Skating

Public skating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-purchasing a ticket or membership doesn’t guarantee admittance.

You can pay for skating at rinks in City recreation facilities with your membership, a pre-paid ticket, a credit card or debit. At stand-alone arenas, you must pay with your membership, a pre-paid ticket or exact change. The attendant cannot make change.

Please note that City Council has approved two fee increases for 2021 registered programs, admissions, memberships and rentals: a 2.5% Cost of Living Allowance fee increase, and a temporary 1.95% fee increase to offset costs incurred due to COVID 19.

2021 General skating fees

• Children two years and under: Free
• Children three to four years: $2
• Children five years and older, youth, students, adults and seniors: $3.25
• One to two adults and their children: $8.25

2021 specialized skating fees

Specialized skating includes shinny hockey, pick up hockey, figure skating and speed skating.

• Children and youth: $3.25
• Adults and seniors: $7

Children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas in order to be allowed on the ice.

CSA-certified hockey helmets:

• Provide optimal protection from head injury during on-ice activities.
• Are designed to provide multi-impact protection from multiple directions.
• Are strongly recommended for everyone participating in on-ice activities at all types of rinks.

For more information on helmet safety visit Ottawa Public Health

As of February 1, the only accepted type of helmet for children 10 years and under is a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters (especially new skaters) wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski and snowsport helmets are not permitted.

Please follow the rules to ensure everyone has a safe and pleasant skating experience.

• Respect staff at all times.
• When the whistle sounds, listen to and follow staff instructions.
• Immediately report any accidents or injuries to staff.
• All skaters 10 years and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet. We recommend that all skaters wear a helmet. Bicycle, ski and snowsport helmets are not permitted.
• Skaters with medical conditions requiring a modified or specialized helmet are welcome.
• Only people wearing skates are permitted on rink.
• Skate at a sensible and safe speed in the same direction as other skaters.
• The middle of the ice surface is reserved for children and less confident skaters.
• Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted during skating sessions.
• During supervised skating sessions, children seven years and under must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older.
• You are personally responsible for ensuring that you can participate in physical activities.
• Anyone with a condition affecting their ability to participate must take appropriate safety precautions. They should be accompanied by an adult who understands their condition.

The following activities are not permitted on the ice. You could be asked to leave the facility if you do them.

• Carrying children (including baby carriers).
• Using headsets, cell phones or hand-held electronics.
• Bringing food or drinks on the ice.
• Rough play, speed and figure skating, and multiplayer games (such as tag and races).
• Foul language or inappropriate behaviour.

Wheelchairs, strollers and skating aids

• E-Z gliders are permitted as a skating aid during family and public skating.
• Babies must be safely secured in their strollers.
• Clean sand and salt off wheels before going on the ice.
• CSA-approved helmets are required for wheelchair and stroller occupants over 12 months.
• Wheelchairs and strollers should stay in the perimeter of the ice near the boards.

Ice cleaning and maintenance

Public skating sessions may be reduced to maintain and clean the ice. Staff are responsible for safe ice conditions and will make final decisions.

2021 membership fees

Browse skating membership fees

Please note that City Council has approved two fee increases for 2021 registered programs, admissions, memberships and rentals: a 2.5% Cost of Living Allowance fee increase, and a temporary 1.95% fee increase to offset costs incurred due to COVID 19.

Where to get a membership 

• Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orléans, 1490 Youville Drive
• Brewer Pool and Arena, 100 Brewer Way
• Canterbury Recreation Complex, 2185 Arch Street
• CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Road
• Champagne Fitness Centre, 321 King Edward Avenue
• Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool, 1300 Kitchener Avenue
• Heron Road Community Centre, 1480 Heron Road
• Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane
• Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool, 70 Aird Place
• Kanata Recreation Complex, 100 Charlie Rogers Place
• Lowertown Pool, 40 Cobourg Street
• Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven, 3500 Cambrian Road
• Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
• Pinecrest Recreation Complex, 2250 Torquay Avenue
• Plant Recreation Centre, 930 Somerset Street West
• Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road
• Sawmill Creek Community Centre and Pool, 3280 D'Aoust Avenue
• Splash Wave Pool, 2040 Ogilvie Road
• St-Laurent Complex, 525 Côté Street
• Terry Fox Athletic Facility, 2960 Riverside Drive
• Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Drive

Due to the provincial stay-at-home order, all arenas are currently closed.

Ice rentals for dates between December 26 and February 10 will be cancelled. Clients can go to their online account to request a refund for the credit on their account.

Please note that City Council has approved two fee increases for 2021 registered programs, admissions, memberships and rentals: a 2.5% Cost of Living Allowance fee increase, and a temporary 1.95% fee increase to offset costs incurred due to COVID 19.

2021 ice rental rates

Ice rental rates for January 1 to April 30

• Adult prime time: $349.50
• Minor prime time: $209.55
• Non-prime time: $163
• Commercial: $359.75

Ice rental rates for May 1 to August 31

• Adult/minor: $349.50
• Minor recognized: $209.55 (May and June only)
• Last minute ice: $209.55
• Commercial: $359.75

Ice rental rates for September 1 to December 31

• Adult prime time: $349.50
• Minor prime time: $209.55
• Non-prime time: $163.00
• Commercial: $359.75

Rental rates for concrete when the ice is removed

• Adult Slab $62.15
• Minor Slab $38.70
• Commercial Slab $72.25

• Minor: 18 years and under.
• Adult: 19 years and older.
• Minor recognized: Sanctioned activities by minor associations in May and June.
• Prime time: Between September 1 and April 30, weekdays from 4 pm to 11 pm; on weekends and statutory holidays from 6 am to 11 pm.
• Non-prime time: Between September 1 and April 30, weekdays from open to 4 pm and 11 pm to close; on weekends and statutory holidays from 11 pm to close.
• Last-minute ice: Discounted ice time booked the same day or up to 15 days before the rental date.
• Training ice rental: Available for two consecutive hours during non-prime time, for a maximum of six skaters per hour.

With the announcement of new provincial restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City has announced the temporary closure of indoor recreation and cultural facilities and the suspension of drop-in and registered programs and facility rentals. These restrictions take effect December 26 and will remain in place for 28 days.

Clients can go to their online account to withdraw from a registered program and can request a refund for the credit on their account if assistance is required, staff will process refunds in the new year.

For additional information or questions please contact the Recreational Skating School at 613-580-2596 or send an email to rss-epr@ottawa.ca.