The City of Wrenford is getting ready for the cold months ahead. Starting this week, crews will begin resurfacing the ice at the Ambrel Lake Park rink. This work is the first step in preparing the park for winter recreation and the community's annual Ice Days programming. Council approved the winter operations schedule and rink staffing plan at a regular meeting earlier this month.
The resurfacing process involves laying down fresh layers of water to create a smooth, safe surface for skating. City crews will monitor weather conditions closely over the next few weeks. Once the ice reaches the required thickness, the rink will open for public use. The City's Parks & Trails team is also clearing walkways and checking lighting along the boardwalk to ensure visitors can access the rink safely after dark.
“We want to make sure every skater has a safe place to enjoy the outdoors this winter,” said Fiona Gallagher, General Manager of Community Services. “Resurfacing the ice now gives us time to test the equipment, train our staff, and confirm that all safety barriers and first-aid stations are in place before the crowds arrive.”
As the park prepares for skating, the City is also reminding you about the overnight on-street parking ban. Starting December 1, 2025, main roads will be closed to parking from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow plows and maintenance trucks to clear snow and ice. Residential streets will be plowed after snowfall reaches eight centimetres. You remain responsible for keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear. Please shovel your frontages by 10:00 a.m. the morning after a snowfall.
The City has also updated its winter maintenance plan to prioritise major roads, bus routes, and pedestrian pathways near parks and schools. Crews will use a mix of brine and salt to treat surfaces, while focusing on sustainable practices to protect the Tamsin River and local waterways. For updates on rink status, park conditions, and winter service alerts, visit the City Services page or sign up for service notifications online. You can also call 311 inside city limits or 519-555-0100 to reach a City representative.