Scenic Kichi Sibi trail provides outlet while Canal skateway remains closed

Published Jan 20, 2024 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 1 minute read

Hardy folks in the capital ignored the continuing deep chill in the area Saturday by wrapping up and heading for the ski trails.

The scenic Kichi Sibi winter trail along the Ottawa River was a favourite spot for cross country enthusiasts and walkers, as skiers with frozen breath stuck to their scarves powered along happily.

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But residents who have been waiting for the Rideau Canal to open for skating were left wishing.

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The National Capital Commission has said repeatedly it needs about 30 cm of ice, which usually requires 10 to 14 days of weather between -10 C and -20 C.

Spokesperson Sofia Benjelloun said Friday the NCC hoped to have an update soon.

A man checks the thickness of the ice on the Rideau Canal near Bank Street in Ottawa Friday. Skaters in Ottawa are hoping that the cold weather the week allows the Rideau Canal to open soon. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

Earlier this week, the NCC said members of its maintenance team had flooded 6.2 kilometres of the skateway. They used pumps to draw water from the canal and onto the surface to turn snow into ice.

On Saturday, Environment Canada’s longer term forecast was for a high of about -10C Sunday, followed by highs of about-3 C for the rest of the week.

The slightly longer term forecast for Friday is for a high of about 0 C with possible freezing rain.

People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia People were well bundled, ski goggles were the popular accessory, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a multi-use urban winter pathway was the spot to be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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