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A growing number of Squamish families and athletes are calling on the District to build a second ice rink, citing a shortage of ice time that is preventing children and adults from participating in local sports programs.
The group Second Rink Squamish has launched a petition asking the municipality to address the shortage, which they say is limiting access to youth hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and recreational leagues. The town’s only arena, located at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, is struggling to accommodate the needs of a rapidly growing population.
Squamish, home to nearly 24,000 residents, currently has just one ice sheet. In contrast, similar-sized B.C. communities — such as Cranbrook, Salmon Arm, and Port Alberni — each operate two or more rinks.
Families Turned Away
The ice shortage has led to long waitlists for minor hockey and blocked access for late joiners. Local programs have been forced to cap enrollment at 24 players per birth year. In some cases, children are being denied the chance to participate altogether.
Kristi R., a parent in Squamish, said her 13-year-old son has been unable to join hockey despite years of trying, simply because there isn’t enough space.
Adult leagues are also affected, with games often starting as late as 10:30 or 11 p.m. Some youth practices take place before sunrise or require sharing the ice with up to 50 skaters at a time.
Celine P. said her daughter, a competitive figure skater, has to travel out of town for sufficient ice time — something she described as unsustainable. Another parent, Darren M., warned that local kids are leaving Squamish to pursue sports opportunities elsewhere because they cannot be accommodated here.
Barriers to Growth
The group behind the petition argues that the lack of facilities not only affects current participants but also discourages newcomers. “If you don’t have your kids in hockey by the time they’re four, then it’s too late,” said Aryn D., who noted that her family faced barriers trying to enter the sport.
Second Rink Squamish also highlights gender disparities, noting that girls in town struggle to find spots on co-ed teams or female divisions due to ice availability limitations. Kristen W. said her two daughters wanted to join hockey but couldn’t find space on any team.
Other residents have expressed frustration at the lack of action, primarily as Squamish promotes itself as a recreation-oriented community. “The arena has not changed since I played Ringette there 30 years ago,” noted Aileen R. “The population has doubled since then.”
A Call for Investment
Supporters of the campaign say the town needs to invest in recreation infrastructure that reflects its growth. A second rink, they argue, would reduce scheduling conflicts, support inclusion in sport, and allow Squamish to host tournaments and competitions that would benefit the local economy.
“This is about more than hockey,” the group writes on its website. “A second rink would support all ice sports and create a space for community gatherings and wellness for residents of all ages.”
The petition to support a second rink is currently open to signatures.
