5 Things You Need To Know For October 2, 2026

October 2, 2026 5:55 am Published by Chris McLeod

_{October 2nd is the 275th day of the year. There are 90 days remaining until the end of the year.}

Doors Open Ontario is celebrating its 25th season in with free, behind-the-scenes public access to historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites across the province.

Since launching in 2002, the popular cultural event has brought more than 9.5 million visitors behind closed doors, transforming hidden architectural gems, historical locations, and natural trails into accessible spaces for the public to explore firsthand.

The season kicked off in Stratford in April and will wrap up in Niagara Falls on October 18. As the season heads into its final weeks, communities like Brampton, Chatham-Kent, and Quinte West are gearing up to host their local events this weekend.

Check out local schedules and participating spots by visiting Doors Open Ontario Website. Or for specific Chatham-Kent listings, go here.

Free public skating at local arenas returns this weekend. Grab some skates and get the family out.

Friday, October 2nd
Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Chatham Erickson Arena Public Skating, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 3rd
Bothwell Arena Public Skating, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Blenheim Arena Public Skating, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Sunday, October 4th
Chatham Memorial Arena, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Ridgetown Arena, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Tilbury Arena, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Wallaceburg Memorial Arena, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Wheatley Arena, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Click here for more information on the ice skating programs.

Ontario’s fall colours could be a little late this year, but the show is still coming — and it could last longer than usual.

A strong El Niño pattern is bringing warmer-than-normal temperatures to Ontario, and that can delay the cooler nights that trigger leaves to change colour. A McMaster University biology professor says that could also mean slightly less intense reds and purples.

The fall-colour window that usually runs from mid-September through late October, has been pushed back by about two weeks this year.

One of the most pupular race days of the season is this weekend at the Leamington Raceway.

The annual Weiner Dog Races will be held on Sunday.

Post time for the first horse race of the day is at 1 p.m., and admission and parking are free.

Michael J. Fox is getting one of Canada’s highest honours today – being promoted within the Order of Canada.

The Parkinson’s advocate will become a Companion of the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall this morning, hosted by the Governor General.

He’s being recognized for his global advocacy and his openness about living with Parkinson’s. Through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, he has helped raise about $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research.

Fox is the headline name among 51 Canadians being honoured, with a pretty impressive list of Canadians from sports, media, business and science alongside him.