Northern Santa Claus parades not all returning in full capacity
It's not even Halloween yet, but northern communities have already started to plan the return of their Santa Claus parades.
In Sault Ste. Marie, while it may be returning, its planning committee said it's likely to be a scaled back event to comply with public health concerns.
"What the concern is and difficultly we have as organizers is social distancing of the crowd, checking for vaccines and masking," said David Marshall, Sault Santa Claus parade chair. "With the limited volunteers that I have, it's difficult to enforce that."
Marshall said Algoma Public Health agreed that it would be difficult to enforce those rules under a normal parade format.
Instead, he said the committee is leaning towards hosting the event by drive-by.
"Which means we'll have floats and Santa of course parked in a stationary position and then we'll have drive-by, or allow drive-by with the public," he said.
Timmins Downtown BIA is planning the return of its parade at full capacity to kick off the holiday season.
Its executive director said it's confident it can ensure the safety of the public.
"We felt comfortable that we could hold an outdoor parade this year," said Cindy Campbell. "We will have volunteers on the parade route encouraging social distancing, but we will also be taking measures to ensure that people in the parade are safe as well, people driving the parade floats."
Campbell said it would also be asking families to be mindful of their own surroundings and be aware of people who may not be physical distancing.
"We'll certainly be encouraging people to wear masks as well, even though we're outside," she said.
Parade organizers in North Bay have yet to determine the format of their event, but some type of gathering is planned.
Meanwhile in Sudbury, a decision on whether its parade will even go ahead has yet to have been made.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
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.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
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.