New outdoor ice rink opens at Caledon East Community Complex

January 4, 2024 · 0 Comments

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lovers of skating and playing hockey in the great outdoors may want to check out the Town of Caledon’s new outdoor ice rink.

On December 22, the Town opened a new outdoor ice rink at the Caledon East Community Complex (6215 Old Church Road). The rink is located behind the facility and is 40 by 80 feet in size.

The new outdoor rink is equipped with ice-chilling machinery and over 11,000 feet of rink piping in order to reduce its dependence on cold weather conditions. The rink has boards, glass, and hockey nets.

The new rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily this winter. Its schedule is as follows: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. is for skating; 12 to 2 p.m. is for shinny; 2 to 4 p.m. is for skating; 4 to 5 p.m. is for maintenance; and 5 to 10 p.m. is for shinny.

Town staff note the rink is not supervised and added that CSA-approved helmets are strongly recommended for all rink users.

Town communications staff explained the Town has made a conscious effort to seek opportunities to build refrigeration-chilled outdoor rinks where possible.

“Outdoor rinks have always been popular for staying active outdoors during the winter, and though the Town makes a valiant effort throughout the winter months to oversee several community rinks with the help of volunteers, the weather didn’t always cooperate and make those rinks very reliable options,” said staff.

Other chilled outdoor rinks in Caledon are available at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness in Bolton and at John Clarkson Park in Southfields Village.

Mayor Annette Groves said the completion of the Caledon East outdoor rink marks another significant milestone in the CECC expansion project and that it demonstrates the Town’s commitment to providing spaces for residents to stay active.

“This refrigeration-chilled rink offers a more reliable outdoor option for the community during the holiday season and throughout winter,” said Groves in a statement. “I look forward to seeing everyone at the official grand opening event.”

The official grand opening event mentioned by Groves is taking place on February 17. There will be a naming ceremony for the rink that day.

In the statement, Town staff said the new outdoor rink aligns with the Town’s environmental priorities. Excess heat generated by rink refrigeration equipment is being repurposed to heat the CECC and its pool. Staff say this contributes to Caledon’s goal of becoming a net-zero community by 2050.