October 26, 2026
No rink flooding until Stage 4 lifts, the City confirms
Cold nights are coming, and so is the itch to get the hoses out. This year the rink has to wait a few extra weeks.
Today the City wrote to every community association about outdoor rinks during the Stage 4 water restrictions, which run from Wednesday, November 4 for about four weeks while the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main is connected. Our October 15 post covers the restrictions in full.
What the City said
- No City water for outdoor ice. Until Stage 4 lifts, City water can't be used to make or maintain outdoor skating rinks, even if it's cold enough.
- No water trucks. The City won't provide water truck service for gathering or storing river water during this time.
- Its advice: wait. The City recommends community associations hold off flooding outdoor rinks until the restrictions lift.
- Groups can look at bulk water that doesn't come from Calgary's drinking supply, but the City warns it's costly and hard to move and store. It also says not to haul or store water in an ice resurfacer, since that can damage it.
What it means in Signal Hill
- We're waiting. Trucking in outside water doesn't make sense for a volunteer-run rink, so our crew will start flooding as soon as the City gives the all-clear, likely in early December.
- Backyard rinks too. The rule covers all outdoor ice making, so please hold off on the backyard rink as well.
- The rink is still open without ice. Until it's flooded you can book the rink at the no-ice rate →
What happens next
We'll post the first flood date here and in the Signal Hill View as soon as Stage 4 lifts. Want to help flood? Our crew works late on cold nights, and every shift counts toward volunteer hours.