Canada's expansive natural ice rink reclaims its title as the world's largest as it opens once again.

In a noteworthy announcement on January 20th, the National Capital Commission (NCC) declared the eagerly anticipated reopening of Canada's famed Rideau Canal Skateway, recognized as the world's largest natural ice skating rink. After a hiatus of two years, this 7.8-kilometer (4.9-mile) marvel, which initially welcomed skaters over half a century ago, is set to unveil its frosty expanse to the public on Sunday morning.

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, the Rideau Canal Skateway stands as a prominent attraction for both locals and visitors alike, particularly drawing enthusiasts seeking the exhilaration of outdoor skating amid the typically frigid Canadian winters. Last year, however, the skateway experienced an unprecedented closure in the winter of 2023, attributed to the scarcity of ice. The NCC, entrusted with the maintenance and operation of the skateway, attributed this closure to the effects of climate change, as a mild winter failed to provide the requisite icy conditions. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the previous season, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum remarked, "Our team learned a lot from the challenges we faced last year and were able to put measures in place, helped by more seasonal temperatures, to make it happen this year." Despite the setbacks, a 1.9-kilometer stretch between the Pretoria Bridge and the Bank Street access points has been deemed suitable for skating enthusiasts. The NCC has consistently emphasized the stringent criteria for skateway opening, requiring a minimum ice thickness of 12 inches (30 cm). This prerequisite is contingent upon a sustained period of 10 to 14 consecutive days with temperatures ranging between minus 20 Celsius and minus 10 Celsius (minus 4 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit). Recognizing the vulnerability of the Rideau Canal Skateway to climate change, the NCC and the Standards Council of Canada have collaborated on a comprehensive climate change risk assessment. This initiative seeks to illuminate the potential impact of climate change on the skateway, addressing concerns about the reliability of natural ice formation in the face of evolving climatic conditions.

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