The National Capital Commission is pleased to announce that the 34th season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway will be underway [today]. As of 8 am, Wednesday, January 14, 2004, skaters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to take to the world-famous 7.8-kilometre rink. Maintenance crews [were] out [yesterday] removing snow off the entire length of the Skateway from the National Arts Centre to Hartwell Locks. Ice surface conditions on the Skateway are expected to be fair to good. Skaters should be cautious, particularly along the edges where the ice surface is rougher, and are also urged to respect barricades and signs.