The City of Brantford has decided not to open our neighbourhood ice rinks this season, citing Covid 19 restrictions. Meanwhile neighbouring communities in zones with higher restrictions, are planning to open their rinks (Burlington is one example ). Burlington rinks are also volunteer run, and they plan to open their rinks with some restrictions to make skating safe including:

- Neighbourhood Rink organizers and users must adhere to all Government Regulations related to COVID-19.
- The community to ensure 3-metre distancing from those not within their household and to keep the number of skaters to 25 or less to avoid overcrowding in and off the ice.
- Residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs as benches and/or picnic tables are available but not sanitized.

More information on Burlington’s neighbourhood rinks can be found here:

https://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/Neighbourhood-Rinks.asp

Why is Brantford not able to do the same? Brantford’s community ice rinks are a staple of our community and provide a safe, outdoor activity for the residents of Brantford. Sports Illustrated even came to one of our rinks to do a feature in 2019-

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/nhl/2019/04/22/climate-change-canada-winter-sports-hockey-backyard-rinks

If community volunteers are still willing to run the rinks, then rinks should be opened with some restrictions similar to those listed above. Please sign this petition if you agree, and let’s reverse the decision made by the City of Brantford.