News Release
February 24, 2023
Despite all the efforts by our teams, and even with the colder temperatures of the last 24 hours, the latest ice tests show that the Rideau Canal Skateway remains unsafe for skating. With further efforts unlikely to yield a different result, we are unable to open the Skateway for this season. We share everyone’s disappointment with this outcome.
The NCC has been assessing and preparing for the impacts of climate change on our assets and operations for several years, and this year taught us 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 we proudly maintain and operate. We already look forward to welcoming visitors to the world’s largest skating rink next winter.
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 our 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.
LINKS
- The Rideau Canal Skateway: World’s Largest Skating Rink
- Tackling Climate Change on the Rideau Canal Skateway
- National Capital Commission’s Climate Change Initiative
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Media Information:
Maryam El-Akhrass
NCC Media Relations
343-551-6149
maryam.el-akhrass@ncc-ccn.ca
Sofia Benjelloun
NCC Media Relations
343-549-7203
sofia.benjelloun@ncc-ccn.ca