OTTAWA -- Mother Nature is forcing an end to the 51st season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
The National Capital Commission says its "saddened to report" that the skateway will not reopen this winter.
"Following a temporary closure on Feb. 22, along with three subsequent warmer days of weather, in addition to a snowstorm and warmer temperatures in the forecast for early next week, continued maintenance efforts would unfortunately not return the skateway to safe conditions," said the NCC in a statement.
The Rideau Canal Skateway opened for the season on Jan. 28, and was open for 26 days of skating.
During the week of Feb. 15 to 22, there was an average of 20,216 visits per day to the Rideau Canal Skateway. During the 2020 season, there was an average of 22,000 visits a day.
This is one of the shortest seasons ever on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
In 2016, the world's largest skating rink was only open for 34 days, with the green flag flying for skating on 18 days.
In 2017, the Rideau Canal Skateway was open for 25 days.
The NCC is asking people to stay off the closed skateway and respect the barricades at access points.
