THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay has clarified rules for the use of its outdoor rinks, warning it could be forced to close them altogether if COVID-19 restrictions aren’t followed.
Staff removed hockey nets from the rinks last week over concerns they were encouraging violations, igniting pushback from residents and city councillors alike.
Council failed to resolve the issue after protracted discussions Monday.
A release issued by the city Tuesday reiterated rules for use of its outdoor rinks, which it said are necessary to comply with provincial regulations:
- Minimum distance of two metres must be maintained between users
- No team sports or games are allowed, including shinny/scrub hockey
- Sticks and pucks are allowed for individual or family use only
- No hockey nets allowed
A maximum of 25 people allowed on the ice at any time also remains in effect. Mask use is encouraged, though not required, the city said.
“Non-compliance of these rules will result in further restrictions or closures,” the city stated.
City rinks and ponds will be monitored regularly going forward by bylaw officers and parks staff.
“By-law officers are authorized to issue tickets where appropriate under provincial legislation and will be proactively monitoring for compliance,” the city said.
While Halvorsen said a schedule was still being developed, he expected it would involve at least daily visits to every rink.
The city received numerous reports of hockey games played on its rinks in violation of the current rules, along with some documented cases of non-compliance, he said.
Violations seemed to have declined since the city removed the nets and began communicating about the issue last week, Halvorsen said.
It’s a situation Coun. Brian Hamilton painted as serious on Monday, as he appealed directly to rink users to follow the rules.
“We’re actually on the verge of closing down outdoor hockey rinks right now due to non-compliance,” he said.
It’s a decision Coun. Cody Fraser said was ultimately in the hands of rink users.
“It is up to the community,” he said. “If the community wants the rinks… they’ll comply with the rules.”
Mayor Bill Mauro, who championed an attempt to return hockey nets to the rinks, had said the city needed to step up enforcement, rather than punitively remove the nets.
