Castlegar’s outdoor ice rinks have cost the city more than $50,000 over the last four years. We asked our Facebook readers if they thought the money spent was worth the benefits.
Here is what they had to say:
Melissa Boisvenu — Considering the amount of time it actually is usable due to our temperatures we have here I think it is a complete waste of time and money then it also interferes with baseball that would like to be played as we have to wait for the ice to melt now. Never mind the damage it’s doing to the ball field every year that costs money to fix also.
Ashley-Brandon Johnson — One bad year doesn’t constitute closing them all together. Kids need things to do in winter. Not every family skis and skating is fantastic exercise.
Scott McIntosh — I do like them when open. Some years good; others not so good. We have limited ice for kids to skate on in Castlegar already. The mini ice at the pioneer has become harder and more costly to rent due to insurance requirements; forcing lots out of this option.
Danielle Nault — I think they are absolutely awesome!!! However, they do quite a bit of damage to the ball fields.
Michael Q Duff — There needs to be a system where volunteers can communicate and work with a couple city workers to maintain decent and safe ice conditions.
Amy Byers — Volunteer run is the way to go! Limits costs and would likely be open more. There were many days where the rinks were cold enough to use but they sat closed likely due to the city being short staffed.
Lee Anne White — I never use them, but I absolutely think that we should keep them.
Rob Aquires — So before making any decisions, maybe see if there is a non-profit, volunteer group that would be willing to do the work required, instead of the apparent high cost of city staff to maintain?
Larissa Leason — I would volunteer my time to keep them open too!
Dwayne Mills — We should keep it — who would dare take it out?
Lisa Weir — Outdoor rinks are great !! When they are maintained and able to be used ( weather permitting) gets kids outdoors, and they are free! The complex needs to be more affordable for families to skate!
Gordon Lamont — One year of bad weather and they want to not do them next year? They, to me, are an asset to this community and yes, some years they won’t be used often, and other years they will be used everyday. It’s a set cost to mantain them, so keep doing it.
Stephanie Allen-Pelltier — I love the rinks and use them, would rather see them off the infield and taken down sooner though.
Janna Sylvest — There’s obviously too much variable weather for the rinks as a cost and labour sustainable option. What about exploring a joint project with the regional district for a rink at Pass Creek Park.
Sherry Watson — There is a cost to all things, however we want a city that encourages outdoor activities and uses it’s parks. Keep them! Who knows maybe next year it will be open more. Or maybe go to just one rink instead of two!
RELATED: Council weighing costs and benefits of Castlegar’s outdoor ice rinks