Rideau Canal Skateway closes for the season

The National Capital Commission is calling it a season for the Rideau Canal Skateway.

In a statement Wednesday, the NCC said the mild weather over the last few days has weakened the ice faster thanexpected, making the canal unsafe for further skating. The NCChad announced a temporary closure Monday evening as temperatures rose and rain fell over the capital.

Rideau Canal now closed for the season

7 years ago

Duration 0:29

Warm weather is forcing the NCC to call an end to the Rideau Canal's season.

The skateway openedJan. 5, and remained open for a total of35 skating days, making the 2017-18 season the third-shortest in a decade. While it surpassed last seasonby 10 days, this season fell well short of the averageof 50 days.

According to the NCC, the skatewayhad welcomed 895,766 visitors by Feb. 15.

NCCCEO Mark Kristmanson thanked staff for keeping the skateway open as long as they did, and said he was glad the ice was kept in good shape over all three weekends of Winterlude.

The NCC isnow cautioning people tostay off the ice.