A drained Dow's Lake shoreline in early November (Fuji X100)

It is late autumn in Ottawa and the powers that be (in this case, Parks Canada) have commanded that the Rideau Canal be drained. This is an annual event that has lasted for nearly one hundred years, required to preserve the concrete walls of the Canal from ice damage. Skating enthusiasts are likely smiling with the diminutive water levels, as this serves as a portent to the transformation of canal to giant skating rink. It takes close to two weeks of cold ( -15^oC to -20^oC) temperatures to form the 25 cm thick ice surface required to support skaters.

The Canal bed, south of Hartwell's Locks (Fuji X100)

The draining undoubtedly initiates fearful scrambling amongst the aquatic life in the Canal as they are swept out towards the Ottawa River. Massive carp that habit the Canal in the spring and summer months must relocate or suffer the consequences. No doubt some will find refuge in the pockets of water that remain in Dow’s Lake and portions of the Canal.

But with the water all but vanquished from much of the waterway, new sights appear – flotsam and jetsam from some season past that have settled to the bottom of the Canal, only to have their shallow graves now exposed to passers-by.

Once ridden, now hidden - until the water drains... (Nikon D3)

This morning there were thin sheets of ice on the pools of water remaining in the Canal – harbingers to another season (skaters rejoice).

Hartwell's Locks await the snow... (Fuji X100)