On February 25th, 2024, the NCC made the decision to close the Rideau Canal skate-way for the season at 10pm, officially ending Ottawa’s on-again, off-again relationship with the Canal.

Many skaters and Rideau Canal lovers are upset by this closure, as it is no longer temporary. The ice conditions of the Canal were in poor conditions since it’s first opening of the season in January and were so poor this last week that the NCC advised people to walk, not skate.

Openings for this season gives hope that it will open next season- even if it’s a shorter season than this year.

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