Volunteer to run an outdoor skating rink

Community skating rink program

Guelph’s outdoor skating rinks are run by community volunteers. The City can support up to 29 community rinks each season. Applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Choose a location

There are more than 20 approved community ice rink locations in Guelph.

Approved locations are flat areas with good drainage, and close to existing water pipes. The rink needs to be away from people’s homes to avoid flooding.

Find an outdoor community ice rink

Choose a team

A rink needs a team of at least four people. Please choose a team leader who will attend a mandatory training session. Choose an alternate contact so we can stay in touch with your team. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Your team will get:

  • Training
  • Equipment such as hoses, spray nozzle, water key, backflow, shinny nets and lighting at some locations
  • Picnic tables
  • Weekly inspections for ice quality
  • Promotions of rink locations on guelph.ca
  • Up to $500 in grant money based on program criteria to registered volunteer groups

Mandatory training

Your team leader must attend a mandatory in-person training session. All team members are welcome to attend. You will have two training dates/times to choose from.

The training teaches your team about contacting the City after hours, safety guidelines, how to sign out keys for the rink vaults and how to use any lighting that may be on site.

Please bring a list of equipment you already have to the meeting, including water key/nozzle, duo check valve, a bus key, hockey-style pond nets or other equipment.

Apply to be a community ice rink volunteer

Apply for a grant up to $500 run your rink

At the end of the season, please submit the following information to receive a grant of up to $500. The City will process your grant application in May and pay your team’s primary contact.

Your group must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Resources

Approving new ice rink locations

We reserve the right to approve new locations based on site suitability, draining and available infrastructure.

Upper Grand District School Board Properties

Please contact the Coordinator of Community Use of Schools Program, at 519-822-4420 extension 833 to confirm access requirements.