Fingers cossed: Freezing temps prompt NCC to start Skateway prep

There are no promises.

But, thanks to the recent low temperatures, National Capital Commission has already begun to prepare the Rideau Canal Skateway.

The NCC pushed out photos on social media Sunday showing crews out on the canal putting in the first layers of water.

Bear in mind: The ice is still thin and not ready for skaters, the NCC says.

The longer the cold weather lasts, the sooner skates can hit the ice.

Teams were out Saturday night between Hawthorne and Bank streets.

The first job is to pump canal water to flood the service. The NCC says the ice needs to be 30 cm thick for safe skating.

Climate change conditions have prompted the agency to adapt its operations, including laying first layers as soon as possible.

“In light of climate change and milder winters, our priority these past several years has been to adapt our operations,” the NCC said.

Environment Canada is forecasting daily high temperatures below zero for the rest of the week.

The skateway opened for a brief period last winter and not at all the season before.

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