LAURIE WEIR
The beloved Skate the Lake event may return to Portland Bay this winter, though potentially in a different format.
John Bongers, president of Portland Outdoors, the organization behind the event, said the team is working hard to ensure something happens this year, even if it’s not the traditional two-day event.
“There is some really good ice,” he said in a phone interview on Saturday, Jan. 11. “We’ll be having the Skate the Lake challenge for sure, but it’s not likely we’ll have an official event weekend.”
For nearly two decades, Skate the Lake has drawn skaters and winter enthusiasts from across Ontario and beyond, but the event has been cancelled the past two years due to unseasonably warm conditions.
Bongers acknowledged the challenges of organizing such an event with fluctuating weather and limited resources.
He is seeking help, as both he and co-organizer Marco Smits have other commitments that will limit the time they can spend maintaining the ice.
“We need help with equipment repairs, driving the Olympia and the sweeper,” Bongers said. “We’ve been in touch with skaters and volunteers to keep everyone updated.”
This year’s event is expected to have a more casual format, focusing on community connection rather than competitive races or large-scale programming.
Early next week, Bongers plans to check the ice thickness.
“I haven’t cut any blocks yet, but I expect to do that on Monday,” he said, adding that the team will have a better idea of when the one-kilometre oval can open after that.
In past years, Skate the Lake has featured speed skating races up to 100 kilometres, including 50-kilometre, 25-kilometre, and 5-kilometre events, as well as one-kilometre family skates. Separate ice sections have been cleared for younger children to skate and for learning to curl. Fire pits were also available to keep attendees warm.
However, all of that remains uncertain this year as organizers work out the logistics. Traditionally, Skate the Lake has taken place on the last weekend of January.
“At this point, we are not speculating about an actual Skate the Lake weekend or a date because it’s just too early for that,” Bongers said.
In the meantime, Bongers is encouraging anyone with time or resources to contribute to reach out directly.
Call him at 613-329-0902 if you can lend a hand, drive a machine, or assist with equipment repairs.
