‘A national icon’: Wiarton searches for new albino groundhog as town’s famous rodent resident passes away

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula announced the passing of Wiarton Willie on Tuesday. CTV’s Scott Miller with the story.

Canada’s most well-known weather predicting groundhog has died.

“Unfortunately, it is a sad day here in Wiarton, where our beloved groundhog passed away peacefully overnight,” said Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula’s Manager of Economic Development Danielle Edwards.

As his caretakers arrived to feed him Tuesday morning, they found Willie unresponsive in his burrow. His last weather prediction, only a few weeks ago, was for early spring. That is what Willie has predicted every Groundhog Day since taking over prediction duties in 2023.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2026 Wiarton Willie Festival

“He’s very much a national icon, and by far the town’s best-known resident. Whenever I’m down in Toronto or further abroad, and I say, ‘I come from Wiarton,’ people give me that quizzical look and I say, ‘Wiarton Willie,’ and all of a sudden, yes, the famous prognosticating groundhog,” said the Wiarton’s BIA Chair David Nusko.

Groundhogs usually only live three to five years in the wild, and albino groundhogs are less than that. Wiarton has had three different groundhogs perform Groundhog Day duties since 2017, but before that had the same “Willie” for 13 years.

Wiarton hopes that’s the kind of groundhog they find next, although it’ll be hard to find, as albino groundhogs are born one in every 10,000 in North America.

“Albino groundhogs are, as you say, not very common. I’m sure the town is working on that. I don’t have any details about that, but I’m sure we look forward to what they will come up with. And I’m sure in 2027, Groundhog Day will still be a fabulous and exciting event,” said Nusko.

“We’ve made it public. We will be looking to get another albino groundhog. And, if there’s anybody out there that has any leads, please contact us here at the town. We’d love to hear from you,” said Edwards.

But for today, Wiarton and area is in mourning, as they say goodbye to the town’s most well-known rodent resident.

“Willie has always been really well cared for and brings so much joy to residents and visitors alike. And while we’re sad to say goodbye, we will be looking for a new weather prognosticator to continue this beloved tradition for years to come,” said Edwards.

“The Wiarton Willie Festival has been a cherished part of our community for 70 years. It is a symbol of joy for residents and visitors alike. Willie brought people together in the heart of winter to celebrate a tradition that put Wiarton on the map. While we are saddened by the passing, we are grateful for the memories created and the pride brought to our town. Willie will always hold a special place in the story of South Bruce Peninsula,” said Town of South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland.