The Rideau Canal Skateway is a very popular tourist destination in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. This 7.8 km long skating center was opened in 1971. This naturally iced area is a paradise for skating enthusiasts from all over the world. It is also known as the largest skating rink in the world, with a surface area equivalent to 90 Olympic ice hockey rinks. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite its many features, the Rideau Canal Skateway is set to close for the first time in 52 years.
The villain here too is global warming, which casts a dark shadow over the earth. Ottawa is experiencing unusually warm weather right now. Temperatures rose to 10ºC (50ºF). This caused cracks to form on top of the ice sheets and weakened these ice sheets, which typically carry 20,000 skaters per day.
The area has been home to the annual winter festival known as Winterlude every year since 1979. One of the most important celebrations in Ottawa, lakhs of tourists from different parts of the world come to participate in this festival. The centerpiece of Winterlude is the Rideau Canal Skateway. Winterlude triathlon, cross country skiing and many other competitions are also staged.
This time, at the beginning of the festival, ice sculptures were carved on Sparks Street near the office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, they did not last long in the heat. Ice dragon boat, hockey matches etc have all been canceled due to heat. Food catering kiosks that were open to serve food to tourists were also removed.
Due to global warming, average winter temperatures in the region have been increasing rapidly since the 1970s. This is of great concern as it poses a threat not only to tourism activities but also to people’s lives.
English Summary: World’s longest skating rink faces first shutdown in 52 years due to global warming
