The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival on the Rideau Canal Skateway has been cancelled again this year.
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The decision follows two consecutive years of cancellations because of insufficient ice conditions on the canal.
“We are deeply disappointed to make this decision,” said John Brooman, the festival’s CEO, in an online announcement.
“The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival has always celebrated winter, community spirit, and cultural connection. However, the safety and viability of the event must come first.”
According to the announcement made online, the ongoing challenges related to climate conditions means the required ice thickness cannot be guaranteed for 2025.
“We get teams from all over the world that can’t do ice racing in dragon boats,” said chair Warren Creates.
“This year, it doesn’t look good because Winterlude events have been scaled back, but we …