Outdoor Rinks

Consultation has concluded. The Council report Outdoor Rink Service Review is now available to read. It highlights what we learned from community during consultation, how that feedback was used, analysis, and recommendations for Council to consider.

City Council has directed the City of Kingston staff to undertake a service level review of the City’s outdoor rink program and consult with the community as part of this process. 

Outdoor rinks are a treasured and long-standing part of winter in Kingston and communities across Canada. They provide opportunities for recreation, physical activity, and connection with neighbours. However, changing weather patterns, increased variability in winter conditions, challenges with access to water for flooding, and the impacts of climate change have affected outdoor rink operations. In recent years, rinks have typically opened later in the season and experienced shorter periods of reliable ice conditions. 

To respond to these changing conditions while ensuring responsible use of municipal resources, the City is reviewing current service levels and exploring opportunities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the outdoor rink program. This review may identify opportunities to consolidate the number of operating rinks, allowing the City to focus available resources on fewer locations and provide a more consistent and higher-quality experience for residents. 

As part of the review, City staff are examining outdoor rink service models used by other municipalities, analyzing local usage data, reviewing operational considerations, and seeking input from the community. The findings from this work will inform a report with recommendations to be presented to City Council in fall 2026. 


City Council has directed the City of Kingston staff to undertake a service level review of the City’s outdoor rink program and consult with the community as part of this process. 

Outdoor rinks are a treasured and long-standing part of winter in Kingston and communities across Canada. They provide opportunities for recreation, physical activity, and connection with neighbours. However, changing weather patterns, increased variability in winter conditions, challenges with access to water for flooding, and the impacts of climate change have affected outdoor rink operations. In recent years, rinks have typically opened later in the season and experienced shorter periods of reliable ice conditions. 

To respond to these changing conditions while ensuring responsible use of municipal resources, the City is reviewing current service levels and exploring opportunities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the outdoor rink program. This review may identify opportunities to consolidate the number of operating rinks, allowing the City to focus available resources on fewer locations and provide a more consistent and higher-quality experience for residents. 

As part of the review, City staff are examining outdoor rink service models used by other municipalities, analyzing local usage data, reviewing operational considerations, and seeking input from the community. The findings from this work will inform a report with recommendations to be presented to City Council in fall 2026. 


Consultation has concluded. The Council report Outdoor Rink Service Review is now available to read. It highlights what we learned from community during consultation, how that feedback was used, analysis, and recommendations for Council to consider.

  • Outdoor Rinks Service Level Report Goes to Council

    This past summer the Kingston community took part in consultation on the City’s outdoor rinks and their service levels. That feedback has played a vital role in new recommendations that will be going to Council for consideration. The Council report Outdoor Rink Service Review is now available to read. It highlights what we learned from community during consultation, how that feedback was used, analysis, and recommendations for Council to consider.

    To learn more about the project background visit Get Involved Outdoor Rinks.

    This past summer the Kingston community took part in consultation on the City’s outdoor rinks and their service levels. That feedback has played a vital role in new recommendations that will be going to Council for consideration. The Council report Outdoor Rink Service Review is now available to read. It highlights what we learned from community during consultation, how that feedback was used, analysis, and recommendations for Council to consider.

    To learn more about the project background visit Get Involved Outdoor Rinks.

    Consultation has concluded. The Council report Outdoor Rink Service Review is now available to read. It highlights what we learned from community during consultation, how that feedback was used, analysis, and recommendations for Council to consider.