The refrigerated rink being set up in the parking lot of the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion. Workers can be seen pouring water on the rink, set to open this week on November 14. Photo: Sophie Demers
A new refrigerated public skating rink is opening at the Marina this week
Sophie Demers
Aylmer residents, young and old, will now be able to enjoy an outdoor skating rink from November to March. Gatineau’s first outdoor refrigerated ice rink will open this week at the Aylmer Marina, Parc des Cèdres, in the parking lot next to the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion. An opening event organized by the city will take place at 6 pm on November 14.
The rink will allow Aylmer residents to participate in winter activities throughout the season. The rink is refrigerated, ensuring that the ice will be perfect for skating, regardless of the temperature. More communities have been installing this type of rink, as winter weather has been more unpredictable in recent years due to climate change.
Starting November 15, the rink will be open daily from 9 am to 10 pm until March 15. This will allow 120 days of outdoor rink use this skating season. Gatineau says a weekend program is being developed for the rink, and skate rentals will be available at the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion.
The city says that hockey will not be allowed on the rink and that it will be reserved for public skating only, to ensure safety. The rink will be dismantled in the spring and reassembled in the fall.
The rink is part of a two-year pilot project to measure its popularity and performance. This will allow Gatineau to make adjustments, if needed, before adding more outdoor rinks in various areas across the city. During the mayoral election campaign, Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said she was committed to getting a refrigerated rink in each area of Gatineau.
The city is renting the specialized equipment needed for the rink, which costs approximately $200,000 per year. Funding for the new skating rink will come from the $1.5 million previously set aside as part of the park’s development plan.
The pilot project aligns with the goals outlined in the development plan. Specifically, optimization of infrastructure, adapting to climate change, and promoting physical activity during the winter months.
