Coming off a disappointing winter last year, the Ice Oval is optimistic this year will be much better.
“Last year was our most horrible year ever,” said Outdoor Ice Oval Society President Kathy Lewis.
“It seemed to be it was either above zero and raining, or snowing heavily, or it was minus 30 and people didn’t want to come skating.”
Lewis said this year is looking much better so far.
Weather permitting, the oval is expected to open for the first time this season on Saturday, which Lewis said is pretty early in the season for them.
“We’ve been building ice ever since the temperature dropped. We’ve been hitting it hard with hoses trying to build up a good base,” Lewis said.
“They’ve got a pretty good base built, there’s a few areas where we would like to have a bit more thickness. That just helps us get past any mid-season thaws that happen so that we don’t have to close down too much.”
Lewis added they will be able to have their office open to rent out skates for the first time in two years.
“We’re really excited about being able to offer that service,” she said.
“As well, we’ll be able to open up the Canfor House, which is the warming facility there.”
The Oval will also begin selling their season passes on Saturday.