slate of activities at all four hubs planned for this weekend.
Though public skating will no longer be possible, other activities at the Wascana Hub will not be affected.
The skating rink at Pat Fiacco Plaza and skating loop at the Yards have also closed due to temperatures, for the remainder of the winter festival, as are the crokicurl rinks.
Jill Schmidt, marketing and communications manager for Regina Downtown Business Improvement District which manages the Downtown Hub, said the outdoor rink would reopen if temperatures drop low enough for the ice to freeze again.
In the meantime, all affected programming has been adjusted, she said. An ’80s skate planned for Thursday evening became an ’80s dance party in Victoria Park.
The free skate with Denali Foxx of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Feb. 3 will go on, but is moving inside to the Co-operators Centre, on rink #4.
Other events are to continue as scheduled as of Thursday, said organizers. The ice slide and snow maze outside at the REAL Hub remain functional, and the free fireworks show on Feb. 4 will continue as planned.
Ice sculptures on display downtown are also still standing, although organizers warn the warm weather may affect their appearances over the coming days.
Several City of Regina outdoor rinks have also been closed, including Elsie Mironuck, Eastview, Glen Elm, Judge Bryant, University Park, W.F. Ready, Horizon Station, Stan Oxelgren, and the Speed Skating Oval.
“Residents are urged to stay off these ice surfaces, especially the boarded rinks,” said a city news release issued Thursday afternoon. “The melted ice along the boards has exposed crusher dust and asphalt, posing a safety hazard for skaters.”
City crews will reassess the closed rinks on Monday to “determine if they are salvageable to be reopened” for the remainder of the season.
“Due to warmer than typical temperatures this season, some rinks may not yet be operational,” said a notice on the City of Saskatoon’s website. “Please visit the Community Association’s Facebook / website for status updates.”
The city is asking residents to “respect signage” and stay off the rinks until they are operational again.
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