Ottawa's rink of dreams is one step closer to completion after a ground breaking ceremony this morning at city hall.

"The Rink of Dreams will serve as a hub and attraction for residents and tourists alike, breathing new life into Marion Dewar Plaza and our downtown core," said Mayor Jim Watson. "It also creates new opportunities for us to collaborate with the community and host exciting events that complement the many festivals and attractions held in our city."

The new skating rink will be built on the Laurier Avenue side of city hall in Marion Dewar Plaza. It will be ready by next month and will operate yearly between November and March.

The City will operate the rink and is contributing $250,000 towards constructions costs. The Sens Foundation along with local partners and construction companies will contribute the remainder of the design and construction costs.

The city hopes the rink will be Ottawa's answer to Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square or New York's Rockefeller Plaza.