Ottawa to Introduce User Fees for Outdoor Skating Rinks: “If You Can Pay to Swim, You Can Pay to Skate”

OTTAWA – With money tight and the city facing budget challenges, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced today that outdoor skating rinks will soon operate under a new user-fee system. Under the plan, volunteer rink operators will need to pay for a license to maintain their local rink, while skaters will be charged a nominal fee per use.

“This is about fairness and fiscal responsibility,” Sutcliffe explained. “We’ve got to make sure we have enough money to fund important projects like Lansdowne 2.0. A multi-million-dollar entertainment district won’t build itself, and sacrifices must be made. If people are happy paying to swim or skate indoors, why shouldn’t they pay to skate outdoors too?”

The licensing fee will apply to community volunteers who maintain rinks at local parks, with the goal of “ensuring only serious rink operators step up,” according to city staff. “Not just anyone can be trusted to flood a rink,” said one city spokesperson. “We need committed individuals who are willing to invest—not only their time but also their wallets.”

The skater fee, expected to be around $5 per session, is being pitched as a reasonable contribution. “A latte costs more than that,” Sutcliffe pointed out. “If people can spend $8 on oat milk lattes, they can throw a few bucks toward keeping their neighbourhood rink operational.”

When asked about the timing of this initiative, Sutcliffe was unapologetic. “We’re making big, bold investments in the future. Lansdowne 2.0 isn’t just a stadium renovation; it’s a vision for a thriving downtown. Yes, we need to tighten our belts in some areas, but we have to think long-term. If you care about Ottawa’s future, you’ll be happy to pay for the privilege of skating.”

The mayor also acknowledged that updating Ottawa’s zoning and land-use policies to increase density, especially through missing middle housing, could generate new tax revenue. “Density and better transit are the real solution to our budget woes,” Sutcliffe said. “But people are selfish. They resist change. Everyone wants more affordable housing and public transit, just as long as it’s built in someone else’s neighbourhood.”

While the introduction of outdoor rink fees has drawn criticism from some residents, Sutcliffe emphasized that it’s just part of the new normal. “We need to move beyond outdated expectations. Rinks aren’t free. Ice isn’t free. If we want this city to grow and flourish, we need everyone to pitch in—especially skaters.”

Sutcliffe also floated the idea of introducing a user fee for skating on the Rideau Canal, though he emphasized that the city would “keep it low-key.” “We won’t make a big announcement—people will just show up and pay,” he explained. “Let’s be honest, if someone has already sunk hundreds into travel, hotel stays, and overpriced BeaverTails, they’re not going to balk at a $10 skating fee. It’s all about capturing the moment while the ice—and their wallets—last.”

To help ease the transition, Sutcliffe promised that the city would explore offering family skating passes, though he admitted they would likely cost “a bit more than people are used to.”

“We’ll also consider dynamic pricing based on rink popularity,” he added. “If you want to skate at peak hours on a Friday night, you should expect to pay a little extra. That’s just how the world works.”

Despite the pushback, Sutcliffe remains optimistic that Ottawa residents will embrace the change. “I know people will grumble,” he said. “But they’ll get used to it—just like they got used to bus route cancellations and LRT shutdowns for regular maintenance.”

Sutcliffe also addressed concerns about the future of outdoor skating, acknowledging that climate change could make reliable winter ice a thing of the past. “Yes, warmer winters might melt away outdoor rinks in a few years, but that’s all the more reason to charge fees now while we still can,” he said. “The way I see it, these rinks are becoming a luxury experience—like skiing in Dubai. If anything, this should make people appreciate the privilege of skating outdoors while it’s still possible.

The mayor closed the press conference with a reminder: “Lansdowne 2.0 will be worth it. Once it’s complete, people won’t even remember what they were upset about. And for those who complain about paying for outdoor skating, I suggest they lace up, pay the fee, and take a few laps around the rink. Nothing clears the mind quite like a brisk skate on ice—especially when you know you’re doing your part to build a better city.”