It has been a long wait it seems, but a 2.4 km section of the Rideau Canal Skateway is opening Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 8 am.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced the skateway crew will be opening the section between the Pretoria Bridge and the Bank Street Bridge.
Each winter for the past 50 years, the NCC transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart of downtown Ottawa, over a total length of 7.8 kilometres.
The skating season typically runs from early January to early March, but it is weather dependent and this year it has taken a little bit longer for mother nature to establish a depth of 30 cm of ice, so the surface can support all all the skaters and the heavy machinery required to maintain the skateway.
Occasionally but rarely the skateway has opened in December. In fact, according to the NCC, twice in it’s 51-year history the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened as early as December 18. The early opening dates occurred in 1972 and 1981.
The NCC has been keeping the public informed with ongoing updates on Twitter. But residents can also keep informed by visiting the NCC Rideau Canal Skateway website.
Skaters are advised adhere to public health directives while encouraging exercise only close to home. When open, the Skateway is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Some of the important changes when skating on the Rideau this year include:
• Concession stands, rentals, & fire pits will be closed
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Respect washroom capacity limit
by OTTtimes staff
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