Plateau-Mont-Royal won't reopen temporary Van Horne rink, borough says

The borough of Plateau-Mont-Royal will not reopen the temporary outdoor skating rink beside the Van Horne overpass this winter, and it is not considering moving the rink elsewhere either.

Borough spokesperson Alexis Bélanger tied the decision to a court injunction that prevents the borough from reclaiming access to the skatepark and basketball court nearby. "A court injunction currently prevents the borough from reclaiming access to several nearby recreational facilities, including the skatepark and basketball court. Given these circumstances, asking for a relocalization of the 77B skating rink is not being considered," Bélanger told reporters.

The rink at 77 Bernard East was a temporary measure set up to keep public skating available while renovations at the Aréna des Patineuses, formerly Aréna Saint-Louis, were underway. The arena has since reopened, and Plateau councillor Maeva Vilain said the outdoor rink is no longer needed. She also said climate change has made outdoor rinks harder to maintain.

The rink site is now occupied by the Van Horne encampment, which has been there since last year. The Quebec Court of Appeal refused the city's bid to clear it, finding that the alternative locations the city had proposed were not suitable. The court documents say the people living there can stay until the underlying case is heard. No hearing date has been set.

For families in the Mile End who relied on the rink, the closest outdoor skating option is now gone for the season.