Breaking: Mayor responds to kid's outdoor rink controversy!

Mayor steps in.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Breaking: Mayor responds to kid's outdoor rink controversy!

We have a positive update on what was a very negative story.

Earlier today we touched on a story that came from CTV Ottawa reporter Mike Arsalides, a story that involving a couple of young kids, an ice rink and an angry neighbor. The kids had set up a pretty cool ice rink on the side and front of their property, boards and all, and seemed to be having a pretty good time when the neighbor felt they needed to get involved.

"Check out the fun here on the yard with these kids playing hockey, nothing better this time of year," said Arsalides in a preview for his story. "However, the city of Ottawa was notified by a neighbor here that this is not up to code  so tomorrow, the boards have to come down on this outdoor rink. Apparently it's become an eyesore to some individuals here in the area and the family says they are going to have to abide by it or pay a hefty fine."

The timing of the complaint is frankly atrocious. These kids are one week away from Christmas, the time of year where they would have the most free time available to them to play, and they will now be forced to tear down all the hard work they put into their winter project. At least that is the way it appears to be as things stand right now, but thankfully the attention put on this particular case by the media appears to have provoked a reaction from some very powerful figures indeed.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has seen the video published by Arsalides and has vowed to take action regarding this particular case, in fact he indicated that he may have done so already.

"I have asked senior staff to review this.  We are a hockey nation and what can be wrong with playing hockey in your own backyard? I hope to have more information tomorrow to solve this so called problem!"

There's no doubt that, given the entirely negative reaction to the original story, this will be viewed as a very positive move on the part of Watson, and one that will likely cost the city very little to deal with. Hopefully the city will make the right decision and let the kids play.

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