Parks Canada has announced the start of the 2017 boating season on the Rideau Canal has been pushed back a week due to unsafe conditions caused by extreme amounts of rain.
Navigation will begin May 26 this year. Until then, the Rideau Canal will remain closed to all boat traffic. All forms of water-based activities are discouraged.
Parks Canada says this delay will help prevent any further shoreline erosion and property damage that residents have experienced. Further adjustments to water flows will be made in order to restore safe conditions.
Lock staff will be on hand starting May 19 for anyone who wishes to visit lock stations from the shore.
This delay is also affecting the Trent-Severn Waterway.