The Rideau Canal is officially open for skating, according to the National Capital Commission.
After reaching the necessary ice thickness for safe skating, the NCC opened 2.2 km of the Rideau Canal Skateway between the Pretoria and Bank street bridges Sunday morning. The Ice Hog mascot raised a green flag at an official ceremony near Fifth Avenue, signalling the beginning of the 42nd season of skating.
The canal features seven new chalets this year, including four change rooms and three washrooms. Worth about $750,000 each, the chalets replaced ones dating back to the 1970s.
The rest of the 7.8 kilometre-long track – between Bank Street and Dow’s Lake, and from the Pretoria Bridge to the National Arts Centre – is expected to open soon if the cold weather continues.
Skaters can keep track of ice conditions by visiting www.canadascapital.gc.ca. A red flag flying at the canal indicates that the canal is not safe for skating or walking.