Effective at 5 a.m. January 8th 2021
New Order Issued for ODRs and the City’s Four Outdoor Rinks
Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, has issued an order under the Health
Protection and Promotion Act to restrict the number of people at skating rinks and sledding
hills to 25 at one time – ensuring physical distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For the City’s four outdoor refrigerated rinks, the City will implement an online reservation
system to book free 45-minute skating times at ottawa.ca/skating. Starting this Saturday,
January 9, reservations will be required to skate at the following peak times:
• City Hall Rink of Dreams, 9 am – 11 pm daily
• Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink of Dreams, 10 am – 10 pm weekends, 8 am – 10 pm
weekdays
• Lansdowne Park Skating Court, 9 am – 10 pm weekends, 5 pm – 10 pm weekdays *hours
subject to change
• Ben Franklin Place Skating Rink, 9 am – 10 pm weekends, 5 pm – 10 pm weekdays
*hours subject to change
Those who have made a reservation must show a copy of their confirmation email upon entry,
either on a mobile device or on a printed-out paper. Refrigerated rink openings are weatherdependent, so be sure to check ottawa.ca before arriving for your reserved skating time. The 25-
person limit remains in effect at all times.
The reservation system will open on Friday, January 8 at 6 pm for residents to book skating
times for Saturday and Sunday. Moving forward, reservations can be made up to two days in
advance with new spots opening at 6 pm daily. A maximum of four skaters can be booked on
each reservation.
For community outdoor rinks and sledding hills, the 25-person capacity also applies. Think
about others and limit your time during busy periods so everyone can get a chance to skate or
sled. Residents are encouraged to come back at another time if the rink or hill is at capacity.
On-site signage will be posted, and rink ambassadors will help to make people aware of the
25-person limit. Additionally, a dedicated team from By-law and Regulatory Services will
proactively monitor these areas.
In addition to the Order, under Provincial Regulations no team sports are permitted, and the
City is directing that only skating take place on all rinks with no sticks, pucks, balls or other
sports equipment permitted on the ice. People are reminded that masks must be worn in
public accessibility areas that are within 15 metres (50 feet) distance of the edge of the ice
surface. While masks are not mandatory when skating, OPH recommends wearing one for added protection.
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