Rink on Wascana opens for second year

Everyone who got skates for Christmas now can head to Wascana Centre to break them in.

The Rink on Wascana — located on Wascana Lake in front of the Legislative Building — opened Thursday. The rink, which also includes washrooms and a warming facility, is free to use and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Wascana Centre encourages everyone to lace up their skates and experience one of the most iconic outdoor rinks in Canada,“ Don McMorris, the provincial minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission, said in a release. “The Rink on Wascana provides the perfect opportunity to have fun and be active this winter season. It’s a one-of-a-kind skating experience for all.”

Precautions are being taken to make sure the ice is safe, including ice maintenance, snow removal and periodic ice thickness testing.

The rink also is to be the heart of the Wascana hub for Frost Regina, which is set for Feb. 3-12.

In addition to the events on the rink, there’s to be dogsledding, horse sleigh rides and Hockey Night on Wascana, featuring athletes from the Outdoor Hockey League.

While the Rink on Wascana is open, Iceville — the skating rink on the field at Mosaic Stadium — will not be operating in 2023.