Guidelines for Outdoor Rink Permit Holders

Outdoor rinks are operated by local community groups and/or individuals through a purchase of

service agreement with the City of Ottawa. Operators devote a lot of time and effort to maintain the outdoor rink on behalf of the community. In order to ensure that a good relationship is maintained between the community operator and your group, staff of the Seasonal Recreation Program ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

  • The City of Ottawa recommends a minimum of 12 skaters/players present at the start time to take advantage of permitted times.
  • A permit is issued for the dates, days and times indicated and may not be transferred.
  • There is no cost for group permits at this time.
  • Inclement weather such as snowfalls or mild temperatures may cause rinks to be unavailable for use during the time specified on your permit. To find out if the site is open, the permit holder should call the Seasonal Recreation Programs office at 613- 580-2590 during office hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).
    Please note: skating on the rinks during mild weather can damage the ice for the remainder of the season and pose a safety hazard for users.
  • The permit will be cancelled if permit holders have not shown up for their scheduled time on two consecutive occasions. Permit holders must inform the Rink Operator when they know they will miss their scheduled time.
  • The rink attendant may ask to see a copy of the permit.
  • Permit holders must follow the direction of the rink attendant and/or the representative of the City of Ottawa.
  • Smoking is not permitted in City of Ottawa facilities or trailers.
  • Alcohol is not permitted on City property.
  • Only a responsible adult is to have access to the keys. Keys are not to be duplicated. The key holder is responsible for the changing facility and supervision during the permit time. You must lock the changing facility while using the rink.
  • Children must have adult supervision at all times, on the ice surface and in the facility.
  • The City of Ottawa will not be responsible for articles lost, stolen or damaged while on the premises.
  • Due to limited manpower and heavy rink usage, it may be necessary for you to scrape the ice before your game. Scraping the ice at the end of your allotted time is a requirement. The rink attendant will supply the scrapers. Please ensure the scrapers are returned to the facility and not left in snow banks.
  • For safety, it is recommended that individuals wear helmets while using the rink.
  • To assist community operators with ice maintenance, please ensure snow banks around ice surfaces are left intact.
  • Rinks may not be used after 11:00 p.m. because of the “Noise By-Law”.
  • The rink season starts the first week of January and ends February 28th (weather dependant) and may be extended to March 15th, weather permitting.

For school permits only

  • Students must have adult supervision at all times, on the ice surface and in the facility.
  • At the end of the rink season, please send us by fax (613-580-2591) or e-mail to Carmen.Renaud@ottawa.ca the approximate total number of children that used the rink during the months of January and February (total attendance).
  • When leaving the site, please ensure that:
    • all scrapers and shovels are returned to the facility.
    • the windows are closed.
    • the lights are turned off.
    • the doors are secured and locked.
    • the facility is clean.
    • the tap key is inside.

Thank you for your cooperation. Happy skating!
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