Private sector funding keeps some outdoor skating rinks open for another month
35 rinks were scheduled to close, but 12 to remain open
The city was set to close 35 outdoor skating rinks this weekend before two companies stepped in to provide funding to keep 12 rinks open for another month.
Mayor John Tory announced two companies have donated money to keep rinks open, GFL Environmental Corp. and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE). GFL has promised $100,000 and agreed to add more if needed. Tory did not say how much MLSE would kick in.
"If the weather stays cool and people want to skate, so they will," said the mayor.
The rinks were set to close despite the bitterly cold temperatures that forecasters predict are here to stay for at least several more weeks.
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Under normal circumstances, the city closes multiple rinks in late February, while select rinks remain open until March.
Which rinks are closed early is based on how many people use them, whether a safe level of ice cover can be maintained and budgetary restrictions.
Last year, the city relied on donations from corporate sponsors to keep 11 additional rinks open over the March break.
Tory said rinks are closed not to be "mean", but because usage begins to drop off toward the end of February.
Speaking to reporters at city hall, parks committee chair Michelle Berardinetti said that the rinks kept open last year were not heavily used.
After his announcement, Tory went for a skate on Nathan Philips Square.