Last year’s skating season on the Rideau Canal was bleak. The skateway was open for just 10 days between Jan. 21 and Feb. 25. But it was better than the 2022/2023 season where the skateway didn’t open at all.
Across Ottawa and in many other places, climate change is putting a damper on much-loved winter activities.
But while the canal is operated by the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa is also keeping a close eye on the weather and how it will impact the city’s more than 250 outdoor skating rinks and over 70 sledding hills.
In a memo presented to council on Dec. 12, city staff said they were “optimistic” that with the cold weather forecast, rinks may open before January.
To create a skateable ice surface, there must be significant snowfall and cold temperatures. The memo states that 10 to 15 cm of accumulated snow is required with evening temperatures consistently below -10 C for five to seven days to create base ice. Creating base ice is a labour-intensive process for staff that includes packing the snow and applying 12 coats of water within the five to seven-day cold period.
Ideally this process begins around mid-December, but in recent years it has not begun until January.
Rinks are upkept by volunteers, but this process is tricky during warm spells. As winter temperatures become more unpredictable, there is a greater chance that warm spells will occur which make it difficult to upkeep outdoor rinks. Residents are reminded to stay off of rinks during these periods.
The city has also recognized over 70 hills as “approved sledding hills“. Risk inspections have been completed at these site and staff have installed safety signs as well as safety measures including hay bags for padding. Foam padding has been added to 281 obstacles and 984 hay bags have been filled with more than 2,950 bales of straw.
In addition, more than 30 hills have been deemed “not reasonably safe for sledding”. Residents are asked to keep off these hills for their own safety.
“No sledding advisories” will be issued when sledding conditions at approved hills are deemed unsafe. These advisories can be found on the City of Ottawa website.