M.D. outdoor rinks still closed due to weather

Every year, the Municipal District of Bonnyville (M.D.) creates and maintains three outdoor skating rinks across the Lakeland.

However, due to weather, the M.D.’s three outdoor ice rinks in Fort Kent, Ardmore, and Cherry Grove are still closed.

“While Parks staff have been working hard to get the rinks up and running, the rain and temperature of the last week has delayed our ice making,” the MD stated.

In 2020, the M.D. reached an agreement with the hamlets to share different responsibilities for the facilities, with the communities handling the day-to-day operations while the M.D. will handle the “larger scale” aspects.

Council denied an official request from the Cherry Grove Recreation and Agricultural Society for the maintenance of the newly constructed outdoor Cherry Grove ice rink at its December 8 meeting.

On the heels of that decision, Council passed a motion to terminate the current agreements, and renegotiate new agreements with both
the Cherry Grove Ag and Ardmore Community societies in relation to the covered outdoor rinks, that will see the M.D. take a more structured role in the maintenance for the facilities. The motion also included a direction to Administration to immediately undertake the maintenance at both outdoor ice surfaces.

“The long-term forecast looks good though, and we hope to be able to open the ice surfaces soon,” the M.D. stated. “Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.”

Lakeland Connect will bring you more information when the rinks are ready for action.