Hundreds of Windsor residents defied biting cold and strong winds on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to join the official inauguration of the city's newest outdoor attraction: the ice rink at City Hall Square. The event marked the debut of a major public space designed to serve the community year-round.
A Festive Community Gathering
The grand opening created a vibrant, festive scene in the heart of downtown. Families, couples, hockey enthusiasts, and figure skaters all mingled on and around the impressive 26-by-60-metre oval-shaped rink. Attendees warmed up with complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn, and many received free City of Windsor toques as souvenirs of the day.
Mayor Drew Dilkens addressed the excited crowd, emphasizing the project's significance. "This is more than just a sheet of ice," Dilkens stated. "This is a community space. This is a place for us to all gather and celebrate." He highlighted the rink's role in the broader renewal of City Hall Square and its expected positive impact on downtown vitality.
From Long-Term Vision to Reality
The new rink replaces the aging facility at nearby Charles Clark Square. Faced with a costly refurbishment of the old rink, city council opted for a fresh investment aligned with a long-standing vision. "City council was presented with a proposition — spend a million dollars and put some lipstick on the pig or do something really nice that matches the plan that has been in place for almost 100 years," Mayor Dilkens explained, referencing the historic plan for an esplanade stretching from city hall to the waterfront.
The project was overseen by a steering committee chaired by Ward 10 Councillor Jim Morrison. Dilkens praised the committee's work, noting the project was completed on time and under budget by approximately one million dollars. In a lighthearted moment during the celebrations, Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino presented Morrison with a humorous "gold" chain and medallion in recognition of his efforts.
A Dream Realized for New and Longtime Residents
The rink's appeal was universal. New Windsor resident Seojeong Lee, who moved from Korea in August, was among the thrilled attendees. "I was very excited," Lee said. "And I'm from Korea and … it was kind of my long-time dream (to be at an) outdoor rink. So it looks very good and I'm very excited I'm here."
The opening day festivities featured special appearances that added to the community spirit. Performances by the Riverside Skating Club figure skaters showcased the new ice. The Windsor Junior Spitfires U9 hockey team, recent tournament champions, were also in attendance. They were joined by mascots including the Windsor Spitfires' Boomer and the University of Windsor's Winston the Lancer. Even Santa Claus made a special seasonal appearance, delighting children and adults alike.
The new City Hall Square rink is a multimillion-dollar transformation that will function as a skating destination in the winter and transition into a fountain-adorned community gathering spot during the summer months, fulfilling its promise as a true four-season public asset for Windsor.
