The previous latest opening for the season was Feb. 2 in 2002.
The Rideau Canal Skateway will remain closed for the second weekend of Winterlude as well, the National Capital Commission posted online Wednesday.
“The colder temperatures from the past week have allowed the teams to flood the ice several times,” said a notice posted at about 6 p.m. “While we have made progress, the current condition of the ice prevents us from opening the #RideauCanal Skateway in time for this weekend.”
Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Ottawa Citizen Headline News will soon be in your inbox.
Preparations are continuing, the NCC added online.
One of the highlight attractions of the national capital region in winter, the 7.8-kilometre surface on the frozen waters of the Rideau Canal first opened to skaters in the winter of 1970-71 and hasn’t missed a season since then.
However, the previous latest opening date for any season was Feb. 2 in 2002.
The 45th edition of the Winterlude festival began last weekend, and it is scheduled to continue through Family Day on Feb. 20.