The Rideau Canal Skateway remains closed, and won't open in time for the kickoff for Winterlude festivities this weekend.
With the Canal still closed as of Feb 2, 2023, it is now officially the longest time that it has stayed closed in over two decades.
The last time the Canal opened later than usual was on Feb. 2, 2002 exactly 21 years ago.
It’s February 2nd, meaning we’ve officially surpassed our record for latest opening date.
— Rideau Canal Skateway (@NCC_Skateway) February 2, 2023
Our previous latest opening date was February 2, 2002.
In a Twitter thread, the National Capital Commission (NCC) said the extreme cold weather that Ottawa receiving is helping, but there still isn't enough ice thickness needed to open the Rideau Canal for the opening weekend of Winterlude.
The NCC said flooding the ice at the Canal continues.