The municipality of Potton has had a refrigerated skating rink since 2019. It’s a magnificent project that is available nearly 160 days a year. People can skate until Easter weekend. According to the mayor in 2019, the maximum number of skaters allowed at any given time was 25, and only 4-on-4 hockey was permitted. In order to control traffic at the refrigerated skating rink, the municipality hired a security guard through the Garda company. Of course, that was in 2019. It is highly likely that the municipality’s experience has led to a change in these rules.
The municipality invested $600,000, with the remainder coming from a grant. The total cost of the shelter is $1.4 million. An additional $1.1 million was spent on refrigeration. According to Mr. Maltais, operating costs (electricity) amount to between $12,000 and $15,000 annually.
In order to confirm the total operating costs of the Potton refrigerated skating rink, I have submitted a freedom of information request to obtain the details. Their experience is relevant to the implementation and operation of the North Hatley refrigerated skating rink. As soon as I have the information, I will share it with you.
That said, I believe it is very relevant to obtain information from other municipalities regarding the implementation and operation of their refrigerated ice rinks. No doubt our elected officials already have everything they need to make informed decisions about the North Hatley refrigerated ice rink.
Featured photo credit: Municipality of Potton
