Dec 6, 2018. Taken from Ferris wheel. Photo courtesy of Patricia Chang Imagine your mandate was to design an outdoor place in Montreal that would embody the Canadian identity, and one where you could enjoy sun, fresh air from the St. Lawrence River, and soak in the spectacular views and history of the city, all while enjoying music of all eras, genres and languages, and even get some exercise in? Where people young and old, locals and tourists, couples on first dates, singles getting energized before tackling their work days or relaxing after a tough week, children with their parents and grandparents, groups from elementary and high schools and colleges, hockey teams, breakdancing and ice skating groups, and those of all ages and nationalities could co-exist and mingle in a magical setting? Where the vibe is one of excitement, positivity and joy, and even tranquility, depending on the time of day? What if I told you, such a place already exists—and has been in existence for 33 years? The skating rink at Bonsecours Basin at the Old Port of Montreal has evolved into the embodiment of a modern Canadian square; a genius loci. Those who gather there, non-skaters and skaters alike, connect to the rich history, culture and identity of Montreal, Quebec and Canada, to nature, and to each other. They are not just sitting there scrolling on their phones, they are actively participating in physical exercise, having fun and laughing while learning a new skill, even if they fall. Isn’t this what we want for our youth and young adults? To become physically and mentally strong, especially with depression and anxiety levels being at all-time highs? To become resilient, to be able to handle all the stress of growing up so that they can contribute to society? The natural skating rink of Bonsecours Basin last seen in February 2020. Photo courtesy of Patricia Chang So then why would the Federal Government—which owns the land where the skating rink is located—quietly announce that they would be closing the skating rink, due to costs associated with the requirement of a new refrigeration system meant to deal with extreme fluctuating temperatures? It seems ironic that the government, which had spent years developing the Old Port—starting from the national competition in 1981 and completion in 1992—would make this decision so hastily as a “fait accompli,” especially since the skating rink had always been the shining star. It has become more and more popular each year, despite the fact that one must pay to skate and a parking fixed fee of $25 has been implemented. The skating surface has also decreased: the natural ice rink of the entire Basin used to be maintained and accessible for skating, but in the last five years, only the refrigerated portion of the rink has been in operation. The unpredictable weather has also shortened the seasons of many neighborhoods’ natural ice rinks across Montreal Island, so that is all the more reason for the Old Port refrigerated rink to stay open. As for the costs? The complex at Bonsecours Basin is currently grossly under used. When the refrigerated rink is closed for nine months out of the year, the open space of the rink, or the space in front of the pavilion, could be used for events. Imagine dancing under the stars, or doing yoga, tai chi, martial arts, or break dancing, or even attending weddings there during the day. The possibilities are endless. Same goes for the two-winged pavilion. In fact, the upper storey, rooftops, and side terrace could be used for events during the season, and off season, could be rented to groups and events. Ferris Wheel. Photo courtesy of Patricia Chang Perhaps we can also look to other cities for inspiration such as Reston, Virginia, which has their outdoor skating rink, that features a gorgeous glass and steel structure, as their main attraction to the town square. Their off-season events even include concerts. Other examples include Delaware River Rink in Philadelphia, and Wollman Rink in Central Park. The latter is an activity hub with a skating season that lasts seven weeks longer than ours. While their climates don’t experience the same extremes as ours, the warmer temperatures also present their own challenges. The Old Montreal rink is in one of the most gorgeous unique settings in the world. It is not as large as the Rideau Skateway, but it is of no less importance. So, what is the silver lining? The opportunity to maximize the potential of the site—in a way which retains the open-air skating rink. A start is signing a petition on Change.org. How can architects or developers rally to approach the government with further ideas and plans? I would be pleased to offer my suggestions. Patricia Chang is a lifelong Montrealer, former architect, realtor, content creator on Tik Tok as elfie@BigPictureCoach and is writing a book on Hope and Humour for Humanity. The post Op-Ed: A Silver Lining to the Closure of Montreal’s Old Port Skating Rink? appeared first on Canadian Architect.