Split decision by groundhogs; residents tired of winter

CTV Barrie: Winter frustration The groundhogs were split on whether winter is sticking around. Roger Klein has more on how people are dealing with the cold.

Sunday was Groundhog Day but the procrastinating rodents in North America couldn’t exactly come to an agreement but residents in our area say winter isn't going to leave anytime soon.

It was another day that started with shovels and snow blowers across the region after a low pressure system delivered more winter weather Saturday night.

And it’s not over according to Wiarton Willie – the rodent saw his shadow at Groundhog Day ceremonies in Bruce County early Sunday morning.

Punxsutawney Phil came up with the same prediction while Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam disagreed.

Stayner resident Melanie Gervais said she has enjoyed winter but she’s had enough.

“I wish I could go south for that six weeks because I’m not happy about that.”

At the beginning of February it’s easy to understand why some Canadians start looking forward to spring especially considering the amount of severe winter weather we have seen this season.

Trouble on the roads started early in December with snow squalls, followed by the ice storm that knocked out power to thousands of homes. That was followed by a blizzard that paralysed parts of region. But that was only the first of two blasts from the ‘polar vortex.’

Allan Curran says this has been the most severe winter in decades and he expects more of it.

“You can count on that weather - the groundhog backs me up on that or not.”

Tillsonburg resident Maurice Connor is ok with the weather.

“I like winter and for my money the ground hog can stay where he is snuggled up somewhere I don't see any ground hogs coming out for a while.”

Jason McInnis is from Feversham and is trying to enjoy the winter with his family.

“Make the most of it. There is nothing like a day of tobogganing with your family - get out and make the most of it.”

It’s hard to say exactly now accurate the groundhogs predictions have been in the past but Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast is also favouring the odds of colder than normal temperatures for the next three months.