Montreal budget has no money for outdoor refrigerated ice rinks

Montreal’s latest city budget does not include funding for new refrigerated outdoor ice rinks, disappointing some skaters who say the investment is necessary as winters grow warmer.

The previous city administration had set aside $20 million to build new refrigerated rinks that can stay frozen even when temperatures rise above zero.

The current administration says it is refocusing its spending priorities.

In the borough of Verdun, resident Guillaume Duval was out skating with his family on Sunday.

He says refrigerated rinks allow families to skate even during mild winters.

“The ice rink shouldn’t be just a line in the budget, but maybe, they should think about [the] cultural…social activity,” said Duval.

Other skaters expressed similar concerns.

“It’s sad because with climate change, we have way less ice rinks to skate on,” said Jean-Bruno Morissette.

“I think it’s very sad because it’s for the kids, and we don’t have a lot of moments during the winter,” said Tania Tremblay.

She added that two skating rinks near her home had to close down.

Robert McLeman is an environmental studies professor at Wilfrid Laurier University.

He says the cost of refrigerated rinks varies, but it would typically cost tens of thousands of dollars for equipment and maintenance.

He adds that with changing climates, refrigerated ice rinks could become essential.

“What we’re seeing is a longer-term trend toward shorter, milder winters that will affect outdoor skating,” said McLeman.