Rideau Canal Skateway closes after shortest season on record
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced it is closing the Rideau Canal Skateway at 10 p.m. on Sunday night — and it's not coming back until next winter.
The NCC made the announcement in a social media post on Sunday afternoon.
"Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the skateway, and a shout out to our concessions and hardworking crews who made the most of challenging weather conditions," the NCC said. "See you next winter!"
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A short, challenging season
The skateway opened for a total of 10 days this year, making it the shortest season ever if you exclude last year when it never opened at all.
Crews have been battling unpredictable weather over the past two months, which got in the way of longer operating windows.
Instead, the NCC was forced to open the skateway in short bursts lasting a few days at most.
On Friday, the NCC warned its latest reopening this weekend could prove "one last hurrah of skating for this season."
Warmer weather is expected to set in over the week, going as high as 14 C on Wednesday, according to Environment Canada.
This article was originally published for CBC News on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
Header image courtesy of Janet Stephens, submitted to The Weather Network in January 2022.
