REGINA - This week’s spell of unseasonably warm winter weather has wreaked havoc on Regina’s outdoor rinks.
Both the City of Regina as well as the Provincial Capital Commission have announced the closure of several outdoor rinks as of Feb. 1.
The City of Regina announced that nine outdoor rinks or ice surfaces are now out of action due to this week' ice melt, and those impacted are as follows:
Elsie Mironuck - Boarded.
Eastview - Boarded & Non-Boarded.
Glen Elm – Boarded.
Judge Bryant - Boarded & Non-Boarded.
University Park – Boarded.
W.F. Ready – Boarded.
Horizon Station – Boarded.
Stan Oxelgren – Boarded.
The Speed Skating Oval.
According to a news release issued Feb. 1, city crews will assess the closed outdoor rinks this Monday to determine if they are salvageable to be reopened for the rest of the season.
The City of Regina is urging people to stay off these ice surfaces, especially the boarded rinks, as the melted ice has exposed crusher dust and asphalt posing a safety hazard.
There are still other outdoor rinks that remain open and those can be found at Regina.ca/rinks; that is also where you can find daily updates on the status of all outdoor rinks in the city. The indoor rinks are not impacted.
Earlier on Feb. 1, the Provincial Capital Commission announced the Rink on Wascana, located right on Wascana Lake, has been closed for the rest of the season due to the melting ice surface and potential public safety risks.
Work began to remove the boards as of Thursday, according to the Commission.
The outdoor rink was supposed to be a centre of activity for Frost Regina at the Wascana hub location, and it was initially thought to be in good shape after a stretch of minus-30 temperatures in January. But this week’s plus-temperatures were too much, and the rink has closed after being officially open for only about a week.
The other Frost events at Wascana which do not involve the rink will go on as scheduled, however.
"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 statement. "I encourage everyone to visit the Wascana hub this weekend to enjoy the beauty of Wascana Centre and the fun, free activities we have planned."
