Good news, both competitive and recreational skaters!
It appears the Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval is going to remain open for as long as it can thanks to Mother Nature providing some colder days this week.
In a social media post on Monday night (Jan. 4), the Outdoor Ice Oval Society said the 400-metre facility has re-opened and it's crossing its fingers that the weather stays in its current colder state.
Altogether, the rink has only been open for a combined 12 days after initially opening for the winter season on Dec. 23.
Environment Canada is calling for sunnier days ahead, but with the wind, the highest temperature of the week is expected to only reach -3 C.
It could drop as low as -11 C, making conditions ideal for crew members to maintain the ice surface, which was man-made this year to help get the public out to the rink while also adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.
Skaters are asked to pay attention to the safety information provided on site, which has included closing the Canfor House to limit the spread of the virus.
Some additional safety rules to follow when using the oval include:
- Keep your distance from others
- Keep to your immediate family group
- One family per table for changing, and when done please move your personal belongings off the table
- Surfaces are not sanitized
- Wash/sanitize your hands before and after skating
- Wear a mask in common areas (when putting on skates) until you begin skating
The Outdoor Ice Oval is set to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for public use, except on Wednesdays when the facility closes at 6 p.m. for maintenance.
It’s also open weekday mornings at 10 a.m., but only for the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club.
The oval is located behind the CN Centre and admission is a $2 donation per person or $5 per family.
- with files from Hanna Petersen, PrinceGeorgeMatters
