A group of dedicated senior volunteers has once again transformed Brewery Bay into a winter wonderland, constructing and maintaining a sprawling 15,000-square-foot skating rink in front of the Stephen Leacock Museum.
For the past five years, the rink has been a labour of love for the volunteers, including 85-year-old John Degraaf. This year, the team has already faced several challenges, including warm weather and heavy snowfalls, but their determination has prevailed.
“We had it going just after Christmas,” explained Degraaf. “It was going fine before the warm weather and rain totally destroyed the rink before New Year’s.”
When January arrived with significant snowfall, Degraaf and his team worried the rink might not recover. However, their perseverance paid off.
“Fortunately, we were able to get the snow off the rink, all done by hand,” he said. “Once the snow was off, we got this cold weather, which is great for forming ice.”
Using a sump pump and long attachment, the volunteers have flooded the rink and plan to keep it clear with a snow blower for future snowfalls.
Degraaf emphasized the rink is a collaborative effort involving local residents who live in the area.
“This just keeps us busy in the winter,” he said. “It also lets us do something for our community and gives back to some of our grandkids who use the rink.”
The rink, which is free for everyone, has drawn skaters of all levels.
“The people who come are really appreciative,” Degraaf said. “We have total beginners and people who can skate out there. It gives us great pleasure to see people enjoying it and we’d like it to be busier.”
Warm winters have made the rink difficult to maintain in recent years. Last winter, a snowmobile damaged the soft ice, which is why Degraaf urges the community to avoid sledding on the rink.
“It’s taken volunteers countless hours to perfect, and the tracks can destroy a lot of hard work,” he said. “This year, the conditions are the best we’ve had.”
Degraaf believes the rink is one of the most picturesque in Ontario.
“The views are just phenomenal,” he said. “It’s right on the Bay with the Leacock boathouse in the background and the ice huts in the far distance. It’s very scenic.”
Degraaf says he rink is also open to hockey players when casual skaters aren't using it.
“We only have one net, but some kids invent their own game,” he explained.
As the rink continues to draw locals and visitors alike, the senior volunteers hope their hard work inspires the community to enjoy the beauty of winter and the joy of skating.
“It’s not just about the rink,” Degraaf said. “It’s about bringing people together.”
