Intent

The National Capital Commission (NCC), through its Capital Stewardship (CS) Branch, manages the natural and built facilities and assets in the National Capital urban area. The CS Branch manages and protects these assets in order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.

The CS Branch manages contracts which provide high quality maintenance services for the Commission’s urban sites as well as summer and winter maintenance of major federal institutions in the Capital. The objectives of the maintenance practices are to protect and preserve these institutions for all Canadians. In achieving these objectives, the NCC is committed to planning, developing and implementing all of its programs and activities in a manner designed to minimize adverse effects on the environment and ideally enhance the environmental resources under its responsibility.

The Rideau Canal Skateway

The pride of Canada’s Capital Region is the Rideau Canal, which stretches 202 kilometres from Ottawa to Kingston. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2007. Each winter a portion of this historic waterway is transformed into the world’s largest skating rink. Crowds of skaters enjoy the 7.8 kilometre ice surface that winds through the heart of Ottawa. In 2005, Guinness World Records confirmed that the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS) was indeed the “Largest Naturally Frozen Ice Rink in the World”. 

The RCS celebrated its 52^nd skating season in 2022, yet it is so much more than just a skating rink. You’ll find concession stands and other services including skate and sled rentals, shelters and rest areas. The Skatetrack also serves as a stage for Winterlude.

The RCS is managed by the NCC during the winter months.

The skating season may start between Christmas and New Year's Day, weather permitting. The opening of the Skateway is determined by weather and ice conditions. The NCC Ice Safety Committee (ISC) assesses the ice thickness before the official opening of the RCS. This Committee continuously monitors ice conditions throughout the skating season.

The following is provided for information purposes only. This information may or may not have an effect on the Contractor’s performance of the Work described in this RFP.

1. Every year in mid-October, Parks Canada drains the Rideau Canal by opening the sluice valves at the Ottawa Locks near the Château Laurier Hotel. From that moment, until the ice surface freezes, maintenance crews are busy installing stairs, connecting plumbing and electricity, and getting the infrastructure in place before the season opens.
2. It takes several consecutive days and nights of cold weather to ensure an ice surface that is safe for maintenance personnel and skaters.
3. The NCC Ice Safety Committee experts assess the ice thickness before the official opening of the Skatetrack can be announced. The Committee regularly monitors ice conditions throughout the skating season.
4. The NCC uses a flag system to indicate whether the Skateway is open. The green flag means it is open, the red flag means the RCS is closed.
5. Approximately one thousand five hundred (1,500) Christmas trees are recovered by the NCC each year and used to delineate rest areas located on the RCS.
6. The Skatetrack features an array of services such as food concessions, skate and sleigh rentals, shelters and rest areas.
7. Every February, the RCS hosts many Winterlude activities.
8. Benches, signage and ‘wayfinding’ structures are also located at various locations on the RCS.

Winterlude

The NCC initiated Winterlude in 1979 as a celebration of Canadian winter traditions. Winterlude has become one of Canada’s largest festivals.

General Operational Data

The following information should be considered when preparing the Proposal and delivering the services.

1. The segment of the Rideau Canal known as the Skatetrack runs 7.8 kilometres from downtown Ottawa, along Colonel By Drive to the Hartwell Locks, located near Carleton University.
2. The Pre-Operational (preparation) period for the RCS begins in October. 
3. The average length of a season over the past five (5) seasons (2016 to 2021) has been forty-four (44) days with an average of thirty-five (35) days open to skating.
4. Maintenance crews perform much of the work at night but are also required to work during the day to keep the skating surface smooth and clear. Snow clearing is ongoing, and the Skatetrack is flooded every night, weather permitting.

Term

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is proceeding with a request for proposal (RFP) for the provision of Snow Removal and Ice Maintenance Services for the Rideau Canal Skateway for a period of seven (7) Years from the date of Contract award.