City of Peterborough Looking for Volunteers to Help Keep Neighbourhood Rinks Open This Winter

By Scott Arnold

The City of Peterborough is looking for community-minded volunteers to help maintain outdoor neighbourhood rinks this winter, giving residents of all ages a place to skate and enjoy the season.

Peterborough’s Kara Doherty is getting assistance on that path after being named one of Empowered Kids Ontario’s 2026 Scholars. This prestigious award is given annually to eight students across Ontario (photo courtesy of Five Counties)

Neighbourhood Rink Volunteers will work alongside City staff and other community members to help keep designated outdoor rinks safe, clean and ready for use throughout the winter.

The role involves a variety of hands-on responsibilities, including helping set up rink boards at the beginning of the season, assisting with snow removal and ice maintenance, supporting rink flooding and helping with opening and closing procedures.

Volunteers will also be expected to conduct daily safety inspections using online checklists provided by the City, monitor rink conditions and report maintenance needs or safety concerns to staff. Other duties include keeping emergency exits clear, maintaining the surrounding area and sharing updates with residents, such as weather-related rink closures, using signage provided.

The City will provide required annual volunteer and equipment training. Volunteers must follow all safety protocols and the City's rink maintenance guidelines.

Applicants should be enthusiastic about community involvement, comfortable working outdoors in winter conditions and able to perform light physical tasks such as shovelling snow. Reliability, punctuality and strong communication skills are also important. Previous experience with outdoor rinks or skating is an asset, but is not required.

The position is listed for volunteers aged 16 and older. The City's information also states that children under 13 may participate in a City-approved activity when accompanied by an adult and with signed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

A police check with vulnerable sector screening is listed among the qualifications. Selected applicants may also be asked to provide a Clear Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Those interested in volunteering must submit a Volunteer Application Form and Volunteer Agreement and Waiver by email to volunteer@peterborough.ca.

For more information, contact communityvolunteers@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-7777 ext. 2179.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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