Rink & Rink Shack Program for the 2025/2026 Season
The 2025/2026 season is planned to operate from December 15 – March 1 (weather dependent). See “Rink Updates” for ice conditions.
For the 2025/2026 season, HCL is introducing a new sustainable rink program to ensure that volunteer efforts can continue to provide free access to the community. To support this, the rink and rink shack will be monitored by security cameras, as there will be no on-site rink attendants.
A timed locking system has been installed, making the rink shack available during regular hours and will automatically lock at 9:30 PM each night, so please ensure your belongings are removed beforehand. Cameras have been installed inside the rink shack and around the rink to help keep everyone safe and the space secure.
First time visitor? Welcome! Here’s a quick overview of our rinks:
- Main Rink: A full-size boarded outdoor rink for recreational skating and shinny (outside of Family Skate times).
- Mini Learner Rink: A small, open, rink for new skaters. No hockey sticks/pucks allowed.
Rink Updates
December 15, 2025 Update: ❄️ The rink is officially open! ❄️ Come enjoy the ice, but please note that the rink shack is currently closed while we continue setting up the security system. When League volunteers are available, the shack may be open for brief periods, but our goal is to have a permanent system in place soon. Once it’s ready, the rink shack will be open 30 minutes before rink times and remain open 30 minutes after rink times. We’ll keep everyone updated as soon as the full schedule is in place. Thanks for your patience and enjoy the skating!
The rink is open daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM when ice conditions are safe. It may temporarily close if skating is unsafe or the ice could be damaged, and will reopen as soon as conditions improve. Closures may occur due to:
- Temperatures above 0°C or below –20°C
- Heavy, uncleared snowfall
- Soft or slushy ice
- Rain, freezing rain, or major temperature swings
Hours of Operation
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Family Skate Times (No sticks or pucks)
- Fridays: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturdays & Sundays: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- The rink shack automatically unlocks 30 minutes before rink hours and automatically locks 30 minutes after rink hours – please ensure all belongings are removed beforehand.
Rules & Safety
- Skate at your own risk: the rink is unsupervised, though security cameras monitor the area.
- Helmets are strongly recommended, especially for children.
- Children must be supervised by an adult.
- No sticks or pucks during Family Skate or on the Mini Rink.
- Alcohol is prohibited on rink property.
- Please keep the rink area tidy and dispose of garbage properly.
- The rink shack locks automatically at 9:30 PM — retrieve all belongings before this time.
- By using the rink and rink shack, users assume all risks of injury, damage, or loss.
- The Holyrood Community League is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
- Rink lights are fully automatic and turn on/off in alignment with rink operating hours.
FAQ — Holyrood Community Rink
Do I need a community league membership to use the rink?
No. The rink is free and open to all. However, memberships help support rink upkeep and community programs.
When is the rink operating?
The rink is planned to operate from December 15 to March 1, weather permitting. Ice quality and availability may vary depending on temperature. For the latest updates, see “Rink Updates”.
What supervision is required for children at the rink and rink shack?
Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 18 years of age or older. The adult must remain within the rink area and actively supervise the child at all times, both on the ice and in the rink shack. This policy ensures children’s safety and aligns with insurance requirements and public rink best practices.
When are the rink gates and rink shack doors open?
The rink is open daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, weather permitting. The rink shack opens 30 minutes before and after rink hours and locks automatically at 9:30 PM—please remove all belongings beforehand. During Family Skate Times (Fridays 6:00–8:00 PM, weekends 12:00–2:00 PM), no sticks or pucks are allowed. Gates may be temporarily locked during warm weather, soft ice, or after flooding to allow the ice to set.
How will I know if the rink is closed due to weather?
The rink may temporarily close when conditions make skating unsafe, including:
- Temperatures above 0°C for extended periods
- Temperatures below –20°C
- Heavy snowfall that hasn’t yet been cleared
- Soft, wet, or slushy ice
- Rain or freezing rain, or other major temperature swings
Can I play hockey or shinny on the rink?
Yes. Informal hockey and shinny are welcome during general skating hours. However, sticks and pucks are not permitted during Family Skate Times to ensure a safe space for all ages. The community league does not offer organized shinny.
Are the lights automatic?
Yes — lights automatically turn on and off based on rink operating hours.
Can I reserve the rink for an event or team practice?
No. The rink and rink shack are not available to reserve or rent for private functions at this time. The rink is a community space for everyone, and team practices may be informal, but all users must share the ice respectfully and be considerate of others.
Are washrooms available?
Yes. There is an accessible, all-gender, washroom available during operational hours.
How is the ice maintained?
Volunteers maintain the ice daily, typically flooding each morning before the rink opens. The rink may be temporarily closed while the ice sets, with gates locked or signs posted. Snow clearing is also done by volunteers. To help, email facilities@holyroodcommunity.org.
What happens if I lose or forget something at the rink or inside the rink shack?
Items left inside after the shack locks at 9:30 PM cannot be retrieved until the following day when the doors reopen. The league is not responsible for lost or damaged items. For help locating missing belongings, contact us at 587-401-0525 or facilities@holyroodcommunity.org.
Who can access the camera security footage?
Footage is recorded and accessed only by authorized Holyrood Community League board members if safety, security, or property concerns arise. Video is used solely to maintain a safe environment and is not shared unless required by law enforcement.
Is first aid available at the rink?
There are no staffed first-aid supplies onsite. The rink is unsupervised, and visitors are encouraged to bring any personal safety items they may need. In an emergency, call 911.
Who do I contact about safety concerns or emergencies?
- Emergency or crime in progress: Call 911
- Non-emergency police line: 780-423-4567
- General rink questions/concerns: Call or text 587-401-0525, or email facilities@holyroodcommunity.org.