Our province experienced its most tragic long weekend of the year as eight people lost their lives during the Civic Holiday period, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
The fatalities included five people killed in vehicle collisions and three others who died in water-related incidents, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt revealed in a social media video posted Thursday.
Among the marine tragedies, two deaths occurred when a canoe overturned, while a third person was killed in a collision involving a powerboat.
"We haven't seen these kinds of numbers since last year," Schmidt said in the video.
The grim statistics come as the OPP has investigated more than 41,000 collisions across Ontario so far in 2026. Over the long weekend alone, officers issued more than 8,200 charges to drivers.
The enforcement blitz resulted in nearly 4,000 speeding tickets, while more than 600 drivers faced charges for seatbelt violations. Officers also laid 188 charges for impaired driving and 128 charges against motorists who failed to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
Schmidt pointed to recent holiday weekends that also saw significant loss of life. During Labour Day 2025, seven people died—six in road collisions and one in an off-road vehicle incident. Thanksgiving weekend last year proved even deadlier, with 10 motor vehicle fatalities and three additional deaths involving off-road vehicles.
Provincial police are emphasizing the need for safer choices on our roads and waterways. Schmidt urged the public to consider the consequences of their actions.
"Please think about your safety, other people around you and make safe decisions," he said.
The OPP continues to rely on both education and enforcement efforts to encourage responsible behavior among drivers and boaters throughout the province.
