A change is coming in the new year for ice users at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

As of Jan. 1, 2018, helmets will be mandatory for those using ice at the facility.

Janette Messer, community programs and events manager for the Town of Okotoks, says this goes for all on-ice programming.

"When it comes to programming we do expect that all participants, including parents who are on the ice perhaps in the parent and tot program, will be wearing a helmet," she explains. "All users of the ice, that's users of our drop-in programs, community programs, and the events that we host, will all require participants to wear helmets."

On Aug. 1 it was made mandatory for all users under the age of 18 to wear a CSA approved helmet at the Okotoks Rec Centre to help with the transition in the new year.

Messer says the decision is strictly due to safety concerns.

"It really is a safety thing, there's been far too much publicity with regards to injuries on the ice, even through the recreation piece. We just felt that we we're going to be proactive and implement a helmet policy for all ice users moving forward."

For more information on using ice at the Okotoks Rec Centre click here.

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