Here's how people in Ottawa are celebrating the hottest Halloween on record
It’s the spookiest time of the year for these elementary students at St. Gabriel School in Kanata.
"It's almost like a big party, but technically at school, but you're not really doing any work today, so it’s kind of sweet. It’s just really cool," said Grade 6 student Benjamin Mundy.
Every year, the entire school gathers to show off their costumes and helps the youngest students get into the Halloween spirit during their annual Kindergarten Parade.
"This is where we get to see a lot of (students) who are sometimes a little more quiet. And we get to see different sides of our staff. It's just nice to see different things outside of academics shine in our school," added Christine Pépin, principal of St. Gabriel School.
The Kindergarten Parade is also a chance to give back to the community, as the students gather donated food from the school that goes to a local food bank.
Meanwhile, Kanata resident Dante Direnzon puts the final touches on Halloween decorations outside his home.
"Each year, I transform my front lawn into a ghoulish graveyard," Direnzon said. "We get around anywhere from 140 to about 200 kids. I think tonight we're expecting about 150 kids because it's nice outside, finally!"
No details are overlooked at the Direnzon home.
"I've been planning for like two weeks now. I have to reinforce everything, so it doesn't fly away. Anyone who lives in Canada please stop by. You'll get a full-size chocolate bar, and you'll get some chips as well," added Direnzon.
Fortunately, this year families in Ottawa heading door-to-door can ditch the winter coats.
The temperature hit 23.5 C at 2 p.m., setting a record for the warmest Oct. 31 in Ottawa history. The previous record was 21.3 C set back in 2003.
This is the 10th October day with the temperature hitting 20 C.
"As soon as the trick-or-treaters come back in, there's going to be some showers, and that's going to be the end of the warm weather, essentially," added Peter Kimbell, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Officials are also reminding pedestrians and drivers to be extra careful tonight.
"If you haven't thought about your costumes or already have them picked out, just double check that they're as safe as possible," said Jamie Kwong from the Ottawa Safety Council.
"If you're wearing darker colors, you want to add some reflective materials. You can put little blinking lights. You could grab something off a bike light for example, or reflective snap bracelets are great. Hardware stores usually have reflective materials for pedestrians that are walking at night, especially when it gets low light, low visibility (and) darker," added Kwong.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cell phone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa
An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cell phone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
What's open and closed over the holidays in Canada
As Canadians take time off to celebrate the holidays, many federal offices, stores and businesses will be closed across the country on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.