Rideau Canal Skateway closed for skating, walking allowed during warm spell

The Rideau Canal Skateway is closed to skating because of the warm weather, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau explains.

Skating is temporarily suspended on the Rideau Canal Skateway with warmer temperatures arriving in the nation’s capital this week.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) says the Skateway will be reserved for walking as of 8 a.m. Monday to protect the ice.

“Warm weather makes the ice soft and easily damaged by skates. By only using the designated walking lanes, you’ll help us reopen the skating surface faster,” the NCC said on the Skateway’s X account.

“We’ll open the Skateway for skaters as soon as conditions allow.”

The access points between Waverley Street and Library Road will remain open on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway side as well as between Queen Street and Somerset Street.

Washrooms, change rooms and food and beverage concessions will remain open, the NCC says.

Temperatures in Ottawa are expected to remain near the freezing mark and in the single-digits through the entire week, according to Environment Canada.

The world-famous Skateway opened on Jan. 11, the earliest opening of the skating rink since December 2018.

• Busiest season on the Rideau Canal Skateway in six winters

The NCC says there have been more than 800,000 visits to the Rideau Canal Skateway this winter, the busiest season on the Skateway since 2018-19.

Closure could mean longer skating season

The NCC says there is still a good chance the canal will reopen once temperatures drop again.

Several runners were taking advantage of the closure to get some exercise on Monday.

“We wanted something different today because we don’t live downtown,” said Rose Parent, who drove from Cumberland.

“Just because that gave us an opportunity on a Monday to enjoy the canal for a change.”

Most said they support the decision if it means a longer skating season.

“I think the condition of the ice trumps everything. But it’s better to get it back in good shape so that more people can enjoy it,” said Jane Watson, who was walking on the canal.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Dave Charbonneau