Families celebrate Victoria Day weekend in Simcoe Muskoka
In what's always a busy time of the year in Simcoe County, families have been flocking to the region for the Victoria Day long weekend.
On Saturday, the trip north into cottage country had its issues.
"A little slow leaving the city, we came from Toronto, the 400 north had some slow areas," said Ryan Nienhaus, heading to South River in Muskoka.
For many, the long weekend is a chance to escape the hustle of everyday life.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local news updates sent to your inbox
While Saturday's overcast and cool conditions seemed to keep many boaters off area lakes, That should change on Sunday.
Police said they'll be ready to help keep the waterways safe.
"One of the big concerns early in the season is that the water is extremely cold," said Sgt. Aaron Busby with The York Regional Police. "We're hovering around 9 degrees right now. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in, so we are encouraging everyone who is going out on the water to make sure they are wearing their personal floating device."
Regardless of where people are going, this first long weekend of the season is all about good times.
This is also one of the year's biggest weekends for the Kinsmen Club of Barrie with its fireworks sales.
"It's one of our biggest fundraisers that we have this twice a year," said Megan Suggitt, Kinsmen Club of Barrie. "Victoria Day holiday and Canada Day holiday. It generates most of the funds for charitable donations throughout the year."
Most towns and cities in the county have separate rules and regulations when it comes to fireworks. Municipalities remind residents and cottagers to always check their local bylaws before setting them off.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Dianne Feinstein, longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, dies at 90
Dianne Feinstein, whose three decades in the Senate made her the longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, has died, according to a source familiar.
Authorities dispatched to Britney Spears' home over video showing singer dancing with knives
Officials were called to the southern California home of Britney Spears on Wednesday to conduct a wellness check after the singer posted a video on social media depicting her dancing with knives.
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
Canada Post launches new stamps to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Saturday, Canada Post has released a series of new stamps to honour the survivors of residential schools.
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of 'volunteer units' in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered one of the top commanders of the Wagner military contractor to take charge of 'volunteer units' fighting in Ukraine, signalling the Kremlin's effort to keep using the mercenaries after the death of their chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Movie reviews: 'The Creator' is a strikingly original, soulful sci-fi film
This week, pop culture critic Richard Crouse reviews new movies 'The Creator,' 'Flora and Son,' 'PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,' 'Saw X,' 'Reptile'
Thriving NFL benefits most from Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship
The NFL didn't need a popularity boost before Travis Kelce became enchanted with Taylor Swift. They'll gladly welcome millions of Swifties to watch this love story unfold.
Atlantic
-
N.S. students plant orange flags on the site of former residential school ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Day
More than 500 students from four schools joined the Sipekne’katik community to place orange flags in the shape of a heart on the site of the former Shubenacadie Residential School.
-
N.S. opposition argues 222 government housing units insufficient for housing crisis in the province
Nova Scotia and the federal government's joint announcement to construct more than 220 public housing units on Wednesday is looked at as a step forward in the right direction, but critics say that number falls short of what's needed to address the housing crisis.
-
Nova Scotia to review freedom of information legislation after years of criticism
Nova Scotia's government is launching a review of its freedom of information legislation after years of criticism that the current system results in blacked-out government documents and a toothless review process.
Montreal
-
Watchdog investigating head-on collision involving Mascouche police
A head-on collision on Highway 25 Thursday night that left one person with severe injuries is being investigated by Quebec's police watchdog, the BEI.
-
Quebec government puts the brakes on Indigenous languages 'Bill 101'
The Legault government is temporarily backing down on its plans to introduce a 'Bill 101' to protect Indigenous languages in Quebec.
-
Police investigating overnight shooting, suspicious fire in Riviere-des-Prairies
It was a busy night for Montreal police (SPVM) in the Rivière-des-Prairies borough, with investigators tackling a shooting and suspicious fire.
Ottawa
-
EXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE New walk-in clinic in Ottawa's south end charging membership fee
The South Keys Health Centre, located at Bank Street and Hunt Club Road, is set to open next week and clinic officials say thousands of potential members are already on the waiting list, ready to pay $400 per person a year for access.
-
Senators appoint new president of Hockey Operations
New owner Michael Andlauer appointed Steve Staios the president of Hockey Operations, one week after taking over as owner of the Ottawa Senators and Canadian Tire Centre.
