Skip to main content

Candlelight vigil held for drowning victim at Couchiching Beach Park

Couchiching Beach Park memorial (Dave Sullivan/ CTV News Barrie) Couchiching Beach Park memorial (Dave Sullivan/ CTV News Barrie)
Share
BARRIE,ONT. -

A candlelight vigil was held at Couchiching Beach Park Saturday evening for 42-year old Christopher Bellchambers, who drowned after falling off the park's pier Saturday evening.

At the vigil, hundreds of mourners added candles to the growing memorial and shared stories about Bellchambers who they say was an inspiring man who was always willing to help out the community.

"He brought a smile to everyone who knew him, he will be so missed by everyone in the community and if he wasn't downtown he was either fishing or swimming," said James Douglas McRae, cousin of Bellchambers."

Those who knew Bellchambers also say while he was an inexperienced swimmer, he often wore a life jacket, except for the Saturday when the incident happened.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with funeral costs.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.

Stay Connected