The Canada Games Oval is a permanent skating rink/speed skating rink installed in Halifax, NS on the Halifax Commons for the 2011 Canada Games. It is the size of 3 NHL Hockey Rinks.[1]
In December 2010, the oval was opened to the public for public skates and skating lessons. The oval was from February 12–16, 2011 for long track speed skating competitions. The oval hosted speed skating events in the Canadian Masters Championships, January 15–16, 2011 and the 2011 Canada Games,[2] February 11–27, 2011. The oval is slated to be removed in March 2011. After initial delays opening, caused by unseasonably warm temperatures in HRM, the oval opened to tremendous response from the community. Hundreds of people have come out each day, for free skating, with some estimates placing attendance as high as 2000 people in a single day.[3] Due to the overwhelming response, Halifax mayor Peter Kelly is calling for the fixture to be made permanent.[4] District 12 Councillor Dawn Sloane agrees the venue is very popular and is calling for studies on the long term costs of operating a permanent facility.[5]