Staffing and operational realities outlined for the Smiths Falls outdoor rink
SMITHS FALLS — Questions surrounding the maintenance of the Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink in Smiths Falls were addressed publicly Monday night, following a weekend of social media criticism sparked by a video showing snow being cleared from the ice surface.
The video circulated Saturday and prompted dozens of comments from residents who said the outdoor rink was not consistently maintained during the holiday break and questioned who is responsible for its upkeep.
Speaking during a verbal report to Smiths Falls council on Monday night, Jan. 5, Community Services Director Stephanie Clark said town staff have continued to maintain the rink, while balancing weather conditions, staffing levels, and safety priorities.
“The outdoor rink has been and continues to be part of that work, and I fully support the professionalism and judgment our operations team has exercised in balancing safety, service delivery, and available resources,” Clark said.
Clark acknowledged the online criticism, saying she had not personally viewed the comments but was aware of their general context. She cautioned against interpreting fluctuating rink conditions as neglect.
“It is important to remember that outdoor rinks are, by their nature, weather dependent community amenities,” she said. “They do not operate under the same controlled conditions as indoor facilities. Variability in surface quality does not mean the rink is being neglected, and it does not mean staff are not doing their jobs.”
Clark said reduced staffing over the holidays affected operations, noting there were no staff on site Dec. 24, 25, 26, or New Year’s Day, days that coincided with snowfall events.
“There is at least a daily requirement to resurface with the backup ice resurfacer when the rink is open,” she said. “When we are open, that work is done. We also have the tractor out at least 2 to 3 times a week, or more as needed, to clear snow.”
She said the rink is considered a community space rather than a full-service facility, and that staff prioritize indoor recreation facilities and safety first.
“It’s not a full-service experience,” Clark said. “We are asking folks to pitch in as well, because we need to protect and invest in our facilities and safety first, and then the outdoor rink becomes an additional part of our day.”
Clark also addressed volunteer involvement, saying she welcomes community participation but emphasized safety considerations.
“It genuinely brings me great joy to see members of the community, especially young people, picking up a shovel and helping care for a shared community space,” she said. “That sense of collective responsibility and pride is exactly what outdoor rinks are meant to foster.”
She encouraged residents with concerns to contact the town directly rather than relying on social media.
“Facebook and social media, particularly private spaces, are not monitored by staff regularly,” Clark said. “If residents share concerns through official town channels, we may be able to respond more quickly.”
Clark said residents can contact the town by emailing info@smithsfalls.ca or calling the municipal office. She added that new signage is being installed at the rink to provide updated contact information, noting previous signage was no longer in place.
Council members thanked staff for working through the holidays, with Clark acknowledging the efforts of operations staff who continued maintaining municipal facilities during Christmas and New Year’s despite reduced staffing levels.
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