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Barrie, Ont., is cancelling its New Year’s Eve celebration due to severe weather and an Environment Canada orange warning in the city.
In a news release Wednesday, officials said the move is an effort to prioritize public safety as forecasted snow accumulation creates challenges for event setup.
“We regret that circumstances beyond our control are preventing us from hosting the event as planned, however we will always prioritize the safety of the public, staff, performers, and vendors,” director of recreation and culture services Kevin Datema said in Tuesday’s release.
The city is encouraging residents to avoid non-essential trips and exercise extra caution while walking, biking and driving. It also said it would plan to reschedule the Kim Mitchell performance and fireworks show to February, during its Winterfest.
On-street parking in Barrie will also not be permitted from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. in the Downtown Business Improvement Area and from 12:01 to 7 a.m. on other city streets Jan. 1.
Environment Canada placed Barrie under an orange snow squall warning Tuesday, which is set to continue Wednesday and into Thursday. Blowing snow is causing near zero visibility and an additional 10 to 25 centimetres of snow is predicted, Environment Canada’s website states.
A snow squall is a sudden, intense and short-lived burst of heavy snow and strong winds that causes near-total whiteout conditions and rapidly freezing road surfaces.