The City of Saint John has announced a new round of “Flash Ice,” offering residents and groups the chance to book surplus arena time at significantly reduced rates. If you are looking to host a birthday party, organize a family skate, or squeeze in an extra practice for your team, you can now secure spots between March 4 and March 17, 2026.

Flash Ice Rates and Savings

These time slots provide a cost-effective alternative to standard rental fees. The City has structured the pricing tiers based on the type of group booking the ice:

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

Note that all rates are hourly and subject to HST.

Booking Deadline and Requirements

Because these slots are surplus inventory, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must secure your booking by Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

To finalize a rental, you need insurance coverage. You can provide your own proof of insurance or purchase it directly through the City’s provider for a nominal fee.

How to Secure Your Spot

The City requires bookings to be made by the hour. To reserve a time slot, email Darrell Fountain, the City’s Sports Liaison, at darrell.fountain@saintjohn.ca.

If you do not have an existing account with the City’s recreation department, you must create an account here before staff can process your request.

Available Times and Locations

The discounted rates apply only to specific surplus slots at the Charles Gorman, Stewart Hurley, and Peter Murray arenas. Below is a summary of the availability:

Charles Gorman Arena

• Evenings: March 6, 13 (9:30 pm start)
• Weekends: March 7, 8, 14, 15 (Various morning and afternoon slots)
• Weekdays: March 10, 17 (4:00 pm start)

Stewart Hurley Arena

• Weekdays: Multiple evening slots on March 4, and scattered times from March 9-12, 16-17.
• Weekends: Extensive availability on March 7, 8, 14, and 15.

Peter Murray Arena

• Evenings: Late night slots available March 6, 7, 8, 13, 15, and 16.
• Afternoons: 4:00 pm slots available March 9 and 16.

For the complete, itemized schedule of every specific hour available, visit the official City of Saint John News and Notices page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Flash Ice for a tournament?
No. The City explicitly excludes tournaments and fundraisers from Flash Ice pricing eligibility.

What happens if I miss the February 24 deadline?
The discounted rates and specific hold on these surplus slots expire at noon on February 24. After this time, availability and pricing may revert to standard operations or be released differently.

Do I have to book a full hour?
Yes. All Flash Ice bookings must be made in one-hour increments.

Is insurance included in the price?
No. You must provide proof of insurance or purchase it separately through the City.