Indoor public skating to open at five Ottawa arenas on Thursday

The City of Ottawa will soon be making indoor public skating available by reservation at five of its arenas.

Starting Thursday, October 1, residents can book rinks at the following facilities: 

• Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
• Sandy Hill Arena
• CARDELREC Recreation Complex – Goulbourn
• Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven
• Bell Centennial Arena 

Since skating capacity will be limited to 25 skaters on each rink, residents can reserve 50-minute skate times up to two days in advance. Skating schedules will be available online at ottawa.ca starting September 29. 
 
Payment options for the admission fee vary at each arena. 
 
The city says children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by one parent or guardian on-ice or as a spectator. Other skaters are limited to bringing one spectator. Use of the player benches will be restricted to the skaters only, while maintaining physical distancing.
 
While masks are not required on the ice, they must be worn throughout the building. 

Skaters and spectators must also maintain two-metre physical distancing from people who are outside of their social bubble or household. Changerooms will be open but skaters are encouraged to arrive dressed to skate. Access to the arena and changerooms will be allowed 15 minutes prior to the skate. 

CSA-certified hockey helmets are required for children 10 and under. 
 
The city says more arenas will open on October 15 for public and specialized skating sessions by reservation. 
 
Hockey programming, including shinny and adult pick-up, are included in the fall recreation e-Guides at ottawa.ca/recreation. Registration opens October 5 at 9 p.m.