Impact of Environmental Factors on Energy Balance and Ice Growth in Winter Recreational Waterways: A Study of the Rideau Canal Skateway

The impact of climate change on the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), an outdoor skating rink, has become increasingly evident in recent years. This research focuses on growing high-quality ice for skating on the RCS using an energy balance method that integrates field data and numerical simulations. The aim is to provide insights that support decision-making and help develop strategies to extend the RCS skating season. The findings highlight the importance of strategic interventions, considering the time sensitivity of actions in response to air temperature fluctuations, snowfall events, and rainfall events that affect ice growth. The research emphasizes the multifactor nature of ice growth, illustrating the interactions among various climatic variables. A coupled heat transfer model was used to simulate changes in ice thickness, forced by environmental variables that were measured using devices installed at the weather station in the RCS. Results indicate that a thick layer of snow negatively impacts ice formation due to its insulating properties, which can reduce or stop ice growth and necessitate careful snow management. The results underscore the critical role of timely actions, such as surface snow clearing or intentional flooding, in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Overall, this research advances our understanding of the complex factors governing ice growth and stability along the RCS and offers practical insights for mitigating the impacts of climate change on the system.