The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is reviewing a plan put forward by a consortium of companies to place a roof over an outdoor skating rink.

The roof is made out of stretched fabric and comes complete with a set of lights.

The cover could save community leagues a significant amount of time and resources clearing snow as well as extend the life of the ice by protecting it from the melting rays of the sun.  It would also give the league the ability to guarantee ice time, which would help facilitate league programs like carnivals and learn-to-skate programs, as well as the activities of user groups like hockey and ringette.

The consortium, which includes Calgary-based companies Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. and Global Resource Efficiency Services, estimates the cost of the roof system to be between $300,000 and $400,000.

The federation is looking at ways in which the cost could be subsidized for one or two pilot projects.  A report outlining these options is slated for consideration by the board on January 12.

Download a Geo Dome brochure