Ottawa ice skating: Synthetic skating rink to open in ByWard Market [Video]

Winter sports enthusiasts will have a new place to go ice skating in Ottawa this winter.

The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) in partnership with Ottawa Tourism confirmed on Monday its intention to build a new synthetic skating rink on William Street. The rink will be installed on Tuesday.

“Unlike traditional ice rinks, this sustainable and eco-friendly 88 ft. rink offers a skating experience that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of the temperature, enhancing Ottawa’s winter landscape,” the authority said in a news release.

Melanie Anderson, BMDA’s general manager, says there will be skate rentals and sharpening on site. The rink will open on Friday with a kickoff event and tree lighting from 4 to 8 p.m.

“We decided it was a good fit for this street. And then it’ll give us the ability to use it maybe at different points of the year too,” Anderson said.

“It’s a really good investment that we’re hoping to extend, for the next …