Outdoor Ice Strategy

DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE - Outdoor Ice Strategy Completed

On October 10th, 2023, Town Council considered the final recommendations of the Outdoor Ice Strategy. The recommendations of Report RP-2023-013 were final approved at the October 30th Council meeting. The final staff report and recommendations, as well as public consultation results, and the staff presentation can be found in the Reports section on the right of this page.

Based on the Council Approval, staff will be proceeding in 2024 to:

1. Undertake detailed Feasibility and Financial Review for Gellert refrigerated skating trail and report back to Council;
2. Implement capital improvements for additional natural ice rinks (Georgetown Fairgrounds, Glen Williams Park and Gellert Park) through existing budgets;
3. Prepare policies & procedures including volunteer management for a Fairy Lake Ice Program and report back to Council for program and budget approval;
4. Prepare a Neighbourhood Ice Rink Program (volunteers) and report back to Council for program and budget approval; and
5. Monitor winter climate trends annually.

These changes and programs are planned to be implemented as part of the 2025 outdoor skating season in association with the 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets. For the 2024 Outdoor Skating Season, existing programs and operations will continue (natural rinks at Georgetown Fairgrounds and Prospect Park, Skating is not allowed on Fairy Lake).

If you are interested in volunteering to make neighbourhood ice rinks in parks or to assist with a future Fairy Lake outdoor ice program, please contact Kevin Okimi at kevino@haltonhills.ca or 905-873-2600 x2274.

JANUARY 2023 UPDATE

Based on the feedback from residents, the project team has prepared a draft vision and goals for outdoor ice in Halton Hills.

A technical analysis of existing parks was done as well as consideration of public input from the initial survey, and the project team has identified 5 distinct options which can assist in advancing the draft vision and goals for outdoor ice in Halton Hills. The options show the most feasible locations for outdoor ice facilities based on the technical review. The final approach may include some or all the options, depending on the level of affordability and timing of the implementation.

In addition, a Climate Change Review and a Fairy Lake Outdoor Ice Feasibility Review were completed by consultants to further investigate and review options. Boards showing Climate Change Information and Preliminary Financial Information are included for review as well.

We need your input.

Please review the options provided and answer the short survey to help us confirm the vision and goals, receive comments on the proposed options, identify priorities, and provide any other comments on the project. The survey will be available until March 24, 2023. (SURVEY #2 CLOSED)

A Memorandum to Council was also prepared in the Summer of 2022, which includes additional information and background on the options, as well as a summary of the public input received from the initial survey.

Thank you for your continued interest in this project.

2022 Information

Purpose of Study:

The Town of Halton Hills is undertaking an Outdoor Ice Strategy to review the short and long-term vision for outdoor ice facilities and programs provided by the Town. We need your input!

The objectives of the study include:

• To engage with local residents, community groups, and Council to define the Outdoor Ice Strategy
• To find out what outdoor ice activities residents are interested in
• To determine if more outdoor ice facilities/programs are needed
• To know what type of outdoor ice experiences people want
• To identify opportunities for multi-purpose, multi-season
• To find out how to improve existing outdoor rinks and volunteer rink program
• To see if outdoor ice facilities will continue to be viable with a changing climate, including meeting the Town’s Climate Goals (Net Zero by 2030)
• To determine the cost of any new facilities or improvements (capital and operating) and confirm if there is a clear business case for them
• To provide an implementation strategy for any recommendations
• To examine any risks associated with Outdoor Ice programs and facilities

What will the study review?

• Existing outdoor ice facilities, including potential improvements and operating improvements
• Volunteer ice rink program, including potential improvements
• Potential new facilities and/or programs
• Feasibility/costs analysis and business case for new facilities
• Potential for formal facilities/programs on Fairy Lake
• Impacts of Climate Change and Town Climate policies/goals on outdoor ice programs and facilities

Desired outcome:

The project will deliver a clear Council approved Outdoor Ice Strategy, including budget requirements for any new facilities, and a clear phased implementation strategy of all recommendations.

What is not a part of the study?

• Skating on stormwater management (SWM) ponds is prohibited due to unsafe and changing conditions, and is managed by the Transportation and Public Works Department. SWM ponds are not included in this review.
• Indoor Ice facilities are not being reviewed as part of this study.

How you can participate?

• Take the survey below to let us know how you feel about outdoor ice facilities and programs (Survey #1 CLOSED)
• Use the map tool to suggest locations for outdoor ice facilities
• Subscribe to the project mailing list to stay informed about the study
• Tell us about your favorite outdoor skating story