Brantford Neighbourhood Associations seeking Flood Hero volunteers

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Neighbourhood Alliance of Brantford, is looking for volunteers to help keep local outdoor neighbourhood ice rinks in great shape during the winter months.

“The neighbourhood ice rink program is a cherished winter tradition in Brantford and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers,” says Maegen Rutten, Neighbourhood Program Coordinator for the City of Brantford. “We are now seeking additional volunteers to help maintain the rinks so families can enjoy them all season long.”

Together, the City of Brantford and local Neighbourhood Associations are currently seeking volunteers to assist with various Flood Hero volunteer duties including set-up, take-down, flooding the rinks, clearing snow, and inspections. Experience is not required to volunteer to be a Flood Hero. Training will be provided. High school community hours will be available. Volunteer Applications are available at www.Brantford.ca/OutdoorRinks.

Over 20 ice rinks are maintained by local neighbourhood Flood Hero volunteers and supported and regularly inspected by City of Brantford staff to ensure safe conditions for residents to enjoy recreational ice-skating during the winter months. Ice rinks are open from dawn until 11 p.m., weather permitting. Cedarland, Greenbrier and James Hillier outdoor rinks are closed during school hours. Review locations and open or closed status updates online at www.Brantford.ca/OutdoorRinks. For the public’s safety, please abide by the rules of conduct so that everyone can enjoy skating.

Some park locations in Brantford may not be equipped to offer neighbourhood outdoor ice rinks due to non-existent infrastructure such as access to water, lighting or accessibility.

Find more volunteer opportunities, visit www.Brantford.ca/Volunteer, email volunteer@brantford.ca or call 519-759-4150.

Residents and their pets are advised to stay off frozen stormwater ponds for their safety. Water levels and flows change rapidly and due to the run-off from road salts, the ice can be thinner and weaker than it appears, making skating or other activities extremely dangerous. For more information visit, www.Brantford.ca/Stormwater.