Winter Fun in Weyburn: Skating the Souris River

For those brave enough to face the cold weather, an outdoor skating experience has been set up on Souris River by a local resident. Mike Manko-Bauche decided to clear the snow off the river after being inspired by the skating along the 7.8 kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway in our nation's capital.

"In Ottawa, they've got the canal and everybody can skate a few miles north and south down the canal. There's always people out there so I kinda figured why not have a piece of that in Weyburn here," shared Manko-Bauche.

He said the lack of snow so far this winter and the volunteers using the rink have helped to maintain it, especially his father Marcel Bauche, who comes out to shovel most days.

"A few people have been volunteering their time out here on their own and somebody's donated a net so it's all good. Everybody has just kinda taken care of it."

The cleared spaces on the ice include three distinct rinks, which Manko-Bauche said he intended the first one for smaller kids, the middle one for bigger kids and adults, and the figure eight for anyone who wants to stretch their legs and get some speed on their skates.

Manko-Bauche said he would like to extend the skating down river but doesn't want to interfere with other winter activities on the ice, such as skiing and snowmobiling.

Although the river rinks came out of his own desire to skate on the natural ice surface, Manko-Bauche said he is glad the community is enjoying this time honoured Canadian outdoor winter experience. He expects to bring his two-year-old son to the skating spot next winter.

READ MORE: Winter Fun in Weyburn: Snowshoes and Skis