City staff at the Welland Arena are preparing to welcome back skaters this fall, installing ice at the main and youth arenas King St., with the first rentals on the main arena on Sept. 7, and the youth arena on Sept. 17.

Despite the recent heatwave, the arena’s systems functioned exceptionally well, and the outside temperature was not a factor in completing the installation.

“Seeing ice on the pads is a sure sign of the fall season and the programs we offer at our arenas,” said Rob Axiak, director of community services. “City staff have done an excellent job preparing the buildings and gearing up to welcome the community back after a lengthy absence, and everyone is excited to see skaters back on the ice.”

Ice installation takes several days. The entire process takes about 17 days to complete, starting with the refrigeration system, laying down water, painting the ice, and painting the lines. Roughly 10 days after staff paint the ice, skaters can use the surface. Though the installation takes a few days, only about an inch and a half of ice is assembled on the concrete pad underneath, and staff are

meticulous in their applications to get it right.

When open to the public, the arena will follow the City’s reopening plan [insert link when live] regarding procedures and protocols, keeping all staff, visitors, and users safe while in the facility. These measures include:

• Passive screening for all visitors.
• Fans are permitted in the stands.
• Masks are required unless participating in physical activity.
• 50 per cent maximum capacity in an indoor setting.

  City programming will return in October, including all ages skates, shinny hockey, and public skating. All programming information is made available at welland.wellness.ca when available.

  Booking ice rentals are available through the recreation department by calling 905-735-1700 x4000 or emailing bookings@welland.ca.