Latest news with #CentennialBeach
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Heat wave breaks after days of scorching humidex: Here's what to expect now
Dozens of families flock to Centennial Beach in Barrie to try and beat the heat. (CTV Barrie) After three days of blistering heat, residents can finally breath a little easier. The stretch of hot, dry and humid weather finally broke on Wednesday, bringing some relief to the region after daytime highs had felt as warm as 43C and higher with the humidex. Environment Canada had issued heat warnings for the multi-day event as the combination of high temperatures and humidity created dangerous conditions. 'It's the first heat wave of the year. That's always the worst,' said David Phillips, Environment Canada's senior climatologist in an interview with CTV News last week. The extreme heat had people flocking to beaches and splash pads, while health and safety officials issued repeated warnings to not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles where temperatures can become fatal in minutes. Lawns across the region also began to show signs of stress, turning from lush green to yellow as the heat gripped the region. Wednesday's weather marks a turning point, with cooler air moving in and daytime highs settling around 31C - still warm, but more manageable. Experts say more seasonal weather is expected in the days ahead. Thursday will see daytime highs around 23C, with the possibility of afternoon showers, a welcome change for thirsty gardens and dry patches of grass. Then Friday brings a risk of thunderstorms, with temps climbing to 25C. By the weekend, skies are expected to clear again with a forecast high of 28C on Saturday. Still, Phillips believes we are in for a warm summer, which seems to be the trend. 'It shouldn't surprise us, globally, we saw the warmest summer on record two years ago. Last year was the second warmest in Canada. The last time we had a cool summer was 33 years ago,' he concluded.
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
Here's what's happening at Barrie's waterfront this summer
Crowds turned out to Centennial Beach on the first day of summer, Barrie, Ont. on Sat. June 20, 2020 (Don Wright/CTV News) Barrie's waterfront is the heart of summer activity for locals and visitors alike. With lengthy shorelines, scenic parks, and recreational amenities, there's something for everyone along Kempenfelt Bay. If you are planning a trip to the Barrie Waterfront this summer season, here are a few things you may get up to: Beaches and swimming The city maintains four public beaches throughout the summer, Centennial Beach, Johnson's Beach, Minet's Point Beach, and Tyndale Beach. Lifeguards remain on duty during peak hours at Centennial and Johnson's. You can often find them sanctioned at the lifeguarding stations that reign the main beach areas. The family washrooms at the Centennial Park building remain open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all beachgoers. Barrie beach Centennial Beach in Barrie, Ont. (Steve Mansbridge/CTV News) Snacks and vendors The hot weather is never complete without a sweet waterfront treat. Scoops and Cones, located near the marina, along with the Centennial Beach Concession are open during the summer season, there you can find; ice cream, cold drinks, and light snacks. For a wider variety, the mobile Food Vendor Program brings a lineup of food trucks and carts to parks throughout Barrie starting in June. Cocina Mexicana, Kara Dogs, Taj Grace of India, Amaya real Indian Food and Donkey Kone are a few of the mobile vendors you will find during daylight hours. Carnival Barrie Food vendor A food vendor at Carnival Barrie in Barrie, Ont. on Sat., August 31, 2024 (CTV News/Steve Mann) Recreational activities The Barrie waterfront is packed with recreational activities. Beach volleyball courts are available at Tyndale Beach and Will Dwyer Park. Outdoor fitness stations flood the shoreline between Heritage Park and the Southshore Community Centre. They provide a range of free equipment for everyone to use. For those looking to enjoy the waterfront scenery, a long trail stretches roughly 6.7 kilometres and is ideal for walking, running or cycling. Barrie waterfront The City of Barrie waterfront. (CTV NEWS/KATELYN WILSON) Boating and water sports The Marinia and the Tiffin Boat launch are available to all boaters along with a variety of water activities including a 13,000 square foot inflatable waterpark, one of the largest in Canada. If your child is looking for some water fun, the vibrant Water Play Park is not hard to miss along Centennial Beach. Centennial Park Boat Launch Boats in the water at the Centennial Park Boat Launch in Orillia Ont., on July 2, 2024. (CTVNews/ Molly Frommer) E-Bike the bay A new biking service has rolled into the Barrie shoreline. For an eco-friendly way to explore the heart of the city, visitors can now rent a Scooty e-bike using the SCOOTY Let's Go App. E-bikes are found stationed along Centennial Park, and remain within designated waterfront trail zones. E-bike rentals available at Barrie's waterfront E-bike rentals available at Barrie's waterfront. Barrie's deep-rooted history History geeks can follow the Waterfront Heritage Tour, a self-guided walking experience featuring 11 interpretive stations. It follows Lakeshore Drive between Memorial Square and the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre making it roughly an 83 minute walk around. The Spirit Catcher, a large steel sculpture that's become a focal point at the waterfront since 1987, remains a favorite 705 stop. Nearby, stands a whimsical sea serpent that's adds charm to the shoreline. These unique pieces are both part of MacLaren Art Centre's permanent collection. Barrie spiritcatcher The Spirit Catcher in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News) This is all great but where do I park? Waterfront parking is available, but a digital parking permit is required for free parking at designated lots. You can also park without a permit for $10 an hour with a daily max of $50 in waterfront parking areas. Free public Wi-Fi is available along the waterfront between the Southshore Community Centre and Heritage Park, including Meridian Place.
