Upper Canada Skating Club

My child has never skated before. Can I still sign them up/register them for CanSkate?

• Yes. The CanSkate program is designed to teach children to skate, even if they have no experience.

What are 'Test Days'?

• Test Days apply only to skaters who have passed out of the CanSkate program and skate on the Junior and above sessions. This does not include those skating on the Pre-Junior session as that is still considered CanSkate (stages 6 and 7). These tests are submitted by the skater's private coach. Those skaters on the CanSkate sessions are tested everytime they are on the ice in their group lesson; there is no specific test day for those on the CanSkate sessions.

What should my child bring/wear on their CanSkate sessions?

• Please click on the following link and scroll down to: Tips For Parents: What To Bring To Each Class...

Is the fundraising fee mandatory?

• Yes. Fundraising is an important part of every non profit organization.  It helps off set rising costs of ice, coaching costs, utilities, insurance and many other expenses.  Most organizations require every parent to participate in a fundraising event each season however with the busy lives we lead, we know such events are not always possible so a one time per season fee is the most cost-effective and convenient way to raise money. Our ice fees are still the lowest around and we hope to keep it affordable to all our members.

What is the 'Skate Canada Fee', and is it mandatory?

• The Skate Canada Fee is an annual membership fee due September 1st of each year. The fee covers the skater from September 1st to August 31st in any skating season. It's a fee charged to Upper Canada by Skate Canada when we register your child/ren with Skate Canada. Yes, it is mandatory, and because we are a Skate Canada sanctioned skating club, no one is allowed to skate on Upper Canada's ice without paying the membership fee. This fee is sent directly to Skate Canada who uses money to cover costs of running a national skating organization, insuring our skaters, and supporting our local Section.

Are there make up days?

• No. There are no substitution of days under any circumstances. Please note: those sessions that fall on statuatory holidays, test days or days that Upper Canada is closed were not included in the session fees.

Where can I buy skates and a helmet?

• We recommend that you buy your skates and helmet from an etablishment that can fit your skates properly. These include: Figure Skating Boutique (www.figureskatingboutique.com), National Sports, Sport Mart, Sports Check or any other sporting goods stores.

Do you rent/sell skates/helmets?

• No. You must buy your skates/helmets from a sporting goods store. Stores we recommend are listed above.

Can I rent ice from you?

• No. Upper Canada rents their ice from the City of Toronto via a permit covering a specific number of days and hours to run our programs. If you want to rent ice, you will have to contact the City of Toronto directly; please refer to The Fun Guide or the City's website: www.toronto.ca.

Do you have Public Skating/Family Skate?

• No. Public Skating/Family Skate is a City of Toronto run program. Please refer to The Fun Guide or the City of Toronto's website for times and locations. The link for the City's website is above.

Why can't I leave my child unattended during CanSkate?

• Children under the age of 10, by law, are not allowed to be left unattended by a parent.  We operate in a City-owned facility therefore we must comply with City by-laws.  Fines can be levied to parents who leave their children alone.

I was told that the all-purpose helmet is fine for skating, why can't my child use it?

• Only CSA approved hockey helmets are acceptable for CanSkaters and Pre-Schoolers. Other helmets do not protect the forehead and back of the head.  Children fall most often face forward and without adequate protection, will suffer head injuries.  Very young skaters or new skaters should consider a face mask to protect their faces from impact with the ice. Children will fall, and we want to minimize or eliminate any injuries.

Does Upper Canada have a 'Welcome Policy'?

• No. This policy is available through the City of Toronto and applies only to their programs, not Upper Canada's. Please refer to the City's Fun Guide or website for more information (www.toronto.ca).