Assessing how Water Quality and Quantity Impact the Rideau Canal Skateway in the Face of Climate Change

Stormwater discharge significantly impacts the water quality of the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), potentially affecting ice formation and resilience, according to recent research. The study found that stormwater events degrade water quality for 1-7 days, particularly during the skating season, with worse conditions observed in urban sections like Downtown Ottawa. To assess these effects, researchers collected data on temperature, specific conductivity, and stormwater discharge from 2021 to 2023 along the RCS. The findings highlight the need for better stormwater management to protect this UNESCO-listed site—Canada’s longest natural ice rink—against climate change impacts.

Watson, A. R. L. Assessing how Water Quality and Quantity Impact the Rideau Canal Skateway in the Face of Climate Change. https://doi.org/10.22215/etd/2025-16649