OTTAWA, Feb. 24, 2023 – The official word from the National Capital Commission has come down today that for the first time ever, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway will not be opening.
Since its inception in 1973, skating along the 7.8 km UNESCO World Heritage attraction has been a rite of winter for many Ottawa residents and visitors, but the NCC says, “despite our best efforts, the weather got the best of us for the first time in our history.”
As mentioned by the NCC when the announcement came that the canal skateway would remain closed during Winterlude 2023, their crews require the 10 to 14 consecutive days of temperatures between -10°C and -20°C in order to accumulate enough good quality ice to make skating safe. NCC says they require a 30-cm thickness of good solid ice before the canal is safe for skaters and maintenance vehicles. That has just not been feasible with this year’s inconsistent weather patterns in the Ottawa.
“You’re disappointed. We’re disappointed. Bruce is disappointed,” concludes the tweet form National Capital Commission.
The NCC has been assessing and preparing for the impacts of climate change on its assets and operations for several years, and this year they say they have learned a great deal about the effects of milder winters on the Skateway.
The July 2021 Risk assessment of the effects of climate change on the Rideau Canal Skateway report led to our partnership with Carleton University to collect data on the Skateway and test options for ice management. We will analyze the data and the results of our pilot projects and remain committed to applying what we learn going forward.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is an iconic and beloved attraction that NCC says they proudly maintain and operate.
“We share everyone’s disappointment with this outcome. We already look forward to welcoming you to the world’s largest skating rink next winter,” reads the official notice on NCC’s Rideau Canal Skateway page.
In the meantime, winter isn’t over! Discover the many other activities Canada’s #Wintercapital has to offer. From cross-country skiing on urban trails to snowshoeing in the Greenbelt, the National Capital Region has something for everyone. Visit their website to learn more.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
The NCC thanks Parks Canada, which maintains and operates the Rideau Canal.
We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway. We would also like to thank the following sponsors for their support: LiUNA, presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway interactive map; Access Storage—Cubeit, the official provider of the Rideau Canal Skateway storage; CEECAM, the official webcam provider for the Rideau Canal Skateway; Rogers; and the Friends of the Rideau Canal Skateway, Telus, Chartwell, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada/ServicePlus, the Canal Ritz, WSP, Moneris and GGFL.
lead photo Rideau Canal Skateway last year, February 2022, by Terry Lankstead
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
