Winter City

[thommyjo]

Am I too cynical to believe that OEG hasn't opened the free Ice District skating rink to benefit the paid Ice Castles exhibit in the fan park? They wouldn't do that, would they?

Not sure that’d make sense. Multiple other rinks nearby. If anything, having skating close by could be a compliment and help sales.

 

[SarcasticMarmot]

The ClimbYEG ice wall has now opened. Best ice wall we have achieved yet! Was quite busy today despite it being cold. It's so good to have it up and ready to go well before the world Cup this year!

 

[Oilguy]

OEG is apparently converting the former rink into a snowshoe park. Such a dead space too much of the time.
Dec 16
View attachment 703347

So was this because thye had planned to host a NYe party? If so why not say that? Looked like a great event last night but torn about whether there should be no ice just so they can host a one night event,

 

[IanO]

Could have been skating for weeks and then remove the ice a couple of days before. Odd.

 

[Oilguy]

Could have been skating for weeks and then remove the ice a couple of days before. Odd.

Agreed, just the lack of transparency from them here is very frustrating.

 

[kcantor]

If arenas can convert from hockey to basketball or from basketball to hockey in a as matter of hours without taking out or rebuilding the ice surface, they could easily have a sheet of ice and then just cover it as/when needed.

There’s also no reason not to use it as a snowshoe park after a decent snowfall if that’s what they want (to avoid the relatively small cost to clear our ) and then clean it up and convert it back to an ice surface once it’s not suitable for snowshoeing. As to whether there’s any demand for a tiny snowshoe park where you can walk around in tiny circles…

 

[SarcasticMarmot]

It's been pretty clear for awhile that the ice district square will only be enthusiastically activated in ways that OEG can monetize. We were sold a load of BS about it being a great public amenity just so they could secure more of our tax dollars.

 

[ADob]

If arenas can convert from hockey to basketball or from basketball to hockey in a as matter of hours without taking out or rebuilding the ice surface, they could easily have a sheet of ice and then just cover it as/when needed.

There’s also no reason not to use it as a snowshoe park after a decent snowfall if that’s what they want (to avoid the relatively small cost to clear our ) and then clean it up and convert it back to an ice surface once it’s not suitable for snowshoeing. As to whether there’s any demand for a tiny snowshoe park where you can walk around in tiny circles…

In particular since we're so close to the gorgeous river valley.

 

[IanO]

I believe that the TSSP was just a tiny little joke.

 

[IanO]

Whatever happened to this?

 

[Airboy]

Well EMBA did have a snow dog for winter track setting but its been in the shop most of the year. If this gets back on line they could make winter biking more accessible to people. As it is people are getting out with snow shoes to set track.

 

[Gronk!]

Winterruption brings new events and old faves to multidisciplinary festival

Winterruption is trying new events and bringing in some familiar faces for its sixth annual festival of music, comedy, drag, and more.

edmonton.taproot.news

 

[scyeg]

I"ve been frustrated with the lack of info coming from ID regarding the plaza rink and when it's finally going to open, so I reached out to them via email, and the answer is...it's not. No reason given. But they also said to reach out if I had further questions or comments, which I did. So I expressed my disappointment with how lifeless the plaza currently is, and that the rink makes it much more welcoming in the winter months.I also asked if they could clarify why it wasn't opening this year and if there were plans for it to be open next year. This was the response:

"Unfortunately we do not have any information as to why the rink is not open this year, however there are many factors which typically go into making the rink including weather conditions. We appreciate your feedback, and will certainly pass it along to the appropriate department!"

This feels like a decision that was made solely based on not wanting to pay for the maintenance. If it was a mechanical issue, wouldn't they just say so? Also, completely ignoring the question on whether or not they plan to open next year speaks volumes. I hope I'm wrong, but I think this is just them being cheap.

 

[David A]

It was a nice little skating area for the last few years. It would be really good if someone from Ice District could update us on this.