Some midtown rinks saved, others close
Two-thirds of midtown’s six city-owned outdoor skating rinks will remain open an extra month, thanks to corporate donations from two firms.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Green For Life Environmental kicked in $100,000 each to the City of Toronto in mid-February days before the 52 city rinks were due to close Feb. 22.
GFL then withdrew its donation after the city’s sponsorship office discovered a possible conflict, as GFL is currently in a procurement process for a city contract. Tim Hortons stepped in on Feb. 24 as the second sponsor, also contributing $100,000.
The money from the two donors keeps 29 of the city rinks open until March 22, including the rinks at Hodgson Public School, Ledbury Park, Otter Creek Centre and Ramsden Park.
Outdoor rinks at Rosedale Park and behind North Toronto Memorial Community Centre closed on schedule.
The city keeps the outdoor rinks open for three months, at a cost of $4,500 per week.
