Outdoor rink coming to the grounds of Parliament Hill

Hockey on the Hill Preview of a hockey rink going up on Parliament Hill for three weeks in December. CTV’s Annie Bergeron-Oliver reports.

It's not the outdoor classic many were expecting to see this winter, but a skating rink will be built on the lawn of Parliament Hill.

Heritage Canada says the NHL sized arena will be built with temporary stands and locker rooms. The rink is part of Canada 150 celebrations and will operate from December 7th until New Year's Eve.

"One of the things that we are going to have is lots of activites on the Hill in general and the skating rink will be part of it," said Andrew Campbell, a Senior Executive for Canada 150. "As Canadians we love the North, we do a lot of things outside in the North, and it's one of those moments, obviously at an iconic place Parliament Hill, that people can really get that experience and feel it from morning until the evening."

A big New Year's Eve bash is planned for Parliament Hill and many events will take place around the rink. But it's just one of many planned events for the rink.

The Ottawa Senators organization and the players themselves will play a big role in this rink. There will be at least one Sens practice at Parliament Hill as well as other chances to meet former and current NHL players.

"There will be some alumni activities, and public skating," said Aaron Robinson, the Director for Fan and Community Development with Ottawa Senators. "We are just hoping people will come down, enjoy the rink and have some fun. It will be family friendly as well."

Construction has already begun on the East Lawn.

The rink will be used primarily for public use and minor hockey games.

More details and announcements about how the rink will be used are looming.