A Moment with the Mayor: The great Canadian outdoors

Winter is upon us, and we can now enjoy the season to the fullest. For some reason, this season seems to be the most predictable. Our community and the surrounding area have numerous opportunities to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and clean, crisp snow. Getting out and taking the time to enjoy this season will help it to pass a little quicker.

The sound of skates cutting the ice can be one of many skates out playing a game of shinny with only a couple of sticks and a puck or the solitary sound as a single skater glides around the outdoor ice. This sound is not something that people anywhere else get to experience. Some of my best childhood memories are of clearing the snow off the pond behind our house, setting up a bench, and then putting on my skates so I could skate in my backyard. 

Today, our city offers many outdoor ice surfaces, which are always open to enjoy. The biggest rink in the city can be found at Bud Miller All Seasons Park, as the lake has been cleared and is ready for everyone to check out. City staff maintains an area on the lake along with eight other outdoor ice surfaces throughout the city to provide the community space to enjoy on skates. Another amazing surface for making a lap or two is the Oval which is lit up just west of the Servus Sports Centre. 

Skiing is another activity readily available in our city and area as well. Bud Miller All Seasons Park offers excellent cross-country skiing, Mount Joy ski hill, located south of the city, provides great runs and is just minutes away.

I would be remiss not to mention the great ice fishing in the area. It can be done as simply as going out for the day with an auger, a rod and a pail, to those who have a renovated camper or other such shelters. Many a family has gathered to enjoy a day of fishing and made great memories for all.

I want to leave you with a safety reminder to remember to dress for the weather and remember depending on the wind chill, your skin may freeze quickly. Remember to check the depth of ice for those on lakes before enjoying all that winter has to offer.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster