Municipalities across Ontario are adjusting Canada Day festivities and opening emergency cooling centers as a severe heat wave brings dangerous temperatures and humidity.
Environment Canada has issued an orange heat warning for a long-duration event expected to last through Friday, with maximum temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius and humidex values feeling as high as 47 degrees Celsius.
>>> Glasgow Hospital Ward Isolated Over Suspected Ebola Case
Orillia Cancels Midway, Adds Safety Measures
In Orillia, organizers canceled a scheduled midway on June 30 due to extreme conditions. Operations are expected to resume at Couchiching Beach Park for Wednesday's holiday events.
Celebrate Orillia Inc. chairperson Rob Kloostra highlighted the community effort behind the inaugural volunteer-led event. "We hope everyone comes out, has a safe and memorable day ...
and celebrates everything that makes Orillia such an incredible place to call home," Kloostra said.
Kloostra noted that the newly formed not-for-profit corporation had to build every organizational aspect from scratch. "We truly started from scratch.
There wasn't even a manual waiting for us," he said.
More than 75 volunteers have stepped forward since January to assist with logistics, governance, and finances.
Local business partnerships and donations helped the committee meet its initial monetary targets.
"We set ambitious financial goals at the beginning of the project, and I'm proud to say we've met those goals thanks to the incredible community sponsors, donors, volunteers and local businesses," Kloostra said.
The large turnout ensured all operational roles are staffed, keeping the event free for attendees. "None of this would be possible without our volunteers.
