Seven brand new ice chalets have been unveiled on the Rideau Canal for this year's skating season.
The chalets feature floor-to-ceiling windows and LED lighting. They cost $5.24 million.
Reaction to the chalets from skaters have been mixed, mainly due to the cost.
"I would've been happy with the other ones," said skater Don Kelly. "They could've used the other ones."
The National Capital Commission says they were a necessary purchase.
"We've could've done something where you just go in and keep warm like a wooden shack," said Tommy Laverty from the NCC. "But getting an icon of the skateway experience was a high priority for us."
The old huts had been used on the canal since the 1970's.
Some skaters say the price is worth it.
"It fits in so well with the canal," said skater Jane Macdonald. "It's great. It gives you a real feeling of space."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley
