NCC looks for ways to extend skating season on the Rideau Canal each winter
The National Capital Commission is looking at whether so-called slush cannons or changing the depth of water in the Rideau Canal could extend the season on the world's largest skating rink.
With the 52nd season of skating underway on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the National Capital Commission is looking at strategies to adapt operations to the impacts of climate change.
"What we've learned so far is that changes to the beginning of the season are more important to the overall season length than those at the end. This means most of the recommendations aim to increase early ice formation," said NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum during this week's NCC Board of Directors meeting
Nussbaum says the NCC is partnering with Carleton University to collect data and explore pilot projects to test potential approaches.
"Some ideas involve early ice flooding, slush cannons or changing the water depth in the canal," said Nussbaum.
The full 7.8 km section of the Rideau Canal Skateway opened for the 52nd season on Jan. 14. Last year, the skateway opened on Jan. 28 – the latest opening day since 2001.
During an interview with Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron, NCC senior manager of facilities and programs Bruce Devine said the NCC is looking at ways to open the skateway earlier in the season.
"The idea here is to look before the beginning of the season – how can we cool the water faster in order to start building the ice sooner," said Devine on Friday.
Devine tells Newstalk 580 CFRA the NCC and Carleton University will look at several ideas, including:
- Sensors under the Rideau Canal ice to monitor water and ice temperatures
- Water runoff from the ground, roads and bridges near the Rideau Canal
- A slush cannon
"Some sort of a cannon that could throw either very, very cold water or even some slush over the water or very, very thin ice and then everything grabs together and starts building the ice," said Devine, adding a slush cannon is similar to snowmaking equipment at ski hills.
In 2020, the NCC and City of Ottawa climate projections report said the national capital region will become warmer in all seasons, and wetter during fall, winter and spring.
"Winters are expected to become shorter, with fewer snowfalls," said the report.
Devine says the NCC plans for 40 to 42 skating days a winter on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
The partnership between Carleton University and the NCC will collect data and explore a variety of pilot projects over a four-year period.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.