‘I think it’s really cool’: Skaters take the ice at Windsor’s new outdoor rink

The grand opening of the new skating rink at Windsor City Hall was held Saturday, much to the delight of Windsorites. Robert Lothian reports.

After years without an outdoor rink in the downtown core, Windsor’s new City Hall Square ice surface opened on Saturday afternoon.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, joined by members of city council, cut the ribbon to officially open the long-awaited rink.

Hundreds of people gathered to skate laps, listen to Christmas carols, and warm up with a hot chocolate.

Raised in Windsor, Andy, who now lives in Toronto, came to skate laps on the new surface with some friends. Growing up skating at Lanspeary Park, he felt a new rink was a big win, particularly for the younger generations.

“I remember skating being really part of Windsor culture when I was growing up here. Yeah, I think it’s really cool,” he told CTV News.

Saturday’s grand opening featured an on-ice skating performance, a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, and different music acts.

Along the rink side, seats from the old Windsor Arena have been installed for visitors to rest in a piece of history.

Addressing the large crowd, Dilkens says council made a “bold” decision to build a new rink, rather than stick “lipstick on the pig,” a reference he’s frequently made when discussing why they did not replace the old Charles Clark Square skating rink.

“This is all part of Strengthen the Core. It’s about building our downtown, about building our city, having nice public spaces and nice amenities,” Dilkens said.

The $15.4 million rink will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The city isn’t waiting long to host its next event at the rink with a New Year’s Eve celebration is planned for Dec. 31 featuring entertainment and activities.