Reopening of Timmins Urban Park Market brings a sense of hope and optimism
As a celebration of Timmins' resilience against a harsh wave of COVID-19, local medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton took the honour of ringing in the Downtown BIA’s annual Urban Park Market.
Joined by emergency services officials and the city's mayor, Catton said it's a time to congratulate people for their efforts in battling the virus by enjoying a sense of normalcy.
"It’s great to see people out once again and (it’s) really a testament to the hard work of all of our community members and this excellent group here to really get our community through this pandemic," Catton said.
Daily case counts have slowed to single digits in the last week, which Timmins Mayor George Pirie said brings a sense of positivity, security and optimism to this year's market.
"Everybody’s ready for this. The city’s ready for this," Pirie said. "It’s just very nice to see people out in the streets, even with following all the safety protocols ... have the chance to have some good conversations."
From vendors catching up with customers to visitors reconnecting with people they may not have seen in person for months, to families enjoying the time outside — some said it’s a moment of levity in a lengthy global crisis.
"Everybody’s just happy to get out and see other people," said Betty Johnston, who came out to experience the first day of the market.
Catton noted that this doesn’t mean the fight is over, vaccination rates still need to rise and word from the province about further reopening steps are still needed, but she said people deserve to enjoy a local tradition in a COVID-safe way.
"I think it’s a strong testament to our northern resilience and ability to work together and rally around one another," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.