Winter’s Silver Lining: Ice Time Returns

The days are getting shorter and for some people that might mean sinking deeper into winter blues, but for the rest of us in Fort St. John it means outdoor ice rinks are back.

Olly Postanin and Jacob Ardown from 'On the Bench' when they visited for the Crystal Cup on Charlie

Patrick Saunders showing the next generation how to fall properly.era

Todd Buck and Riley Rivey at the Mathews Park skating loop in Fort St. John.

A number of outdoor rinks around town opened over the last couple of weeks and with that came the familiar sounds of sticks clacking on boards, skates on ice, and kids wrapped from head to toe, learning how to not fall over. 

This sort of energy and activity can make even the coldest weather feel a little more inviting in the North Peace.

Outdoor rinks have long been a way to bring people together and help keep folks of all ages active with little more than warm gloves and a pair of skates. Whether it’s for a casual skate, a game of pick-up hockey, or standing on the boards watching the kids (or some of us) go at it, it’s nice to see the ODRs quickly transform into little neighbourhood hot spots once the ice is set.

That feeling of excitement towards winter recreation is also being brought to another level this season with a new partnership the City announced. Starting later this month, Pacific Canbriam Energy will be sponsoring public skating at the Pomeroy Sport Centre on the oval, which will be free to the public on Saturdays. 

This is a great opportunity to help eliminate barriers and hopefully get even more residents to get out and enjoy some ice time this season.

“We are grateful to Pacific Canbriam Energy for their generous contribution to our community,” said Mayor Hansen. “By making public ice skating free and accessible, they are creating opportunities for families and neighbors to enjoy recreation together. This initiative supports active living and strengthens our sense of community, making Fort St. John such a wonderful place to call home.”

“Supporting opportunities for residents to stay active and connected truly matters to us,” said Sarah Rutherford, Community Relations Representative at Pacific Canbriam Energy. “Promoting active living and investing in community wellbeing are fundamental to how we operate. We’re thrilled to partner with the City to help people of all ages get outside, enjoy recreation together, and create the moments that bring communities closer.”

As the outdoor rinks are set and with free public skates coming to the North Peace, now is a great time to make the most of what winter has to offer. If the long, bone-chilling cold season sometimes feels too much, there is always space to shred some ice and play some puck.