Outdoor Ice Rinks

Each winter, Neighbourhood Ice Rink Committees work with City of Hamilton staff to set-up and maintain outdoor ice rinks at designated park sites to provide area residents with the pleasure of winter ice skating.  

The rinks are set-up and maintained by Ice Rink Committees who volunteer their time to set-up and maintain the rink for the use of the neighbourhood children.  The volunteers work with Park Operations and Culture and Recreation staff. 

The City assists with the following provisions:

• site preparation and inspections

• provision of hose, nozzle, scrapers, shovel

• water outlet, hydro service and lighting

• outfitting shed or other park building to protect water connections from freezing

• clearing of snow in excess of 4", following major road priorities

The Ice Rink Committee: 

• records daily conditions and keeps track of skating days

• flood the ice surface

• maintains the cleanliness in the park building (where appropriate)

• clears the snow from the rink, if less than 4"

The Neighbourhood Ice Rink Committees work with City staff to provide support for the winter fun programs and can receive: 

• $7.00 per skating day for a single rink (maximum, pending budget approval)

• $8.00 per skating day for a double rink (maximum, pending budget  approval)

If you are interested in establishing an outdoor ice rink in a park, visit your nearest Recreation Centre/Arena, and complete an application form.  Applications will be considered at park sites which already have the required infrastructure in place (i.e. waterlines, lighting).  Should the park not have an infrastructure already in place, City staff may submit a request to install the infrastructure through the Capital Budget for approval.  To install the necessary infrastructure will cost approximately $25,000.  Please note, a waiting list is already in place.