NCC still hopeful Rideau Canal Skateway can open this season
There is still hope the world famous Rideau Canal Skateway will be open for Winterlude.
This season’s closure has been a disappointment not only for skaters and visitors but also for local businesses.
The sharpening wheel sits idle as rental skates are ready to go at Cycos on Hawthorne, just steps away from the Rideau Canal. Co-owner Gordon Martin says a typical weekend would see his drying mats covered in skates.
But this skating season has been anything but typical.
"The canal is like a lifeline," Martin said. "It’s part of what our business model’s around, the canal and pathways around there for our bike rentals as well and skate rentals so, it’s a big deal for us. For sure."
The Rideau Canal Skateway is still closed and already past the latest opening in its history of Feb. 2, 2002. Martin says this late season is different for Cycos when compared to two decades ago.
"There’s amenities that people can use like, say, the Rink of Dreams and the refrigerated rink at Lansdowne and you also have the guys that have the skating rinks through the forests and stuff like that. A lot of people are renting for there."
The Rideau Canal first welcomed skaters in January 1971 and since then, not one season has been missed.
The NCC remains hopeful. In a statement to CTV News on Monday, a spokesperson writes:
"The colder temperatures of the past few days allowed the teams to flood the ice several times. We’re continuing some of our preparation work while we assess the results of the flooding. We look forward to welcoming skaters to the Rideau Canal Skateway soon."
Skating the canal often means a stop for an iconic BeaverTail but, with the canal closed, no customers have been able to stop by the huts so far this season.
“Some loss, certainly tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent, and not a penny has come back across the counter,” says BeaverTails founder Grant Hooker.
“We’ve been here 42 years, if this had happened in the first five or 10 years, I would be probably too depressed to talk to you today but fortunately, we’ve saved … for not a rainy day - but a warm day.”
Winterlude runs until Feb. 20.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
WATCH
WATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
Rideau Canal Skateway opening 'looking very positive'
As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Jimmy Carter's funeral begins by tracing 100 years from rural Georgia to the world stage
Jimmy Carter 's extended public farewell began Saturday in Georgia, with the 39th U.S. president’s flag-draped casket tracing his long arc from the Depression-era South and family farming business to the pinnacle of American political power and decades as a global humanitarian.
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
Jeff Baena, writer, director and husband of Aubrey Plaza, dead at 47
Jeff Baena, a writer and director whose credits include 'Life After Beth' and 'The Little Hours,' has died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Atlantic
-
‘We’re at a loss’: Salisbury, N.B., says goodbye to volunteer firefighter
Residents from the Town of Salisbury, N.B., lined Main Street Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to Capt. Tim Dryden of Salisbury Fire and Rescue.
-
Man assaulted in Costco parking lot in Moncton, N.B.
The Codiac Regional RCMP are investigating an assault that took place outside a Costco on Granite Drive in Moncton on Friday.
-
Maritime hockey teams go head-to-head in ‘blood feud’ for good cause
Three teams in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are battling for a cause greater than hockey this January in the Battle of the Bridge – an annual blood donation challenge.
Toronto
-
Police search for suspects after jewelry store robbery at Burlington mall
Police are searching for multiple suspects following a smash-and-grab robbery at a mall jewelry store in Burlington Saturday afternoon.
-
'Ambassadors for their species in the wild': Toronto Zoo loses 2 long-term residents
Toronto Zoo has bid goodbye to two of its long-term residents over the past week.
-
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
Montreal
-
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
-
CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 with anchor Matt Grillo.
-
Here are the locations of the latest Quebec measles outbreak
Quebec public health confirmed that officials are monitoring a measles outbreak that began in December in Montreal, Laval and the Laurentians.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Windsor
-
Windsor fighter Randi Field signs to newly established MMA league
After a fight in March 2023, Windsor MMA fighter Randi Field feared a long list of injuries would derail her career.
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Windsor Public Library hours changing Sunday
The hours of operation at the Windsor Public Library are changing on Sunday.
London
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Poor weather postpones OHL Games in Owen Sound and Barrie
Inclement weather and travel conditions have forced the postponement of two games in the Ontario Hockey League Saturday.
-
Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas among celebrities coming to St. Thomas, Ont.
The annual St. Thomas Sports Sports Spectacular presented by Hydro One has landed another superstar for the annual event later this month.
Kitchener
-
Police urging drivers to stay off the roads in Perth County
The Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to think twice before hitting the roads.
-
Three school board trustees call for town hall following director of education's departure
Three Waterloo Region District School Board trustees are joining the call for a town hall after a sudden shake up within the board.
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
Barrie
-
Barrie declares significant weather event
The City of Barrie has declared a significant weather event on Saturday in response to the persistent snowfall in the area.
-
OHL game postponed due to weather
With the City of Barrie under a significant weather event declaration, Saturday evening’s Barrie Colts versus Kingston Frontenacs game at Sadlon Arena has been postponed.
-
‘Serious’ snowmobile crash under investigation
Police are investigating what is being deemed as a ‘serious’ snowmobile crash in Tay Township Saturday afternoon.
Winnipeg
-
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
-
Vacant apartment building demolished after third fire in 2 years
A vacant three-storey apartment building on Mountain Avenue has been demolished after its third fire since 2023.
-
Manitoba's top baby names for 2024
Manitoba’s top baby names remained mostly unchanged for 2024, though some new contenders made their way into the top 10.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Extreme cold warnings expanded across country; snowfall warnings remain for southern Alberta
A persistent weather pattern is funnelling arctic air across the Prairies, which forced Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue extreme cold warnings late Thursday.
-
Threat made to Lethbridge casino deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax: police
Investigators with Lethbridge police determined that a threat made to a local casino Thursday night was deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Health care dominated Alberta lobbying registry in 2024
Health care dominated the lobbying agendas of Alberta’s influencers this year after the provincial government promised to dismantle and decentralize the public health system.
-
Fire breaks out in south Edmonton home
A fire broke out in a south Edmonton home on Saturday afternoon.
Regina
-
Family of man shot by Hamilton police hold vigil and rally in Regina
The family and community of a man shot by police in Hamilton in November continue to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
-
Regina woman turns to social media to find donor match for kidney transplant
A Regina woman currently waiting for a kidney transplant is now seeking a donor through a social media post.
-
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Saskatoon
-
Extreme cold warning remains in effect for parts of Saskatchewan
The frigid weather continues to grip Saskatoon and parts of Saskatchewan as the extreme cold warnings are in effect across the prairies.
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
Vancouver
-
Body found in burned vehicle in Abbotsford park, police say
Homicide investigators have been called in to probe a suspicious death in Sumas Mountain Regional Park outside Abbotsford, police say.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory welcomes visitors after months-long closure
After closing for just over two months for upgrades, Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory re-opened its doors the public Saturday.
Vancouver Island
-
Driver dead after collision with construction vehicle in Saanich, B.C.
A driver is dead after colliding with a construction vehicle in Saanich Friday night.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
WestJet denies compensation to Taylor Swift fan after flight cancellation
WestJet has denied compensation to a devout Taylor Swift fan whose cancelled flight triggered a 10-hour drive through the night from Prince George to make the singer's shows in Vancouver last month.
Kelowna
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
-
Mounties investigate discovery of 'very small pipe bomb' in Kamloops, B.C.
Mounties are investigating and appealing for witnesses after an explosive device was discovered Wednesday on a beach in Kamloops, B.C.
