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CBC
5 hours ago
- CBC
Fate of next year's Vancouver dragon boat festival in doubt due to FIFA World Cup, organizers say
The organizers of the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver say it appears next year's races will be cancelled because of rules surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dominic Lai of Dragon Boat B.C. says Vancouver's host city agreement with FIFA prohibits cultural and sporting events in the city within a certain time frame and restricts events within a certain radius of B.C. Place, which is set to host seven World Cup matches between June 13 and July 7. The event, which organizers describe as North America's largest dragon boat festival, takes place in False Creek, a short distance from B.C. Place, usually around the summer solstice. "We tried to come up with alternate solutions, and we presented these solutions to the city and the province," Lai said. "But ultimately, we still haven't got any confirmation of any type of support for it, and we're in a tough place." Lai says organizers are working with the city and province in search of a solution, but as it stands, they face a financial deficit. The City of Vancouver says it is collaborating with organizers of sporting and cultural events taking place between June 4 and July 14 "to ensure that events don't conflict geographically, and that there are sufficient City resources to support a safe environment for all to enjoy." The city also said it is working with event organizers and FIFA to minimize impacts, and it expects "most annual events to proceed in some form, though some may see adjustments in timing, location or scale." A statement from B.C.'s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture says the province "is aware that this event is impacted by the World Cup and understands that major events can create challenges for communities — sometimes requiring established events to change timing or location, and we appreciate how difficult those adjustments can be." Lai says adjustments mean Dragon Boat B.C. faces a financial deficit, and poses existential questions. "FIFA is a behemoth. It will do what it does. It's the world's largest sporting event for a reason, and they have a standard of excellence they need to deliver on," he said.
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
Heavy traffic marks start of Civic Long Weekend in northern Ont.
Heavy traffic marks the start of the Civic Long Weekend in northeastern Ontario as travellers head to camps and cottages. Amanda Hicks reports. The Civic Long Weekend got off to a bustling start as travellers made stops at Sudbury's iconic Big Nickel on Friday. Among the visitors were 10-year-old Daniel Zhang and 13-year-old Jaiden Zhang from Richmond Hill, Ont., who were seeing the landmark for the first time while en route to their family cottage. 'It's very big and looks pretty cool,' Daniel said. Greg Earl and his wife, visiting from Denmark, also stopped by with their six-year-old son. 'We're here to see my cousin,' Earl said. 'We've been travelling – went up to Manitoulin Island, and we're going to make the big loop around Georgian Bay. We have a few nights here.' Highway traffic builds as travellers head to destinations By noon, traffic on Highway 17 in McKerrow began to slow, with rest stop parking lots filling quickly. Among those on the road were Sault Ste. Marie residents Lucia Laford and Nick Brash, who were heading to a family cottage in Bancroft. 'My uncle hosts our family getaway weekend for the long weekend in August every year,' Brash said. 'I haven't been in, like, four years, so it's time to go.' Both noted the unusually heavy traffic. 'It's been really busy out,' Laford said. 'I travel this highway a lot, and it's never this busy. It's just a constant stream of cars.' Highway 17 - Traffic Traffic along Highway 17 in northern Ontario is show on August 1, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) Provincial police crack down on dangerous driving behaviours Ontario Provincial Police are out in full force this weekend, targeting the 'Big Four' traffic violations: Alcohol/drug-impaired driving Lack of seat belt use Aggressive driving (including speeding) Distracted driving OPP Const. Rob Lewis highlighted the rise in risky maneuvers. 'What we're starting to see a lot more of is people passing on the right shoulder. These are dangerous maneuvers and can endanger people's lives,' he said. 'It doesn't get anyone much further because, usually, you're congested somewhere down the highway due to traffic or construction. We're advising the public to follow the rules.' Lewis urged motorists to anticipate delays and plan accordingly. Travellers embrace summer getaways, some opting to stay in Canada For many, the long weekend is about relaxation and enjoying summer's offerings. Ross Paterson and Elizabeth Chinery were on their way to a family camp on Lake Superior. 'We're going to enjoy the lake, sitting on the deck, kicking back, and enjoying ourselves,' Paterson said. Paterson also shared his decision to vacation in Canada this year amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. 'I had set up something to go to the States and I went down there, but that was the only time – and the only time I will be going,' he said. 'It's important to support Canada, in my view.' As traffic remains heavy, authorities remind drivers to stay patient and prioritize safety throughout the holiday weekend.
CBC
5 hours ago
- CBC
Airport, ferries expect heavy traffic over B.C. Day long weekend
B.C. Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. YVR is expecting an increase in travellers compared to the same weekend last year and ferry terminals will be running at full capacity over the next three days. As Sohrab Sandhu reports, planning ahead may save travellers from last-minute headaches.
