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Skaters enjoying Rideau Canal again after 2-year hiatus

Unseasonal warmth kept it closed for the entire winter for first time in its history last year
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People skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway on its opening day in Ottawa, on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. Skaters flocked to the ice, one year after warm and wet weather prevented the 7.8 kilometre skateway from opening for its 2023 season. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

After almost two years, and a few extra hours of waiting, OttawaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s iconic Rideau Canal has officially reopened to skaters.

The skatewayB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s return comes after last yearB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s unseasonal warmth kept it closed for the entire winter for the first time in its history.

Shortly before the reopening, the National Capital Commission delayed the official start of the skatewayB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s 54th season from 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm. because it said the ice needed more time to fully freeze after overnight flooding.

The section open to skaters is also about half as long as what the NCC announced Saturday when it shared the long-anticipated reopening message.

The NCC says the skateway is open for a roughly one-kilometre stretch between Bank Street and Fifth Avenue.

The NCC says as ice conditions become safer it will open more sections of the skateway, which winds through 7.8 kilometres of the capital when itB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s fully frozen.

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