Volunteer groups in St. Catharines can now apply to run an outdoor ice rink in their neighbourhood park this winter.
The applications opened this week for the City's Community Outdoor Ice Rinks program, now entering its eighth season, according to a City of St. Catharines news release. Applications are due Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
The program lets volunteer community groups build, operate and maintain skating rinks in City-owned parks. The City will support as many as six rink locations this season, with grants of up to $1,000 per rink to help offset costs.
Our volunteers are the real champions of neighbourhood winter fun, and these City programs help them bring local parks to life.
Kaylea Cassano, supervisor of community initiatives and partnerships, said in the release that the funding helps volunteer crews "build spaces where residents can lace up their skates, hang out, and stay active right in their own neighbourhoods." "It's all about teamwork, staying active, enjoying the outdoors, and making the most of the season together," she said.
Groups may apply to use most City parks, provided the site has a reasonably flat surface, adequate lighting and parking, and access for emergency vehicles. Only one outdoor rink is permitted per ward.
Past volunteer-run rinks have been set up at Partridge Park, Bogart Street Park, St. Patrick's Park, Walker's Creek Park and Port Dalhousie Lions Park.
What volunteers take on
Applicants do not need to be incorporated charities or not-for-profit groups, but they must allow community members free and equal access to the rinks.
Groups must be prepared to build, operate and maintain their rink throughout the season. Volunteers are responsible for sourcing all materials, including boards, tarps, shovels, scrapers and water, and must be able to store the equipment.
In return, the City provides signage and training sessions on rink construction and reporting requirements.
Successful applicants will be notified after the deadline. The outdoor rink season runs from Dec. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
Residents interested in applying can find more information at www.stcatharines.ca/OutdoorRinks.
