Police patrolling on roads, waterways and trails this Canada Day long weekend
This Canada Day long weekend, police want everyone to stay safe and make wise choices as many people plan to enjoy the first restriction-free summer in two years.
By Thursday afternoon, traffic along highways 400 and 11 was slow going as thousands made their way north.
Police say motorists need to pack their patience and share the roads.
"Be careful out there. Ride according to the conditions and share the road. Enjoy the journey. Get there safely. Everybody wants to get where they are going, and it only takes one person to really mess it up for everybody," said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.
So far this year, provincial police report that 147 people have died on Ontario highways.
Police also urge drivers to stay sober. "Mixing alcohol and drugs with driving or riding is a combination that never ends well," they stated.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Officers across the region say they will be out on the roads, water and trails this summer to keep an eye on dangerous behaviours.
"Police remind boaters that each year people die needlessly in accidents on Ontario waterways. Most fatalities on the water are preventable if smart choices are made before leaving shore," a police release noted.
Last year, police reported one boating fatality on Canada Day weekend, and none in 2020 during the pandemic when most people stayed homebound. In 2019, five deaths were reported on the trails.
"That's one thing we don't want to see continue, and we'd love to have a repeat of 2020 with zero's across the board," Schmidt said.
"Let's make this Canada Day long weekend a great weekend for all. Wear your life jacket, or PFD, wear your helmet and always buckle up," concluded OPP Sgt. Dave Moffat.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.