The Head of Parks and Recreation for Steinbach says the arrival of winter weather means outdoor rec options are starting to take shape.

Russ Dyck says on Thursday, their crews began preparing the outdoor skating rinks at both the arena and library.

"This weather is definitely cold enough now and we've got a good snow pack to help us build the ice," notes Dyck. "For awhile it wasn't looking too good in terms of outdoor rink prospects but looking good now."

Dyck notes there is quite a difference between preparing ice on days of -10 degrees and -18 degrees.

"The water basically freezes as you put it down so it's a much quicker build than working with minus ten temperatures," says Dyck. "It does freeze but it takes a few hours usually."

The two rinks are expected to open by the end of this week. That would be slightly earlier than last year when rinks opened a few days before Christmas.

As has been the case in recent years, the rink at the library is intended for pleasure skating and does not allow sticks or pucks. In addition to these two rinks, Dyck says city crews help out with four smaller neighbourhood rinks.

Meanwhile, Dyck says Abe's Hill has been busy in recent days. He notes there is a good snow pack allowing kids to do some tobogganing.