Merrickville Mayor Doug Struthers applauds the recent announcement by MP Gord Brown that the “hours of operation” for the Rideau Canal will be extended this summer. “The Mayors Group” has been pursuing 5 pillars of interest: length of season, hours of operation, fees, capital dollars for maintaining the structural integrity of the Canal system and increased on-water/land-based business and investment. Struthers says the increased hours of operation as outlined is a response to the identified need, as a result of last year’s experiences by boaters – both local/regional boaters – and visitors to the Rideau Canal.