Updated Jan. 3, 2012

Vancouver's favourite outdoor ice rink officially opens for the third consecutive winter, to once again provide skating, public events and family fun, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid announced.

The skating rink at Robson Square is open until the end of February 2012. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Skating is free with your own skates. Skate and helmet rentals, skate sharpening and a concession stand are available at the rink.

The Province is also hosting its popular schools program again this year. The rink can be booked for school groups, grades 4 to 7, who would like organize a class skating trip during a school day. Last winter, more than 110 school groups and 4,300 students participated in the school skating program hosted by the Province.

Last winter, over 150,000 people visited the plaza for ice skating, concerts and other special events. The Province received international kudos during the 2010 Winter Games for the use of the space as 1.5 million visitors enjoyed the ice rink, zip line, free entertainment and concerts.

Quotes:

Denis Vaillancourt, president, Canada Ice Dance Theatre -

"The skating rink here at Robson Square is such a great community builder. Friends and family can get together in this incredible location for skating, entertainment and wholesome winter fun. And right in the heart of the city."

Quick Facts:

A history of Robson Square:

• Robson Square was designed by Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson. It opened in two phases, in 1978 and 1979, and was completed at a total cost of $139 million.
• Vancouver's first outdoor public skating rink opened in Robson Square in 1982.
• From 2004 to 2011, the Province worked to revitalize and extend the life of Robson Square. The renewal project was a $40.9 million, multi-year project to ensure the vibrancy of the landmark space continues well into the future.
• In 2010, Robson Square hosted the only free organized public activity in Vancouver on New Year's Eve. More than 1,200 people came out to enjoy live music, skating and New Year's countdowns.
• In May 2011, the Province received a prestigious award for Robson Square from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for "enduring excellence in Canadian architecture."

Learn More:

For more information about Robson Square's skating rink, please visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/citz/robson_square/index.html

Contact:

Melody Wey
Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 508-5030