Rideau Canal Skateway to open next week

The Rideau Canal Skateway will open sometime next week, the National Capital Commission (NCC) announcedFriday.

Before that happens, thesection of Queen Elizabeth Driveway from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Streetwill close to traffic starting Saturday. It will be available for people "active use"from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, but that may sometimes be interrupted for snow removal, the NCCwarned ina news release.

As for the official opening date of the skateway's51st season, that will be announced on social media sometime next week when the ice is ready.

The NCC asks that people use amenities close to their homes due to Ontario's ongoing stay-at-home order and heightenedpublic health restrictions.

Due to the pandemic, concession stands, skate rentals and changing facilitieson the skateway will remain closed, and there will be no picnic tables or fire pits this season, the NCC said.

Sanitizing stands will be addedwhere space allows, and traffic flow on staircases will be controlled. There will be 100 more benches for people to use while they lace up, and the skateway's Concord Street entrance will reopen this season after remaining closed for years.

The NCC is asking everyone to wear masks while skating on the canal.

"While the current situation is disappointing for all of us, dispersing use throughout our winter activity network during the current state of emergency is our best chance to ensure that our assets can be used safely and remain open," the NCC said.

• Find your way around the Rideau Canal Skatewaywith this interactive map tool

The NCC says it has expanded its amenities across the National Capital Region thiswinter, withmore than 450 kilometres of trails where people can go for fresh air and exercise.

The 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway is free and accessible 24/7, typically from January to March.The NCC says it normally gets onemillion visitors per year.

The skateway iscurrently closed, and people should stayoff the iceuntil the green flags are raised, says the NCC.