As the first cold snap of 2025 sets in in Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
The world-famous skating rink was open only 10 days last winter due to short and erratic winter temperatures.
This January, Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says the cold appears to persist.
“If you look at this week in Ottawa, I see five days where the temperature in the afternoon and during the day will be below -10 C. During the entire last winter we only had three of those days,” he said in an interview . with CTV News.
“Our models show that for the next two weeks, next month, we’re forecasting colder than normal temperatures in the Ottawa area.”
That has all eyes on an opening date for the channel.
In a statement, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has not yet confirmed an opening date, but said: “We are pleased to see that very cold temperatures are expected for several days in a row. This allows us to continue our preparations in optimal conditions “.
“Before the NCC opens the Rideau Canal skating rink, ice samples must show that there is a good amount of quality clear ice for safe public skating. The decision to open the skating rink is made only when ice has been deemed safe for mass use. Conditions are monitored several times a day.”
The NCC has tasked Carleton University civil and environmental engineering professor Shawn Kenny with monitoring and measuring ice thickness along the channel.
Kenny agrees that the warm weather ahead is good news for the skating rink.
“As long as the forecasts are what we see in the future, I think the opening of the channel seems very positive,” he said.
He added that the ice along the canal varies in thickness in different places, and it is up to the NCC safety committee to determine when the public can skate on it.
“To skate there are 30 centimeters (what is needed) of what they call ‘clear ice.’ “It’s basically ice that has grown without significant amounts of snow or snow ice,” he said.
“I can say that the trend is towards 30 centimeters. But certainly, some areas are less than that.”
Across the city, Ottawa residents are embracing the cold weather.
Orleans resident Tyler Gallagher has his backyard rink up and running for the fourth year. He says he knows what it takes to create good ice for skating.
“You certainly need sub-zero temperatures, ideally between -15 C and -20 C,” Gallagher said. “But you need a few of those days.”
Gallagher says last winter it was difficult to maintain his track with the fluctuating temperatures and he hopes this cold weather is a sign of what the rest of the winter will be like.
“We’re really hoping to make it to the end of February. March is tough, but usually when March break hits, it’s time to tear it down.”
