Outdoor Ice Symposium
THE BENTWAY STUDIO • TORONTO • ON • JANUARY 23-24 2024
ABOUT
The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association is hosting a two-day outdoor ice event that will focus on the opportunities and challenges of offering outdoor ice-skating experiences. The symposium will explore the expanding inventory of ice sheet creation, operation, and maintenance. From the traditional neighbourhood outdoor ice rink, natural ice-skating venues, and an expansion in skating pathways like our host facility, The Bentway, all offer exciting recreational experiences. However, changing weather patterns, regulatory responsibility for mechanical assisted outdoor ice sheets, liability associated with offering these types of recreational experiences and shrinking financial support for daily operations requires owners of these types of venues to balance risk and reward.
The symposium is a collection of information that highlights the issues and solutions being explored to provide this type of outdoor facility recreational service. It is an excellent opportunity to have an open conversation on what exactly is involved with designing, constructing, and operating these types of facilities.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 • SESSIONS/SPEAKERS
9:00 am • Welcome from the ORFA
ORFA President, Mark Reinert
9:10 am • Industry Growth
Omar Mitchell, Vice-President Industry Growth and Sustainability, National Hockey League
How outdoor ice opportunities leads to industry growth. Anytime a person has blades on their feet a passion for ice sports gets ignited. Omar will share how the NHL is committed to making these opportunities come to life.
9:30 am • Impacts of Changing Winter Weather
Frances Delaney, Policy Analyst, Canadian Centre for Climate Services
Environment Canada tracks the data that predicts trends and projected change. This session looks at what has occurred and what might be expected in the future.
10:00 am • RinkWatch Project
Rob McLeman, Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University, RinkWatch Project
The importance of outdoor rinks during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these opportunities can continue to provide benefit. NHL Green and RinkWatch have been working together since 2016 with a common of goal of protecting our game and planet for future generations.
10:30 am • Break
10:45 am • Changing Trends in Engineering Design Expectations
Ian Storey, President, I.B. Storey Inc.
There is increased demand for engineered systems to maintain outdoor ice sheets and skating pathways. The session will review new best-practices required for designing and implementing systems given the impact of climate conditions, and specifically highlight what owners can and should expect on ongoing implementations.
11:15 am • Equipment Options to Assist Mother Nature
Jason Hill, CIMCO Refrigeration
CIMCO Refrigeration has been assisting Mother Nature with creating and maintaining safe and serviceable outdoor ice sheets in many different locations and conditions. This session will highlight what is available in the industry to construct an outdoor venue that will meet or exceed user expectation.
Noon • Lunch
1:30 pm • Outdoor Ice Refrigeration Regulatory Responsibilities
Glen Lang, Chief Officer, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Industrial refrigeration comes with regulatory responsibility that must be included in the business plan of any outdoor mechanically assisted ice surface. Chief Lang will outline what should be considered when installing a refrigeration system to support outdoor ice surfaces.
2:00 pm • Outdoor Ice Maintenance Equipment
Marty Elliot, Sales Account Representative, Zamboni Company Ltd.
This session will explore ice maintenance equipment options and auxiliary facilities required to house these tools.
2:45 pm • Break
3:00 pm • Learn About The Bentway
Michael Clarke, Facilities Manager, The Bentway Conservancy
An ambitious private construction near the Fort York National Historic Site under an elevated section of the Gardiner. A 722-foot-long trail that is converted into a hugely popular ice skating destination in the wintertime.
The Bentway Skate Trail Tour
Bring your skates or rent a pair! Enjoy a tour of the skating path and Ontario's first CO2 refrigeration plant. Learn the challenges of constructing under one of Ontario’s busiest roadways and why C02 was selected as the best option to refrigerate the pathway.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 • SESSIONS/SPEAKERS
9:00 am • Don’t Forget About Accessibility
Ulrich (Uli) Egger, Accessibility Certification Specialist, Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF)
Creating an outdoor skating sheet that is inviting to all Ontarian’s is an essential aspect of these spaces. Ulrich will share what needs to be considered and how the RHF is committed to a world of inclusion.
9:30 am • Designing and Constructing a Dual-Purpose Recreational Space
Jamie Lopes, Senior Project Manager, Aquatic Design and Engineering
Combining a splash pad and outdoor skating surface creates a year-round recreational space. This session will explore these types of installations.
10:15 am • Break
10:30 am • Reducing the Risk of Outdoor Ice
Jessica Jaremchuk, Vice-President, Risk Management Services, Intact Public Entities and Anne Robinson, Past President, Manotick Culture, Parks & Recreation Association
Jessica will explore some past litigation associated with these venues and what steps can be taken to reduce risk. Anne will share her experiences of a community focused volunteer group and municipal risk management and insurance coverage challenges.
11:15 am • Making Outdoor Ice
Dave Loverock, Vice-President, Jet Ice Ltd.
Dave will explain what influences natural ice creation, if outdoor ice can/should be painted and how to fix weather shifting ice issues.
Noon • Lunch
1:30 pm • The Evolution of Synthetic Ice Surfaces
Steven J. Wong, Chief Operating Officer, Can-Ice International
The first plastic synthetic rinks in the 1970s had to be coated with lubricants to be slippery and created a lot of shavings as skate blades cut across them. Now, using the most advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, Can-Ice International has changed the perception of synthetic ice creating a surface that performs so well that their clients include some of the best skaters on the planet, embraced by the likes of world figure skating champions, pro hockey teams and NHL all-stars/MVPs. This session will explore the advancements in this technology while highlighting the benefits associated with such an installation and include an interactive live skating demonstration.
2:00 pm • Renting an Outdoor Ice Venue
Bob Hanson, Senior Project Manager, Ice Rinks Events
As Canadian winters change and communities consider outdoor ice recreational options, could the future follow a U.S. trend of renting an outdoor ice venue for a specific period rather than investing in a facility. This session will explore how Ice Rinks Events has been offering these venues in a variety of geographical areas.
2:45 pm • Break
3:00 pm • Outdoor Boards and Glass
Reid Hart, Athletica Sport Systems Inc.
This session will explore what needs should be considered regarding outdoor boards and shielding.
3:30 pm • Outdoor Ice Best Practices
Terry Piche, Director, Training, Research and Development, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and Zack Tarantino, Sales Account Representative, Marmak
The ORFA has developed a resource to assist members in their responsibility to create and maintain a safe and serviceable outdoor ice sheet.
The ORFA is actively collecting information from members who offer ice skating venues using different approaches. This session will highlight some of what we have discovered.
This session will also incorporate the importance of recreation facility asset management and our partner in training with Marmak.
The Bentway Studio - 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 0R6
