Many more outdoor ice rinks have been closed in the Southeast as a result of the unseasonably warm winter weather we’ve been experiencing.  

On Monday afternoon, we reported that the New Bothwell outdoor rink had been closed preemptively. Jason Peters, Manager of Recreation and Community Services for the RM of Hanover, says that one was closed first because they wanted to protect the ice for the upcoming New Bothwell Winter Carnival this weekend.  

At that time, he said the other outdoor rinks in the municipality remained open. 

More warm, sunny weather has changed that. 

On Tuesday morning, the outdoor rinks in Blumenort, Mitchell, Kleefeld, and Grunthal were all closed until further notice.  

In addition, Steinbach’s outdoor rink at the intersection of Barkman and Elmdale Street is now closed, as is the Niverville outdoor rink, and the La Broquerie outdoor ice surface. 

Hanover’s Jason Peters says they are hoping these closures are temporary. He asks everyone to stay of the ice so that it is not damaged, in the hope that they are able to make the necessary repairs and open the rinks when the weather goes back below zero.