Mayor’s Levee celebration marks the start of a bright year ahead

Clarington, ON – On Sunday, the annual Mayor’s Levee brought the Clarington community together to welcome the new year with an afternoon of free family activities. To kick off the festivities, Mayor Foster hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Clarington’s first-ever outdoor refrigerated skating rink.

In true Clarington spirit, approximately two thousand people gathered at the Courtice Community Complex to swim, skate, and more, while also connecting with the Mayor and members of Council. Guests were delighted by an on-ice performance by the Bowmanville Figure Skating Club and then had the chance to try the rink themselves.

Mayor Foster and Council members shared their wishes for a bright and beautiful 2025 to all who call Clarington home.

“I’m so excited to celebrate the opening of our first refrigerated outdoor skating rink. This is a place where families will make lasting memories, skating in winter and enjoying a year-round community hub. Places like this help build healthier communities and make Clarington an even better place to live,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “This is just the beginning; we’re working to build refrigerated outdoor skating rinks across Clarington.”

With maple syrup taffy and hot cocoa treats, children enjoyed fun games, face painting, henna art, and a magician, and got the chance to meet the TV characters Bluey and Bingo.

The Clarington Library, Museums, and Archives sparked kids' imaginations with tales of adventure during their storytime sessions, while the Clarington Emergency and Fire Services and Durham Regional Police Services connected with residents on what is involved in caring for our community.

Mayor Foster, Members of Council and community members officially open Clarington’s first-ever outdoor refrigerated skating rink. 

Mayor Foster members of Council and staff show pride in bringing this new recreational amenity to Clarington.

Residents can get active and make memories with the family all winter long.

The grand opening of Clarington’s first outdoor refrigerated skating rink signals the progress underway to bring new amenities to life for everyone to enjoy. Residents shared their desire to make recreation, arts and culture a priority in Clarington’s Strategic Plan 2024-27. Newcastle will see a second outdoor rink, scheduled for construction at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in 2025. A third rink is planned for the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre in 2026.

Seeing everyone come together highlights the vibrancy of life here and the excitement for our future. From all of us at the Municipality of Clarington, we look forward to delivering on our commitment to residents to create a strong, thriving, and connected community where everyone is welcome.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net