Rideau Canal Skateway Will Reopen After Two-Year Hiatus

After nearly 700 days without proper ice, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa is set to reopen its iconic Skateway for public skating. This marks the end of a two-year hiatus due to warm and wet weather conditions. The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced on Saturday that the skateway will open on Sunday at 9 a.m., allowing skaters to enjoy a 1.9-kilometre stretch between the Pretoria Bridge and Bank Street.

The reopening of the Rideau Canal Skateway is a highly anticipated event for Ottawa residents and visitors alike. The Skateway, known as the world’s largest skating rink, has been a beloved winter attraction for over 50 years. Last year’s cancellation of the skating season was a considerable disappointment for the area, as the lack of Ottawa’s iconic icy pastime was seen as a blow to the local community.

The NCC, the organization responsible for the management of the Rideau Canal, expressed their excitement about the skateway’s 54th season. CEO Tobi Nussbaum highlighted the lessons learned from the challenges faced last year and the measures put in place to ensure a successful reopening. The recent colder temperatures, combined with the dedicated efforts of the NCC crews, have resulted in a safe ice surface for public skating.

Although skate rentals are not yet available, visitors will be able to indulge in delicious treats from the popular BeaverTails kiosks. The NCC has also implemented a weather station on the skateway to collect environmental data. This data will be crucial in calibrating models that predict climate change effects on the skateway’s performance and resilience. The NCC has partnered with Carleton University to understand and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Skaters are reminded to stay on the designated open sections of the skateway. NCC crews are working tirelessly to open more sections as soon as ice conditions are deemed safe. The NCC expressed their gratitude for everyone’s patience and looks forward to welcoming skaters back to this iconic winter experience.