Heavy traffic marks start of Civic Long Weekend in northern Ont.

Heavy traffic marks the start of the Civic Long Weekend in northeastern Ontario as travellers head to camps and cottages. Amanda Hicks reports.

The Civic Long Weekend got off to a bustling start as travellers made stops at Sudbury’s iconic Big Nickel on Friday. Among the visitors were 10-year-old Daniel Zhang and 13-year-old Jaiden Zhang from Richmond Hill, Ont., who were seeing the landmark for the first time while en route to their family cottage.

“It’s very big and looks pretty cool,” Daniel said.

Greg Earl and his wife, visiting from Denmark, also stopped by with their six-year-old son.

“We’re here to see my cousin,” Earl said. “We’ve been travelling – went up to Manitoulin Island, and we’re going to make the big loop around Georgian Bay. We have a few nights here.”

Highway traffic builds as travellers head to destinations

By noon, traffic on Highway 17 in McKerrow began to slow, with rest stop parking lots filling quickly. Among those on the road were Sault Ste. Marie residents Lucia Laford and Nick Brash, who were heading to a family cottage in Bancroft.

“My uncle hosts our family getaway weekend for the long weekend in August every year,” Brash said. “I haven’t been in, like, four years, so it’s time to go.”

Both noted the unusually heavy traffic.

“It’s been really busy out,” Laford said. “I travel this highway a lot, and it’s never this busy. It’s just a constant stream of cars.”

Provincial police crack down on dangerous driving behaviours

Ontario Provincial Police are out in full force this weekend, targeting the “Big Four” traffic violations:

• Alcohol/drug-impaired driving
• Lack of seat belt use
• Aggressive driving (including speeding)
• Distracted driving

OPP Const. Rob Lewis highlighted the rise in risky maneuvers.

“What we’re starting to see a lot more of is people passing on the right shoulder. These are dangerous maneuvers and can endanger people’s lives,” he said. “It doesn’t get anyone much further because, usually, you’re congested somewhere down the highway due to traffic or construction. We’re advising the public to follow the rules.”

Lewis urged motorists to anticipate delays and plan accordingly.

Travellers embrace summer getaways, some opting to stay in Canada

For many, the long weekend is about relaxation and enjoying summer’s offerings. Ross Paterson and Elizabeth Chinery were on their way to a family camp on Lake Superior.

“We’re going to enjoy the lake, sitting on the deck, kicking back, and enjoying ourselves,” Paterson said.

Paterson also shared his decision to vacation in Canada this year amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.

“I had set up something to go to the States and I went down there, but that was the only time – and the only time I will be going,” he said. “It’s important to support Canada, in my view.”

As traffic remains heavy, authorities remind drivers to stay patient and prioritize safety throughout the holiday weekend.