Barely 24 hours after announcing the Rideau Canal Skateway was closing due to slushy conditions, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced it will reopen Wednesday morning. The entire length of the skateway will open at 8 a.m., the NCC announced late Tuesday afternoon. It was temporarily closed at 10 p.m. Monday to give crews time to repair the ice. "This short interruption helped preserve the surface, and our teams will take advantage of the cold overnight temperatures to prepare the ice to welcome the public again," the NCC said. Environment Canada is calling for daytime highs in Ottawa of between –1 C and –3 C through Sunday, with overnight lows of between –7 C and –11 C. Snow is predicted starting Friday.

Source: CBC News February 18, 2026 01:29 UTC