RMWB council approves outdoor rink plan for backyards, municipal land

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People across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo can build hockey rinks on their property and adjacent municipal land.

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Council unanimously approved the Community Backyard Rinks Program which was presented at their Tuesday meeting, but was passed Wednesday morning as the first meeting since the summer break ended around 12:30 a.m.

Homeowners face restrictions on size and location of the rinks to ensure they do not block utilities or emergency routes. Lights and sound is regulated by existing bylaws to avoid disturbing neighbours.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) can assess each rink on a case-by-case basis and decide if insurance is necessary. The rinks are intended primarily for children and not competitions.

“We live in a northern community and we have two seasons: summer and winter,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman, who proposed the motion last January.

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“I’ll take a quote from Guy Boutilier, who always said ‘take care of the kids and take care of the seniors, and everything else will take care of itself.’ I think this is just something to take care of the kids.”

There was debate about liability in case of accidents. The original plan required people to get $2 million in liability insurance and name the RMWB as an additional insured party.

Resident Bryce Kumka, who works for an insurance company, told council it could be difficult for an insurance company to provide coverage for an ice surface that’s not fully on their property. After speaking with other insurers, Kumka said there’s not much interest to offer this coverage.

He recommended making the insurance requirements at the discretion of the RMWB. The amendment was proposed by Councillor Stu Wigle and was passed unanimously.

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Resident Kyle McConnell earned an applause for sitting through more than six hours to present. McConnell was only speaking on this one issue, which was presented last. When he did get to speak, McConnell urged council to pass the motion.

He pointed out children already play road hockey without incident. He also said this would introduce hockey and skating to more local children, and that people have been making their own backyard rinks for years.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity for children to learn how to skate, to be in the community,” said McConnell.

“I know behind my house, it’s not mine, but I’ve seen tons of kids come over and it’s always a joy to see kids with a smile on their face in December and January and February.”

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Existing ice rinks limited in region: Bowman

Bowman said minor hockey is the largest winter sport in Fort McMurray when he pitched the motion last January, but added the RMWB’s public ice rinks are limited.

There are 10 outdoor rinks maintained by the RMWB, but these public rinks are on a first-come, first serve basis. It’s also harder to organize hockey and skating events for children when adults or teenagers get to the rinks first.

Ice time at indoor arenas at Frank Lacroix Arena, Centerfire Place and MacDonald Island Park is in high demand. This prompted the RMWB to resurrect the Northside Twin Arena project last year. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 20.

Bowman also pointed out at the time that the ice rink at MacDonald Island Park is named after Terry Conroy, who made outdoor public ice rinks for the public and kids. Some of those kids went on to play for the NHL and other hockey leagues.

Former NHL players Dan Hodgson and Mark Hartigan, both of whom now live in Fort McMurray, endorsed the idea in letters to council.

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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