Press Release
as part of Welcome T.O. Winter plan
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TORONTO, ON - Today, Mayor John Tory announced that 38 of the City’s outdoor ice rinks will open November 27, weather permitting, to kick off Welcome T.O. Winter. The remaining 13 outdoor rinks will open on December 4.
For the coming season, outdoor rinks will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will be open for free leisure skate, as well as shinny, instructional programs and permits.
Reservations for skating, in place last winter to assist with line management and COVID-19 capacity restrictions, will not be required this season. Change rooms will be available at 50 per cent capacity, based on provincial regulations, and skaters are encouraged to arrive dressed for skating. More information is available online.
Along with the outdoor ice rinks, every winter, community and neighbourhood groups come together to build and maintain natural ice rinks in parks across Toronto. The City provides access to water, snow shovels, lighting where available, public signage, and instructions on building and maintaining rinks. Applications to create a natural ice rink in your community are open and will be accepted until December 31. For the first time this year, the City will be accepting online applications for natural ice rinks. Details are available here.
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Residents are encouraged to stay active and enjoy:
- 26 toboggan hills in neighbourhoods across Toronto
- Seven snow loops for walking and snowshoeing at the City’s four golf courses, with loops ranging from one kilometre to two and a half kilometres
- Seven disc-golf locations, including an expanded 18-hole course at Scarlett Woods Golf Course and a new nine hole course at Dentonia Golf Course.
- High Park car-free weekends will continue to allow more walking and safe cycling in the park.
- Skiing and snowboarding at Earl Bales and Centennial Ski and Snowboard Centres, beginning January 1, weather dependent.
- Bird watching at Toronto’s parks, ravines and natural areas
- Animals at High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm
- Seasonal plants and blooms at Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory
Throughout the pandemic, the City has remained committed to providing people with safe recreation opportunities. To help people stay active this winter, the City will continue many of the park access enhancements, put in place last winter, again this year. These enhancements include access to more than 140 winter washrooms, additional snow clearing in 40 new park locations and enhanced winter maintenance in 35 parks.
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Throughout the winter the following parks amenities will remain open:
- More than 800 playgrounds and 30 parks with outdoor fitness equipment
- 30 fire pits in parks will be available for permits
- Six bake ovens in parks will be available for permits
- Outdoor sports courts, including more than 50 tennis courts with nets in place for winter tennis (courts are not cleared of snow)
- 70 outdoor table tennis and 60 chess tables
- 68 dog off-leash areas
- The archery range in E.T. Seton Park
More information is available online.
“We are doing everything we can as a City government to make sure that Toronto residents have access to safe and fun outdoor recreation this winter. Our progress fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and getting people vaccinated has allowed us to open up our outdoor ice rinks to more people and more activities including the return of shinny. I know Toronto residents are ready to jump into winter and make the most of the City’s parks and other recreational activities. It is now easier and safer for people to stay fit, happy and healthy right in their own neighbourhood parks and recreational facilities. I encourage people to get outside and enjoy these winter activities.” – Mayor John Tory
“There are so many great winter activities to enjoy in our beautiful parks this season. We have fantastic skate trails, outdoor rinks, toboggan hills and more across the city. I encourage everyone to get outdoors during the winter months and enjoy all Toronto has to offer.” – Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth)
“This year we are making significant strives forward with increased access to winter trails and more winter washrooms. It’s time to embrace our city and all that winter recreation has to offer.” – Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the infrastructure and Environment Committee
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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