Spring-like temperatures call for early boat launching season
Today is the day that boaters around the region eagerly anticipate every year.
"It is an early start. This is the earliest we've launched in the 40 years I've been doing this," said boat owner Dave Carr.
The mild winter and early spring allowed marinas to open early.
"The hydronic trailer basically goes in and picks the boat up in the yard and brings it over to the travel lift here, and then we pick it up with the travel lift and then launch it," said Steve Goddard, the general manager of Bay Port Marine.
The goal is to have around 400 boats in by May for the long weekend, which is more than two weeks ahead of schedule.
Maple Leaf Marinas is Canada's largest marine group, managing 20 marinas.
"We honestly thought a few weeks ago we'd be even earlier, but then we got that random snow storm a couple of weeks across pretty much across the whole area. We have some marinas that have started putting boats in the water while others are prepping to get boaters in water this week and next week," said Karen Trottola at Maple Leaf Marinas.
Most boats at Lefroy Harbour sit in slips on land as marinas along Lake Simcoe prepare for the season.
"We started last week. We launched at Lake Simcoe Marine. It's all in the water today. We are starting in Kon-Tiki Marine, which is is five minutes south of here, and here in Lefroy. We are starting on Thursday," said Moe Elnewishy from Lake Simcoe Marinas.
"All boaters are actually calling now asking when the boats will be launching they are gearing up to start the season," said Elnewishy.
Many local marinas will launch boats in the next few weeks, as most boaters prefer to have them in the water by the long weekend of May. It's important to remember that the water may still be icy and hazardous if you plan on going out this month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Suspect sought after man found injured in downtown Toronto dies in hospital
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man who was found with life-threatening injuries in downtown Toronto on Sunday morning succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Police investigating after tow trucks shot at in Scarborough two hours apart
Toronto police are investigating after tow trucks were shot at in Scarborough about two hours apart Saturday night.
Man trapped in car for nearly 45 minutes following North York collision: police
A male driver was trapped in his vehicle for nearly 45 minutes after colliding with a parked car and hydro pole on Saturday night.