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The Rideau Canal, running through Ottawa, provides a major wintertime skating facility and tourist attraction. For the past 35 years the National Capital Commission (NCC) has maintained change and washroom shelters placed along its 7.8km length. In 2012 the old shelters were replaced with these four new change chalets and three new washroom chalets. The NCC's objective was to provide architecturally distinctive and high quality structures to compliment the historic canal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and provide a memorable experience for skaters. For many years to come, the NCC will use these new chalets to enhance the experience of the Rideau Canal for the hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists who flock to this landmark every winter for a skate through the heart of Ottawa.

Watch our video here describing the chalet design.

Media:

NCC's Rideau Canal shelters win international architectural design award | Ottawa Citizen | October 29, 2015

Cabin Fever | Canadian Architect | February 1, 2012

Photo credit to Gordon King Photography

Sustainable Features:
Materials for the chalets had to be highly durable to resist damage during periods of heavy use in the winter as well as during transport to and from the canal. An emphasis was placed on using renewable, and recyclable products. LED lighting was used to minimize energy use.

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Rideau Canal Skateway Chalets