BRAMPTON: This winter, stay active at home and outdoors! The City of Brampton is excited to host the Brampton Backyard Ice Rink Contest for the second year, generously sponsored by Bruce Power, National Homes, and Tim Horton’s.
Residents are encouraged to submit photos of their backyard or community ice rink for a chance to win prizes, including a visit from hockey legends Cassie Campbell and Darcy Tucker.
This year, three individual rinks will be chosen, along with one community rink winner. The contest launches on January 1, 2023, and the deadline for submissions is January 31, 2023.
For full details, including tips on how to build a backyard ice rink, visit www.brampton.ca/BRC.
Outdoor skating rinks
Can’t make your own ice rink? Lace up your skates for some free winter fun at one of Brampton’s outdoor skating rinks! For info, visit www.brampton.ca/outdoorskating.
Tips for a perfect backyard ice rink
Setting up a backyard rink is easier than you think! All you need is space, patience, frosty temperatures. Remember to keep safety top of mind.
• Map out the space in your backyard. Surface should be flat and free from mounds, heaves, stones and other debris.
• Ensure the rink isn’t located in an area that slopes towards the home, or too close to your home.
• If you have a wet/leaky basement, or your backyard has issues with water pooling, refrain from installing a backyard rink.
• Grab your material — plywood boards, liner, brackets/supports, etc.
• Flood as often as necessary in order to maintain a smooth, safe ice surface. Don’t flood ice surface if snowing or if there is snow on ice surface, as it can result in an uneven and potentially harmful surface when it freezes.
• The ideal temperature for freezing the ice is -15C.
• Before you head out for your first skate, test the ice by gently pushing down on it.
• Get creative and add lighting for a perfect evening skate.
Support a Community Rink
• The City supports outdoor community rinks. These are small, neighbourhood-based rinks maintained by a local neighbourhood rink committee, with the support of the City.
Mayor Patrick Brown said: “The City of Brampton is proud to bring back our Backyard Ice Rink Contest for the second year! Our inaugural contest was a great success, and we look forward to seeing our residents’ impressive rinks again. You could win a visit from hockey legends Cassie Campbell and Darcy Tucker. For those who cannot build a rink, be sure to take advantage of the City’s outdoor recreational amenities throughout the season. From our outdoor rinks, to trails, to Mount Chinguacousy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, said: “The City is excited to offer fun programs and activities for residents to stay active all winter long. We received some amazing photos of outdoor ice rinks during the first year of the contest, and encourage residents to take part again this year. Skating provides great health benefits, and is something people of all ages can enjoy! And, be sure to visit our website to learn more about all the fun things you can do outside in our community this season.”
Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, added: “At the City, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for residents to stay active and healthy and have fun all year long. The Backyard Ice Rink contest is a friendly competition that encourages outdoor winter activity. Residents can submit for a chance at winning prizes until January 31, 2023.”