Saskatoon community associations have received a letter from the City of Saskatoon recommending they pull the nets from community rinks in order to help residents comply with the public health order which does not permit sports or activities where one or more individuals compete against others.

It applies to both indoor and outdoor ice rinks where the city says, under the public health order, any kind of organized or pick-up hockey during designated public skating times is not permitted. This includes competitions for all amateur and recreational leagues. But they can continue to have practices with 8 people or less as long as 3 meter distancing is maintained. The maximum number of people allowed on the outdoor ice rink at any one time is 30.

The letter also suggests that Associations, where the public health order is contravened, may be held responsible. “Associations can choose to ignore the orders and our recommendations, but they will then be held accountable for the potential consequences to be issued by the province.”

Any Community Association which rents out their rinks for the practice scenario are advised to have a supervisor in attendance.