-
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Panda Game, Ottawa 67's home opener, Ottawa Redblacks game, Senators Fan Fest and the start of the haunting season. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec this weekend.
Toronto
-
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
-
Dumpster fire erupts near Toronto waterfront restaurant
No injuries were reported after a fire raged from Toronto’s waterfront Thursday evening.
-
Air Canada pilots picket at Toronto's Pearson as talks continue
Air Canada pilots are demonstrating at Toronto's Pearson airport today, calling for better wages and working conditions as talks with the country's biggest carrier continue.
Kitchener
-
Province reveals bridge designs as part of long-delayed Hwy. 7 expansion
A major development in a local infrastructure project has been unveiled by the province.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Hamilton man wanted for murder of Kitchener 18-year-old
Waterloo regional police have named a suspect in the murder of 18-year-old Joshua Tarnue and arrested another person in connection to the shooting.
-
Section of Erbs Road closed after alleged impaired driving crash
A 22-year-old man from Wilmot has been charged with impaired driving after a crash involving a hydro pole north of Baden.
London
-
Arrest made after violent home invasion leaves 81-year-old man with 'life-altering injuries'
Nearly three months after a violent home invasion left a man with 'life-altering injuries' that included a fractured skull and multiple lacerations that required 100 stitches, police in Sarnia have made an arrest.
-
Air Canada pilots picket at Toronto's Pearson as talks continue
Air Canada pilots are demonstrating at Toronto's Pearson airport today, calling for better wages and working conditions as talks with the country's biggest carrier continue.
-
Dianne Feinstein, longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, dies at 90
Dianne Feinstein, whose three decades in the Senate made her the longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, has died, according to a source familiar.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Greater Sudbury man, 73, suffered medical emergency, died after crashing into house
MR80 in Hanmer is reopened Friday as Greater Sudbury police continue to investigate a fatal crash involving a 73-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency and crashed into a house.
-
Aggressive adult tries to force entry into North Bay school, assaults police officer
A 33-year-old man has been arrested following a frightening incident at a North Bay high school.
-
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
Windsor
-
What’s open and closed in Windsor for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 2023
The third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is on Saturday, Sept. 30.
-
Two youths downtown knock man off bike and steal his wallet: WPS
Windsor police have identified a 17-year-old youth and are looking for another youth after a downtown robbery.
-
'An exploitation of the housing crisis': Windsor councillor calls rental listing disturbing
As Windsor-Essex and cities across the country deal with an affordable housing crisis, one rental listing in Windsor is catching the eye and ire of one city councillor.
Calgary
-
Charges of attempted murder, more laid in shooting outside YYC
Police have charged a man with attempted murder and more following a shooting outside Calgary International Airport on Wednesday.
-
Southern Alberta's Blood Tribe launches campaign to prevent opioid-related deaths
Local artists from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta are contributing their work to a campaign taking on one of the biggest crises the nation has faced in years.
-
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
Saskatoon
-
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
-
Saskatoon woman slashed twice in confrontation with machete-wielding youth
A Saskatoon woman is recovering after a harrowing incident in front of a city library in September.
-
Former Cowessess First Nation Chief says Sask.'s younger generations making most strides with truth and reconciliation
With Sept. 30 marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the former Chief of Cowessess First Nation says it’s Saskatchewan’s young people leading the way.
Edmonton
-
Man dead after striking concrete beam at West Edmonton Mall while standing in sunroof
A man is dead following a crash at West Edmonton Mall's parkade on Thursday night.
-
Steve Staios leaving Oilers' front office
After almost one year, Edmonton Oilers former defenceman-turned-special advisor Steve Staios is leaving the club for a second time.
-
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Missing woman involved in B.C. murder trial found dead
The search for Tracy Pickett, who had been missing since Tuesday, has ended tragically.
-
B.C. wildfires: State of emergency lifted in West Kelowna
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has lifted the state of local emergency in West Kelowna, B.C., more than a month after the McDougall Creek wildfire devastated the area.
-
B.C. Sikh leader says RCMP warned him of threats to his life after Nijjar killing
A close associate of slain Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar says he has also been warned that his life may be in danger.
