byward market synthetic ice rink to open friday
the byward market’s first synthetic ice surface opens f...
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outdoor synthetic skating rink being installed in the byward market in ottawa. the rink will open to the public friday.
jean levac
/
postmedia
the byward market’s first synthetic ice surface opens for skating friday afternoon, just in time to provide a seasonal backdrop for the downtown district’s tree-lighting ceremony. located on the stretch of william street that’s closed to cars, the 16-x-88-foot polymer pad isn’t huge but can be expanded if it proves to be hit, said zachary dayler, executive director of the byward market district authority.
“this is a manageable size and as we prove the concept, we can add or expand rinks throughout the area,” dayler said. “as our winter market grows, we hope to add to the offerings.”
the rink is part of a pilot project, supported by ottawa tourism’s destination development fund, designed to attract visitors to the byward market during the winter months.
outdoor synthetic skating rink being installed in the byward market in ottawa. the rink will open to the public friday.
jean levac
/
postmedia
“that’s the beauty of a synthetic rink,” dayler said. “it will be operable regardless of snow, and from what we understand about it, as the weather gets colder, the rink performs better. it’s not going to feel like your traditional ice that will be hard or soft, but it will be a more consistent experience.”
the rink opens at 4 p.m. friday, with a skate-rental kiosk nearby. skating is free. normal skates can be used on the rink. its regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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at 5 p.m. friday, the 20-foot douglas fir set up on the william street plaza will be illuminated, along with hundreds of other lights in the area. hot chocolate and beavertails are also available, and live music will be featured.
the new rink marks the city’s first outdoor skating opportunity this season.
an opening date is not yet scheduled for the four refrigerated ice rinks operated by the city of ottawa. those rinks (located at lansdowne park, ben franklin place, canterbury recreation complex and ottawa city hall) are weather-dependent and require a stretch of temperatures under 5 degrees celsius, said darren levere, a media relations officer with the city.
they are typically open by the end of november or beginning of december, he added.
lsaxberg@postmedia.com
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