Rink on Wascana to return in January; Iceville on hiatus this winter

The Rink on Wascana is to return to Regina this winter, but Iceville won’t be opening in the coming months.

The Saskatchewan government announced Tuesday the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) will open the Rink on Wascana in January. The facility is to be built on Wascana Lake in front of the Legislative Building.

“The PCC is excited for the Rink on Wascana to become an annual winter tradition,” Don McMorris, the minister responsible for the PCC, said in a media release. “The rink sets the perfect scene for any occasion and everyone is welcome.”

Construction of the rink is to begin shortly. There will be constant safety checks, including ice maintenance, snow removal and periodic ice thickness testing.

When the rink opens, it will be free to use and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The rink is to be part of the Wascana hub at Frost Regina, which is set for Feb. 3-12.

Meanwhile, REAL District president and CEO Tim Reid told Tuesday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show that Iceville — the skating rink on the field at Mosaic Stadium — won’t be operating this winter.

“Because Grey Cup was so late in the season, it makes it almost impossible to build the decking,” said Reid, referring to the CFL title game that was played at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 20. “On top of that, to be honest, last year’s participation was way down.

“I think Iceville will return. I don’t think it will be an annual thing. I think it’ll be something that every few years we bring back … Maybe next year or the year after.”

A number of bookings last winter were cancelled due to extremely cold temperatures.