The City of Saint John has announced a new round of its popular Flash Ice program. This initiative allows residents and groups to book surplus ice rental slots at significantly reduced rates between February 18 and March 3, 2026. These slots vanish quickly, so if you want to organize a birthday celebration, a family skate, a corporate event, or an extra team practice, you need to act fast.

Rates and Deadlines

You must secure your booking by Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 12 noon. The City allocates these spots on a first-come, first-served basis. The discounted pricing applies specifically to hourly rentals within the February 18 to March 3 window.

Hourly Rates (plus HST):

• Youth Not‑for‑Profit Groups: $80.89
• Adult Not‑for‑Profit Groups: $141.57
• For‑Profit/Commercial Events: $183.85

Note that tournaments and fundraisers do not qualify for Flash Ice pricing.

Available Locations and Times

Surplus time is available at three major city facilities: Charles Gorman Arena, Stewart Hurley Arena, and Peter Murray Arena. Slots range from early morning options (7:30 am) to late evening times (up to 10:30 pm), with weekend availability included.

You can view the specific hourly breakdown for each arena directly on the City of Saint John website.

How to Book

To reserve your ice time, email Darrell Fountain, the Sports Liaison, at darrell.fountain@saintjohn.ca. If you do not have a booking account yet, create one via the PlaySJ portal to ensure staff can link your request efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to book these slots?

Yes. You must provide proof of insurance coverage before the City confirms your booking. If you do not have your own policy, coverage is available through the City’s provider for a nominal cost.

Can I book ice time for a tournament at these rates?

No. Tournaments and fundraisers are excluded from Flash Ice pricing. The discount applies strictly to standard hourly rentals for events like practices, birthday parties, or recreational skates.

Can I book a half-hour slot?

No. All Flash Ice bookings must be made by the hour.