Going Places: How to maintain the world's largest skating rink

(NC)-If you've ever stood out on a backyard rink late at night in January, holding a garden hose, you know something about maintaining an outdoor skating surface during a Canadian winter. But have you ever wondered what is required to maintain the world's largest skating rink, which boasts a skating surface of 165,621 m2, equivalent to 90 Olympic-sized skating rinks?

Every winter, the Rideau Canal - which runs through the heart of Canada's Capital Region - is transformed by the National Capital Commission (NCC) into the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest skating rink, as designated by Guinness World RecordsT.

Here's how the NCC does it every year:

n Work begins in October, when Parks Canada drains the Rideau Canal.

n  In just a few short days, vehicle-access ramps, skate shelters and other facilities are installed along the Canal before the water is raised to skating level.

n Well before the water freezes, maintenance crews are busy installing stairs, hooking up plumbing and electricity, and setting up an entire infrastructure, all necessary before the opening of the skating season.

n As the Skateway surface freezes and is covered with snow, it is cleared manually with light equipment.

Once the ice is approximately 15 centimetres (6 inches) thick, heavier equipment is used.

n Maintenance crews work day and night to keep the skating surface smooth and clear. Snow removal is ongoing, and the Skateway is flooded at night, using the water from below the ice surface, weather permitting.

n It takes about 10 to 14 consecutive days of cold weather (-15oC to -20oC) to obtain an ice surface that is safe for skaters.

n The ice must be at least 25 to 30 centimetres (10 to 12 inches) thick before the NCC allows skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The NCC Ice Safety Committee experts assess the ice thickness before the skating season can officially begin. The Committee monitors ice conditions continuously throughout the skating season.

n Once a safe surface exists, snow must be removed, as it acts as a thermal blanket and prevents the ice from thickening.

n The maintenance of the Skateway is 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, weather permitting. Regular updates of ice conditions are available to the public at 613-239-5234.

More information about the Rideau Canal Skateway is available by contacting the National Capital Commission toll free at 1 800-465-1867 or by visiting the website www.canadascapital.gc.ca . TTY: 1 866 661-3530.