If you’ve been putting off a skate at Callander’s Bill Barber rink, you best not wait any longer.
Today, March 14, marks the official end of the season at the popular outdoor rink. The mercury is set to rise quickly today to a high of 9C around 4 p.m., so you may want to go sooner than later. Municipal staff are keeping an eye on conditions throughout the day and will close it down if it’s unsafe to use.
Until 3 p.m., the rink is open for public use, and then from 4 to 7 p.m., it’s family skate time. Once 7 p.m. ticks by, it shinny time, also known as the recreational skate time slot.
See: Bill Barber pleased with Callander’s rink upgrades
This year, the rink opened on Dec. 24, 2024, just in time for Christmas. However, it was opened with a warning for skaters to use with caution. Conditions weren’t that great weather-wise, and a warm spell was expected to roll through the region. Folks were reminded to use their judgment regarding the ice.
In 2023, the rink wasn’t open at all during the Christmas break. Again, warm weather was the culprit. That year the ice wasn’t opened until Jan. 10, 2024, so by that measure, the 2024-2025 season was much longer.
So, take it while you can, because regardless of tomorrow’s weather, the rink is closing today. Grab your skates and head over to the Bill Barber rink, just behind the Callander Community Centre at 1984 Swale St.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.