Here’s how residents and animals are keeping cool during the heat: Beating the heat is no easy feat, but even from first light, Centennial Beach in Barrie filled up with beachgoers looking to cool off. “It’s great,” said one Barrie resident. “The water was actually quite cool. It took me a while to get in, but once I was in, it was great.” Another local added, “It has been so hot lately, and staying at the beach is the perfect way to stay cool. The water is so refreshing, and it’s just a great time to spend with your family.” Despite heat warnings being lifted in some areas of Simcoe County, the temperatures have remained hot. From the city to the pasture, Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Waverley is doing what it can to keep its animals cool... as the organization works towards completing a climate-controlled barn. Bella Farr, a volunteer at the sanctuary, said they are constantly cooling down animals and making sure they remain hydrated. “Majority of our animals here are pot-bellied pigs, and they don’t have functioning sweat glands, so they can’t cool off on their own,” said Farr. “So they need pools and mud puddles to cool off and help them thermal regulate. The mud puddles also help them protect from the sun and bugs and stuff like that.” Harris Farms in Springwater is also adjusting to the heat; while it’s ripening the strawberries faster, they are looking towards a banner crop of corn. Laina Harris from the farm said corn was planted later than planned and the heat will help the crop. “Having this heat to kind of give it that boost and that push is great, to help it grow and form the ears,” said Harris. “The little shots of rain every couple days is amazing.” Harris said corn is well on its way as the stalks are currently knee-high, adding temperatures in the mid-thirties and rain once a week will be ideal.
