The Harbourfront outdoor skating rink (235 Queens Quay W.) in Toronto’s southern tip will be permanently closed and a plaza will open this summer.
An official from the Harbor Front Center explained, “Construction to update it to a new plaza is already underway. As a result, the skating rink has been closed for this winter season.”
The official continued, “The skating rink is closed, but there will be a temporary winter skating opportunity in the new space in the future winter season.”
The new square will have an outdoor concert stage. The plaza is expected to be completed by the summer of this year.
Meanwhile, the ski resort of Etobiko Centennial Park, which has a history of more than half a century, has also stopped. Climate change, reduced occupancy, and maintenance costs for snow removal, lifts, and other equipment have had an impact.
“There are plans for a new dedicated toboggan area in Centennial Park, but there must be natural snowfall for this area to open,” said a city official.
Meanwhile, ski and snowboard rentals and lessons at Earl Bales Park in North York have been delayed from early January to mid-January due to mild winter weather.
Optimal skiing conditions require temperatures to be below -4 degrees Celsius for at least five consecutive days.