23 February 2017Gone so soon? Rideau Canal ends 2016-17 season_ (Via National Capital Commission) _ The mild weather and the forecast of the mild nights will cause considerable deterioration of the ice on the Rideau Canal Skateway, to the extent that it will not be possible to restore the surface for skating. The National Capital Commission must, therefore, officially close the Rideau Canal Skateway today for the season. The NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mark Kristmanson, thanked the Rideau Canal Skateway teams, the contractors who worked on preparing and maintaining the ice, the concessionaires, and the skate patrol for their hard work and dedication in welcoming thousands of people from far and wide who came to enjoy the Skateway, the emblem of winter in Canada’s Capital. The NCC is delighted that the Skateway was open almost the entire time during Winterlude, the Capital Region’s winter celebration.[caption id=“attachment_62311” align=“aligncenter” width=“6000”] The Rideau Canal in early February 2017. (Devyn Barrie/OttawaStart.com)[/caption] ** WARNING: ** Warmer temperatures and sunshine have deteriorated the ice surface and, in some places, the ice thickness as well. Water on the ice surface may hide serious hazards. The NCC urges the public to keep personal safety in mind and remain off the Skateway, as it is now closed. Observe the red flags, barricades and signs installed at Skateway access points. NCC staff and contractors will be working over the next few days to dismantle the equipment and infrastructure used in Skateway operations. ** QUICK FACTS ** * The 47th skating season on the world’s largest skating rink started on January 14, 2017, and lasted 36 days (25 skating days). * With over 9,000 Twitter (@NCC_Skateway) and more than 53,000 Facebook followers of the Rideau Canal Skateway, social media was a popular way for the public to share their experiences, pictures and feedback. * Be sure to follow us for the 2017–2018 season updates. * The NCC has managed and maintained the Rideau Canal Skateway since the first skating season in 1970–1971. The Rideau Canal, a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is owned by Parks Canada, ** PARTNERS AND SPONSORS ** ** ** The NCC proudly thanks Parks Canada, which maintains and operates the Rideau Canal. ** ** The NCC is grateful for the support of the following sponsors for the Rideau Canal Skateway: CIBC, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), Nokia, Pepsi, BeaverTails®pastry, CEECAM, Access Storage Canada, and Cubeit. ** ** ** LINKS ** Rideau Canal Skateway: The World’s Largest Skating Rink National Capital Commission