Rideau Canal Skateway being shut down yet again

Published Feb 21, 2024 • Last updated 10 hours ago • 1 minute read

The Rideau Canal Skateway opened Sunday, closed that evening, opened again Monday and was to be shut down again on Wednesday at 10 p.m. because of fluctuating temperatures and their effect on the ice surface. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

The National Capital Commission has again hit the pause button on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Skating will be “temporarily” closed as of 10 p.m. Wednesday, the NCC posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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“This will help preserve the ice during the warm temperatures over the next few days,” the post said. “We hope to reopen the Skateway as soon as conditions allow.”

The wildly fluctuating temperatures forecast for the next few days — highs of 6 C and lows of -18 C — have forced ice crews to adjust on the fly in an attempt to extend the skating season as long as possible.

A file photo of people taking advantage fo the Rideau Canal Skateway on Family Day. Photo by Spencer Colby /Postmedia

After being open between Bank Street and the Pretoria Bridge for only four days in January, the skateway was re-opened last Sunday afternoon. It was closed again for maintenance on Sunday night, but more than 20,000 enjoyed the scene on Family Day.

Wednesday afternoon’s warmth, however, prompted yet another closure.

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