National Capital Commission (NCC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Kristmanson thanked staff on Tuesday for all their hard work over the course of the 44th Rideau Canal Skateway season, which officially ends today.
“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to all staff that were able to make this skating season an exceptional one. Public feedback about the quality of the ice has been extremely positive and I want you to know that this would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Mark Kristmanson Tuesday. “I would also like to thank maintenance crews, skate patrol, concessionaires and other contractors for contributing to the Rideau Canal Skateway, a vibrant winter meeting place.”
Rideau Canal Skateway Sponsors - The NCC proudly thanks the following sponsors for their support of the Rideau Canal Skateway: Pepsi, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and Giant Tiger; and media sponsors KISS FM, the , Rouge fm and .The Season — The 44th skating season on the world’s largest skating rink started on December 31, 2013, and lasted 71 days. Over that period, 58 skating days (including a stretch of 38 consecutive days that overlapped with all three weekends of Winterlude) welcomed more than 1, 200, 000 visits on the Skateway. With over 3, 900 Twitter and 31, 000 Facebook followers, social media was a popular way for the public to share their experiences, pictures and feedback. Be sure to follow us for 2014-2015 season updates!Check out this video to see NCC staff showing their appreciation to Skateway users!
Managed by the NCC since the 1970–1971 season, the 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway is recognized by Guinness World Records™ as being the “world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink.” The world-famous ice surface is equal to more than 90 Olympic-sized rinks, or 165,621 square metres, and is one of the official sites for the Capital’s winter celebration, Winterlude.
The 44th skating season on the world’s largest skating rink has come to an end
Higher temperatures and long hours of intense sunshine have deteriorated the ice surface and, in some places, ice thickness. Water on the ice surface may hide serious hazards. The NCC urges the public to keep personal safety in mind and remain off the Skateway, as it is now closed. Respect the red flags, barricades and signs installed at Skateway access points. NCC staff and contractors will work over the next few days to dismantle the equipment and infrastructure used in Skateway operations.
For more information about the Rideau Canal Skateway, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (TTY), 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/skateway.
Emily Keogh NCC Media Relations 613-239-5678 ext. 5315 (office) | 613-608-3119 (cellular) emily.keogh@ncc-ccn.ca Jean Wolff NCC Media Relations 613-239-5678 ext.5703 (office) | 613-797-0279 (cellular) jean.wolff@ncc-ccn.ca
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