New Year's Day Polar Plunge in the frigid waters of Kempenfelt Bay
Approximately 150 people took part in the New Year's Polar Plunge raising 150 pounds of food for the Barrie Food Bank. Wed., Jan 01, 2025 (BARRIE NEWS)
Dozens of people welcomed in 2025 by braving the elements of Kempenfelt Bay.
The temperatures outside may have been flirting with the freezing mark but that didn't stop these brave souls from taking a polar plunge.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Organizers for the annual event say it was a record setting year, with an estimated 150 people turning out and about 150 pounds of food raised for the Barrie Food Bank.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
This Canadian couple has been to 195 countries. Here's what they learned on their eight-year journey
Masha and Robert Glanville, a Canadian couple, sold everything they owned to travel the world full-time. With over 195 countries visited, they focus on mindful, eco-friendly travel and giving back. Here’s what they had to say about their global journey.
WATCH
WATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
Trump appears with Italian Prime Minister Meloni at his Florida club
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump made an appearance Saturday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was visiting his Mar-a-Lago club.
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
Hezbollah leader Nasrallah was killed last year inside the war operations room, aide says
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike last year while inside the militant group's war operations room, according to new details Sunday disclosed by a senior Hezbollah official.
Drawn to New Orleans' iconic street of celebration, a night of partying becomes a nightmare
The night, like countless others Bourbon Street has welcomed over the decades, started out ripe for celebration. With temperatures hovering in the 50s (10-15 Celsius) hours after the arrival of the new year, the open-air party pulsing down New Orleans' famed nocturnal artery was still hot, drawing revelers from near and far.
opinion
opinion Reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to 2025: a year of change for the Royal Family
There was no shortage of drama for the Royal Family in 2024. From illness to controversy over a doctored photo and brothers at war, royal commentator Afua Hagan recounts a pivotal year that altered the map of the monarchy's future and tested its strength like no other time in history.
Kitchener
-
Police urging drivers to stay off the roads in Perth County
The Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to think twice before hitting the roads.
-
Three school board trustees call for town hall following director of education's departure
Three Waterloo Region District School Board trustees are joining the call for a town hall after a sudden shake up within the board.
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
London
-
Homicide investigation underway in Durham
The West Grey Police Service is investigating a stabbing that took place in Durham.
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Poor weather postpones OHL Games in Owen Sound and Barrie
Inclement weather and travel conditions have forced the postponement of two games in the Ontario Hockey League Saturday.
Windsor
-
Windsor fighter Randi Field signs to newly established MMA league
After a fight in March 2023, Windsor MMA fighter Randi Field feared a long list of injuries would derail her career.
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Windsor Public Library hours changing Sunday
The hours of operation at the Windsor Public Library are changing on Sunday.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
MNR renews call for help with investigation of abandoned cow moose killed in northern Ont.
Conservation officers with the Ministry of Nature Resources are again asking for the public’s help with identifying those responsible for killing a cow moose near Chapleau, Ont.
-
Hwy. 17 reopens near Echo Bay after crash
Highway 17 between Bar River Rodd East and Lake George Road East has reopened after been closed for a few hours Saturday afternoon because of a crash.
-
Sault Ste. Marie honours local homeless, addiction advocate with annual Medal of Merit
The City of Sault Ste. Marie recently announced its 2024 Medal of Merit honouree – the award is going to a local woman who has helped improve the lives of thousands in the region.
Ottawa
-
It feels like -20 with the wind chill this Sunday in Ottawa
Cold temperatures are still in the forecast for Ottawa, as it feels like -20 with the wind chill this Sunday morning.
-
WATCH
WATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
-
Rideau Canal Skateway opening 'looking very positive'
As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
Toronto
-
Up to 10 more centimetres of snowfall in parts of Ontario before snow squalls set to end
An additional five to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in parts of southern Ontario before snow squall warnings end on Sunday morning, according to Environment Canada.
-
Police search for suspects after jewelry store robbery at Burlington mall
Police are searching for multiple suspects following a smash-and-grab robbery at a mall jewelry store in Burlington Saturday afternoon.
-
Peel police investigate possible connections between gunshot injury, luxury vehicle carjacking
Police are investigating possible connections between a gunshot injury and an attempted carjacking in Mississauga.
Montreal
-
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
-
CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 with anchor Matt Grillo.
-
Here are the locations of the latest Quebec measles outbreak
Quebec public health confirmed that officials are monitoring a measles outbreak that began in December in Montreal, Laval and the Laurentians.
Atlantic
-
Man assaulted in Costco parking lot in Moncton, N.B.
The Codiac Regional RCMP are investigating an assault that took place outside a Costco on Granite Drive in Moncton on Friday.
-
Newfoundland residents seek answers, assurance as Quebec energy deal heads for debate
About 50 people gathered in a St. John's, N.L., gymnasium on a recent rainy night to seek answers about a massive energy deal with Hydro-Quebec trumpeted by the Newfoundland and Labrador government as a new chapter in the province's history.
-
Maritime hockey teams go head-to-head in ‘blood feud’ for good cause
Three teams in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are battling for a cause greater than hockey this January in the Battle of the Bridge – an annual blood donation challenge.
Winnipeg
-
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
-
Vacant apartment building demolished after third fire in 2 years
A vacant three-storey apartment building on Mountain Avenue has been demolished after its third fire since 2023.
-
Manitoba's top baby names for 2024
Manitoba’s top baby names remained mostly unchanged for 2024, though some new contenders made their way into the top 10.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Extreme cold warnings expanded across country; snowfall warnings remain for southern Alberta
A persistent weather pattern is funnelling arctic air across the Prairies, which forced Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue extreme cold warnings late Thursday.
-
Threat made to Lethbridge casino deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax: police
Investigators with Lethbridge police determined that a threat made to a local casino Thursday night was deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Health care dominated Alberta lobbying registry in 2024
Health care dominated the lobbying agendas of Alberta’s influencers this year after the provincial government promised to dismantle and decentralize the public health system.
-
Fire breaks out in south Edmonton home
A fire broke out in a south Edmonton home on Saturday afternoon.
Regina
-
Family of man shot by Hamilton police hold vigil and rally in Regina
The family and community of a man shot by police in Hamilton in November continue to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
-
Regina woman turns to social media to find donor match for kidney transplant
A Regina woman currently waiting for a kidney transplant is now seeking a donor through a social media post.
-
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Saskatoon
-
Extreme cold warning remains in effect for parts of Saskatchewan
The frigid weather continues to grip Saskatoon and parts of Saskatchewan as the extreme cold warnings are in effect across the prairies.
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
Vancouver
-
Body found in burned vehicle in Abbotsford park, police say
Homicide investigators have been called in to probe a suspicious death in Sumas Mountain Regional Park outside Abbotsford, police say.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory welcomes visitors after months-long closure
After closing for just over two months for upgrades, Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory re-opened its doors the public Saturday.
Vancouver Island
-
Driver dead after collision with construction vehicle in Saanich, B.C.
A driver is dead after colliding with a construction vehicle in Saanich Friday night.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
WestJet denies compensation to Taylor Swift fan after flight cancellation
WestJet has denied compensation to a devout Taylor Swift fan whose cancelled flight triggered a 10-hour drive through the night from Prince George to make the singer's shows in Vancouver last month.
