OTTAWA - Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent says the season on the Rideau Canal won't be shortened this year.
The canal is open for its 180th season.
With budget cuts, Parks Canada had refused to list a closing date, saying lower traffic might shut the locks before the Thanksgiving Day weekend, the traditional end to the season.
After an uproar from canal communities and the tourism industry, Kent says the season will go as scheduled this year.
But he warns there will be changes next year.
