A temporary roller rink that pops up in vacant retail spaces around the GTA has officially opened at a Burlington mall after a short delay due to permit issues.
SUSO Skate Co., based in Toronto and known for turning empty storefronts into roller skating venues, launched its latest location on Saturday at 900 Maple Ave. inside Mapleview Shopping Centre, taking over the old Decathlon store.
The opening comes just days after the company announced on social media that it was still waiting for final approvals to welcome guests.
In an update posted about 48 hours before the planned launch, the business mentioned that this delay led to around $100,000 in lost bookings during one of its busiest periods leading into March break.
The company also shared that it received a $1,334 fine on the day it expected to open while still awaiting final sign-off and paperwork.
This post generated many comments from supporters, with several users tagging the City of Burlington hoping for a quick resolution.
“The city and world need more outdoor fun spaces for kids, teens, families and communities to get together,” one user wrote. “Small businesses helping this part of social life should be revered and supported.”
Another commenter urged officials to act fast, writing: “Give them a permit and stop being the fun police.”
The next day, SUSO Skate shared another update stating that discussions with city councillor Kelvin Galbraith, the mayor, and city licensing officials had resolved the issue.
The team confirmed that the rink would open as planned on Saturday, March 14, encouraging visitors to book their skating sessions ahead of time since only a limited number of walk-ins would be accepted.
<p Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Henry O’Brien and Janine Bartels, SUSO Skate Co. focuses on creating temporary roller rinks that offer skating experiences in unused retail spaces.
The idea first kicked off at The Bentway in Toronto before expanding throughout the GTA. Pop-ups have appeared at Bramalea City Centre, Oshawa Centre, Cambridge Centre, Promenade Shopping Centre, CF Shops at Don Mills and Cloverdale Mall.
<p Similar to traditional roller rinks, these events feature colorful lighting, music and themed skate nights aimed at generating a nostalgic vibe.
Themed events have included Soca Saturday, Seventies Sunday and Walkman Wednesday-combining skating with music and community happenings.
According to SUSO Skate Co., its pop-up locations have welcomed over 100,000 skaters since they started.
“Our mission is a simple one – get people active and having fun with friends and family while reducing the amount of time they spend on their digital devices,” reads their website.
SUSO has also introduced a mobile skate van that collaborates with BIAs and municipal recreation departments to provide free skate rentals to communities across southern Ontario.
The Burlington rink is set to operate from Wednesday through Sunday offering sessions suitable for all ages along with adult skate nights.
Admission fees-including skate rental-generally start around $18. Private events and group booking options are available too.
– Cover photo via SUSO Skate Co. With files from Ashley Newport and Karen Longwell
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