People are pictured on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa on Feb. 18, 2024.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
The National Capital Commission says Ottawa’s Rideau Canal will open to skaters Saturday morning.
It is the earliest the canal has opened since the 2018-19 season after two years of warmer than usual winters.
The canal didn’t open at all two years ago for the first time in its history and last year was only open for skating for a handful of days.
But the NCC says a 3.6 km section of the Skateway will open Saturday, almost half the total length of the full rink with more sections likely to follow thanks to the ongoing expectation of cold temperatures in the city.
NCC’s CEO says a combination of cold temperatures and new techniques for ice formation have enabled it to get the canal ready.
The commission says it has adapted how it operates to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as using lighter equipment and advanced techniques for icemaking.