An extended heatwave of over 30C graced the perfect timing for summer aficionados.
Port Stanley, a charming lakeside village in Ontario, was bustling with activity on Sunday, as folks sought to make the most of the final summer days before schools reopen on Wednesday.
Marjorie Taylor, accompanied by her companions from Toronto at the beach, shared her excitement about the summery weekend. She said, “Finally we have a pleasant weekend to immerse in the outdoors, mayhap even take a dip in the water without succumbing to the chilling cold.” She continued, expressing her intent to condense the entire summer into one weekend.
Relishing the beach, Zach and Josh Hobson carried the spirit of the game, tossing a football after their arrival from Cambridge. While Josh is due to begin the ninth grade, Zach eagerly awaits starting university in Guelph. “Just reclaiming a breather before bidding our summer adieu,” Zach stated, expressing his intent to unwind before resuming work and upcoming stress.
The locality saw ample business fluctuation throughout the season, which has been coined “bizarre” by Carol Gates, proprietor of GT’s on the Beach in Port Stanley. She explained, “Unpredictable rainfall scattered the weekends, affecting our business greatly. Albeit, sunshine votes in favor of the business, while rain does the exact opposite. Much to my grass’s delight, but regrettably, not my business’s.”
Notably, this vibrant beach wasn’t the sole spot attracting the crowd. Tourists swarmed the village’s heart, took leisurely strolls, and indulged in riding the rails.
The Khokhar family, visiting from Vancouver B.C., was truly smitten by the locale. Expressing his admiration for Port Stanley, Omer Khokar, who had planned the trip with his kids and their cousin, aptly described the village as “gorgeous, beautiful and just a stone’s throw from the beach.”
Indeed, the inference of the scorching temperatures on businesses is evident. However, some establishments like the Port Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) managed to keep the crowd pouring throughout the summer.
Dave Corkran, a conductor for the PSTR, pointed out that the rail ride is a favored activity even on cooler or rainy days. “Now, finally, the much-awaited 30-degree days have arrived with September, and our ridership for the weekend has soared,” he added.
Given the forecast of the mercury likely to exceed the 30C mark in the days ahead, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for parts of Southwestern Ontario, with Sarnia-Lambton expecting a sweltering 35C, coupled with a humidex sensation of a whopping 40C.
Such scorching daytime highs are indeed unusual for early September, observed Environment Canada. They further added that a cold front anticipated later in the week might offer respite from the heat, though the exact timing remains uncertain.
While London does not officially fall under the heat warning, the public is encouraged to ensure they keep cool and stay hydrated.
The tourist season might be approaching its end, but the current heatwave presents a golden opportunity for businesses to compensate for some of the summer’s missed proceeds. Carol Gates is certainly optimistic, looking forward to the bright, sunny skies expected this weekend.
