City asks well water users not to create private rinks this winter

A person on skates goes for a skate around the outdoor rink in Spencerville, Ont. (Nate Vandermeer/CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa is urging residents who rely on private well water to avoid creating backyard skating rinks this year.

An exceptionally dry summer and fall caused many rural wells across eastern Ontario to run out of water in October. While the city says groundwater level are “still gradually recovering,” residents who use well water are being asked to not create private skating rinks this winter.

“Building and maintaining outdoor rinks requires extensive flooding, which could place a strain on your household’s and your neighbours’ water supply,” the city wrote in a statement.

The city says more than 250 community outdoor rinks will be open this winter, including those that rely on well water systems. The city is asking residents to use these rinks instead of private rinks to help conserve water.

“Residents on well systems can take advantage of these rinks, along with the many outdoor rinks and arenas across the City – conserving water for their household and fellow neighbours,” the city wrote.

The City of Ottawa is also urging residents to stay off frozen bodies of water, including ponds, rivers, and creeks, and encouraging those who skate to wear helmets.

The opening of dates of community outdoor rinks will be determined by weather, the city says.

To find more information on community skating rinks, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.

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