More skating options as Rink of Dreams and Ben Franklin Place rinks set to open

The Rink of Dreams at City Hall’s Marion Dewar Plaza and Ben Franklin Place skating rink are set to open next week.

Both will be open starting Monday, December 8.

Weather permitting, the Rink of Dreams will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., until the end of the skating season. Access to the rinks is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each rink has its own capacity limits, based on the size of the ice surface to ensure skaters can maintain proper physical distancing. Rink attendants are onsite during peak periods to ensure capacity limits are maintained. Skaters are asked to limit their ice time during busy periods, so everyone can get a chance to skate.

The city’s other two outdoor refrigerated rinks, the Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink and Lansdowne Park Skating Court, are already open daily for free skating.
 
While some rinks do have heated skate-change huts, additional benches and seating are provided to encourage skaters to change outside.       
 
Ottawa Public Health is reminding residents that staying active is important for everyone's physical and mental health. 
 
Throughout the season, a red flag adjacent to the rink, along with statuses on ottawa.ca, will notify residents of any weather-related closures, such as warm or rainy condition. Residents can also download the free City of Ottawa App, available now through the Apple Store or on Google Play, to get notifications on their handheld devices.