Vancouver's Robson Square Ice Rink will not be open to the public for skating this holiday season due to the provincial coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, released a statement Tuesday, Dec. 8, announcing that Robson Square will not be opened to the public at this time.
The decision follows provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's announcement yesterday that the B.C.-wide restrictions will be extended into the new year.
The restrictions on group fitness, adult team sports, and all events and social gatherings are now extended to Jan.8 to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel.
"This includes public ice skating at Robson Square."
“This decision has been made as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the orders and direction of the provincial health officer to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in B.C," said Beare.
“The revised Provincial Gathering and Events Order states organized and structured events involving a group of participants are not permitted. This includes public ice skating at Robson Square."
The Robson Square Ice Rink is an annual holiday tradition in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Typically, the attraction is free of charge if you bring your own skates, and only $5 to rent a pair.
Beare adds that the department will continue to assess the situation and follow Henry's guidance as it relates to the Robson Square Ice Rink.
Dr. Bonnie Henry extends B.C.-wide COVID-19 restrictions until Jan. 8
Health officials announced Monday afternoon that the province-wide COVID-19 restrictions will be extended until Jan. 8, 2021. However, one exception is for drive-in and drop-off events, where people do not get out of their cars. In these cases, a maximum of 50 cars is permitted.
"I'm extending my public gatherings and events order of December 4, with respect to the controls and restrictions on people visiting other people in the residence," said Henry. "to midnight of January 8, 2021, as well.
"Of course, we will continue the allowances that we have in place for people who are living alone, to have one or two other visitors. I am also extending my public order of December 4 with respect to prohibiting all gatherings and events, as defined in the order to midnight of January 8, 2021. This means that all those events that we have been talking about for the past few weeks, continue to be prohibited with the exceptions, as they are listed in the order."
All in-person events and community-based gatherings as defined in the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF) are suspended, with the exception of weddings, funerals, baptisms, support group meetings and business meetings.
