Communities across central Ontario reinvent Santa Claus Parades for 2021
While many communities across Central Ontario decided to cancel their annual Santa Claus Parades again, they still found a way to make sure the big man in red could stop by ahead of Christmas day.
In Barrie on Saturday, Santa and Mrs. Claus toured neighbourhoods across the city in a vintage 1947 Bickle-Seagrave Fire Truck before ending up at Meridian Place in the heart of downtown Barrie.
"I think the people of Barrie need it, the people all over need it," Santa Claus told CTV News. "There's been a lot of loneliness and separation from their families, and it's kind of a light at the end of the tunnel that things are going to get better."
While the province lifted capacity limits for many outdoor gatherings, including Santa Claus Parades, officials with the Barrie Chamber of Commerce say there wasn't enough time to formulate a plan.
"It's the sign of brighter things to come is really what we're hoping here," says Paul Markle, the executive director of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. "I hope that this is the last time we have to do a Santa Claus parade this way, but if we have to go back to something, at least we'll know that this works."
After parading through the city, Santa Claus spent time in downtown Barrie taking photos with the good boys and girls who made his nice list in 2021.
But Santa didn't stop there. With so many people eager to see him, he made sure to make time to visit Orillia and Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Similar to Barrie, officials in the sunshine city of Orillia decided to forgo the traditional parade, instead opting for a two-day tour.
"It's been tough on a lot of people, and after getting reviews from yesterday, I think we did our job," says Doug Bunker, the special events coordinator for the Orillia Chamber of Commerce. "Everybody was a little more positive, and really that's what it's about."
Santa's tour here included not only Orillia but also the surrounding areas, even bringing him to the community of Rama, where the traditional parade route wouldn't have taken him.
"That was a first for [Rama residents], and they were most impressed, and we were most impressed with their enthusiasm," Bunker says. "I mean, we're all looking at these kids faces, and I think that's what it's all about for us as organizers is 'look at this, this parade is really for kids or the young at heart!'"
It was also a similar scene in Bradford West Gwillimbury, where the town held a 'Spot Santa' event. Over the last two days, Santa visited the town. He's expected to return next weekend, where he'll visit the community of Bond Head.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.