Rideau Canal Skateway opens 52nd season Friday
Posted Jan 13, 2022 09:50:00 PM.
Green flags are going up along the Rideau Canal Skateway to signal the beginning of its 52nd season.
As of 8 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2022, all 7.8 kilometres of the skateway will open to the public. According to the National Capital Commission (NCC), the skateway hasn't opened from downtown Ottawa all the way to Hartwells Locks on its first day of a season for more than 20 years.
The NCC says users will see the return of skate rentals and food and beverage concession stands this season, as well as picnic tables at 50 percent capacity.
Due to current public health measures, changing facilities and fire pits will remain closed.
Sanitization stations are installed inside washroom facilities, and bidirectional staircases have been made available, where possible. Signage also requests yielding to oncoming traffic at single staircases.
It is recommended that everyone wear a mask or face covering while on the skateway this season. Use of masks is required inside washrooms and in lines at the concession stands.
For an interactive map which shows the latest Rideau Canal Skateway conditions, washroom locations, as well as access points with stairs and universal access ramps, click here.
