Toronto set to open 54 outdoor skating rinks this weekend, weather permitting

The city says it plans to open more than 50 outdoor skating rinks this weekend as part of winter initiative to encourage people to stay active during a pandemic.

While the City urges people to stay at home as much as possible, public health officials are asking people to get exercise and be outside on their own or with members of their own household if they take part in the Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan.

Twenty-three toboggan hills, eight new snow loops for walking and snow-shooing at the city’s five golf courses along with free, leisure skating at the City’s 54 outdoor ice rinks are among the activities people will be able to participate in this winter.

The City says in order to help with physical distancing measures, a maximum of 25 people at a time will be allowed at all of the city’s outdoor ice rinks, including Nathan Phillips Square. Reservations will need to be made online with skate times limited to 45-minute sessions during supervised hours.

“This restriction is in place to ensure people can participate safely and continued compliance with orders from the Province of Ontario,” the city said in a statement. “Indoor washroom access will be available, however, change rooms are closed and skaters should come ready to skate.

Participants must maintain a physical distance of six metres from people other than their household members at all times and masks or face coverings is strongly recommended both on and off the ice surface while masks are mandatory while waiting in line.

Applications are also being accepted until the end of December for up to 30-plus community-built and maintained natural ice rinks in City parks.

The following parks amenities will also remain open this winter:

• More than 800 playgrounds and 30 parks with outdoor fitness equipment
• Outdoor sport courts, including 57 tennis courts with nets in place for winter tennis
• 70 outdoor table tennis and 60 chess tables
• 68 dog off-leash areas
• The City will more than double its supply of winter park washrooms from 64 to 143 as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19
• The archery range in E.T. Seton Park

For more details on activities and amenities that will be open this weekend, visit the City of Toronto’s website