Here comes the Long Weekend that marks the beginning of summer in the Valley. With Bay Day tomorrow, it’s easy to forget some of the many other events going on in the area. You may get inspiration from these reminders. And if you intend to get out on the water this weekend, please refer below to an important message from the OPP as Safe Boating Awareness Week begins.
Friday May 15
Barry’s Bay BIA holds a Movie Night tonight at 7pm in the Upstairs Lounge at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday May 16
- Bay Day in Barry’s Bay – events for every age and interest in downtown Barry’s Bay from 9am to 4pm. Enjoy the day with vendors, live music, a car show and more. Remember to drop in at MV Public Library, Barry’s Bay Railway Station, and local businesses.
- Combermere – Madawaska Valley Gardening Club plant sale, Combermere Craft Cabin, 39244 Combermere Rd.(Hwy.62) 9am-12pm. Labelled plant donations may be left at the bench today or by 8am on Saturday please.
Sunday May 17
Carson Trout Lepine and Greenan Lakes Association AGM will be held on Sunday, May 17 from 1-3pm at Opeongo Senior’s Center, 19 Stafford St, Barry’s Bay
Thursday May 21
A Community that Dances – inaugural exhibition of the Art Gallery of the Ottawa Valley. Killaloe Hagarty Richards Municipal Office, 1 John Street, Killaloe. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Opening remarks at 7pm.
Sunday May 24
Voice Recital at 2:00pm featuring various musical genres such as classical, musical theatre, folk with music sung in English, Italian, French. Free admission. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, St. Mary’s Classroom, at 149 Dunn St., Barry’s Bay.
May 16-22 is Safe Boating Awareness Week
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds us that paddlers are no less vulnerable than boaters on the water:
More than 100 people in human-powered pleasure craft (canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards) were among the 249 people who died in Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-investigated marine incidents in the last 10 full years (2016-2025).
Significantly contributing to the loss of life was the fact that 205 (83 per cent) of those who died were not (or not properly) wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident.
With capsized vessels and falling overboard being the leading causes in the majority (197) of the fatalities, the number one takeaway for boaters and paddlers should be that the proper use of a lifejacket or PFD gives you your best chance of surviving a marine incident.
The OPP urges all boaters/paddlers to stop tossing this proven life-saving device aside and to wear it. Having it stored or nearby is of no help to you when you suddenly find yourself in the water.
Impairment by alcohol or drugs, operator inexperience, poor weather, and hazardous waterways are among the other most common contributing factors in boating fatalities. During Safe Boating Awareness Week, OPP Marine Officers will be out on the water promoting marine safety and enforcing federal boating laws.
The OPP reminds boaters and paddlers that a safe and enjoyable boating season starts with always being well-prepared. Ensure your vessel is properly equipped and functioning and check the weather to determine if it is safe to go out. Familiarize yourself with the 1-10-1-principle to help you understand how ending up in cold water can severely impact your ability to swim or even stay afloat.
Become well-versed in Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and always boat sober and drug-free!
QUICK FACTS
The OPP Marine Program has a fleet of close to 140 vessels and approximately 400 highly trained marine officers committed to enforcing federal boating laws on more than 110,000 square kilometres of Ontario’s navigable waterways.
Safe Boating Awareness Week runs from May 16 to 22, 2026 and is led by the Canadian Safe Boating Council, a valued OPP marine safety partner.
Cranton,Sgt.E.,OPP East Region(2026,May14) PADDLERS NO LESS VULNERABLE THAN BOATERS ON THE WATER – OPP on Waterways for Safe Boating Awareness Week [media release]