Entire Rideau Canal Skateway to open on Friday

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Skaters are now able to traverse the full length of the Rideau Canal Skateway, which opened at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14.

It is the first time in over 20 years that the full 7.8-kilometre route will be skateable on opening day — from downtown to Hartwell Locks — the National Capital Commission said in a media release on Thursday.

After a year where public health measures prevented skate rentals and beverage concession stands, they are making a comeback this year, as are picnic tables, though they will be limited to 50 per cent capacity.

Current public health measures will still prevent the opening of changing facilities and fire pits will remain closed, the NCC release added. Sanitation stations will be installed inside washroom facilities and masks will be required inside washrooms and in lines at concession stands.

The opening of the skateway follows a week of frigid temperatures that dipped below -20 C. But such temperatures are becoming increasingly rare — or are interspersed with warmed days, according to a 2020 study commissioned by the NCC.

So this year the NCC said it would work with Carleton University researchers to find ways to ensure the long-term viability of the skateway.

“The aim is to test potential approaches,” the NCC release said, “such as early ice flooding and the use of slush cannons, that could help ensure a longer Skateway season. This season, probes will be deployed along the canal and placed under the ice to help identify areas that are more difficult to maintain. By monitoring weather, as well as the water temperature and composition, and debris, these unique data points and findings will allow the NCC to be an industry leader in potential adaptation strategies.”

Check on current ice conditions at the Rideau Canal Skateway