What Barrie's Talking About

Central Ontario Broadcasting
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Barrie is one of the best cities in Canada. We're a dynamic, growing and thriving community. Join us every week as we let you know what's going on. From news to events, and everything in between. If it affects you, we'll be talking about it. This podcast is brought to you by Barrie 360 - What Barrie's Talking About. https://barrie360.com/

  1. 1D AGO

    Housing Market Outlook, Honouring Veterans, and Colts Playoff Momentum

    There’s plenty happening around Barrie and Simcoe County this week. From encouraging signs in the local housing market to a proposal aimed at recognizing Canadian veterans year round, several local stories are sparking conversation across the region. Barrie Housing Market Showing Promise for First Time Buyers For many people hoping to buy their first home, the past few years have been challenging. High prices and rising interest rates pushed home ownership out of reach for many buyers. However, new updates from the local real estate community suggest conditions may finally be improving. Recent insights into the Barrie housing market indicate that first time buyers may start to see more opportunities. Market activity is stabilizing, inventory levels are gradually improving, and pricing pressures appear to be easing compared with the peak years of the housing surge. For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, these changes could mean a better chance to enter the market. Real estate professionals say that while affordability remains a concern, the current environment may offer more balanced conditions than what buyers faced in recent years. Proposal Calls for More Year Round Recognition of Veterans A retired Canadian Air Force pilot is hoping to spark a national conversation about how Canada recognizes its veterans. Kent Smerdon spent nearly four decades flying in both the Royal Canadian Air Force and commercial aviation. Now he’s focusing his attention on a new mission. Smerdon believes Canada should do more to honour the men and women who have served in the armed forces, not just on Remembrance Day. His proposal includes the creation of a Veteran’s Flag that could be displayed throughout the year, as well as a special lapel pin that veterans could wear with pride. The goal is to provide a visible and lasting symbol that recognizes those who have served Canada both in the past and today. Supporters say the idea could help increase public awareness and appreciation for veterans across the country. Stay Connected With What Barrie’s Talking About If you like what you've heard please subscribe to What Barrie's Talking About. You can also keep up with What Barrie's Talking About on Bluesky and X at Barrie 360 on our website Barrie360.com. And there's our Daily Kickstart podcast available from any streaming service and on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  2. MAR 5

    Spring Forward, Check Your Alarms, and Maybe Take a Polar Plunge

    Another week in Barrie means another round of stories that have people talking across the city and across Simcoe County. From the clocks changing this weekend to community initiatives and a chilly charity event, there’s plenty happening locally. Daylight Saving Time Returns This Weekend This weekend marks the return of Daylight Saving Time, which means clocks will move ahead by one hour. While losing an hour of sleep isn’t always popular, the change does bring longer evenings and more daylight after work. Local fire officials say the time change is also a good reminder to check something much more important in your home: your alarms. Barrie firefighters are encouraging residents to take a few minutes while adjusting their clocks to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. That includes checking that alarms have fresh batteries, making sure the devices aren’t older than 10 years, and doing a quick test to confirm the alarm still sounds. County of Simcoe Launches ITSTARTS Campaign The County of Simcoe’s ITSTARTS campaign is underway once again. The initiative focuses on building a more welcoming and inclusive community. Through education and awareness, the campaign encourages people to embrace values such as inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. The goal is to help residents recognize how everyday actions can help create a stronger and more unified community throughout Simcoe County. The campaign runs throughout the year and includes community outreach, educational resources, and local engagement efforts. Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary Needs Volunteers As winter slowly begins to wind down, a local animal sanctuary is asking for some community help. Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Wyebridge is looking for volunteers this weekend to assist with a few projects around the property. Organizers say they need help clearing leftover snow and working on some maintenance and improvement projects around the sanctuary. Even a few hours of volunteer time can go a long way in helping the team that cares for rescued animals year round. Anyone interested in helping out can contact the sanctuary directly at ralphysanimalsanctuary@gmail.com. The sanctuary is located at 39 Darby Road in Wyebridge. Are You Using Your Green Bin Properly? The County of Simcoe is also encouraging residents to make full use of their green bins. Organic waste programs help reduce the amount of garbage going to landfill, but officials say many households could still be putting more compostable items into their bins. Increasing participation helps extend the life of local landfills and improves waste diversion across the region. Barrie’s Economic Outlook Remains Positive Despite economic uncertainty in some areas, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce says the city is in a good position to weather current challenges. Local leaders point to Barrie’s continued growth, strong business community, and expanding population as reasons for optimism. While inflation and other economic pressures remain a concern across the country, Barrie’s diversified local economy continues to show resilience. Cold Water for a Good Cause at Friday Harbour Finally, dozens of brave participants are expected to jump into icy water this weekend for a good cause. The annual Polar Plunge at Friday Harbour raises funds in support of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre expansion project. Participants take the plunge into the cold waters of Lake Simcoe while supporters gather along the shore to cheer them on. It’s a fun and memorable event that helps raise money and awareness for improved healthcare services in the region. Stay Connected With What Barrie’s Talking About You can keep up with What Barrie's Talking About on Bluesky and X at Barrie 360, on our website Barrie360.com. And there's our Daily Kickstart podcast available from any streaming service and on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  3. FEB 26

    Colts on Fire, March Mullet Returns, and a Local Connection to the Brier

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360, your weekly look at the stories shaping our community. This week, we’re talking playoff momentum, mental health fundraising with a bit of flair, and a Barrie connection to one of Canada’s biggest sporting events. Barrie Colts Extend Winning Streak How about those Barrie Colts? The team put together four wins last weekend, stretching their streak to 10 straight victories. They now sit comfortably atop the OHL Central Division as the playoffs draw closer. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern breaks down what’s driving the success, how the team is positioning itself for the postseason, and what fans can expect as the regular season winds down. It’s a run that has the city buzzing and it couldn’t be coming at a better time. The March Mullet (or Trim) Campaign Returns The March Mullet or Trim campaign is back, bringing together fun and fundraising in support of mental health services in Simcoe County. Participants grow it, trim it, or style it to spark conversation and raise funds, all for a serious cause. This year’s campaign supports a new beneficiary, expanding its impact in the region. Organizers explain how the initiative works, why it continues to grow in popularity, and how residents can take part while supporting vital mental health resources. Barrie’s Cory Heggestad Previews the Brier The Canadian Men’s Curling Championship — better known as the Brier — begins this weekend, and there’s a local connection to cheer for. Barrie’s Cory Heggestad, serving as an alternate on the Team King entry, joins the show to preview the tournament. He talks about preparation, what it means to compete at that level, and what fans can expect as the country’s best curlers battle it out for national supremacy. Listen to the Full Episode Catch the full conversations on What Barrie’s Talking About, available wherever you get your podcasts and at Barrie360.com. Stay connected with Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X, subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and check out the Daily Kickstart podcast for your weekday news rundown. We’ll see you next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  4. FEB 19

    Police Integrity, Safer Streets, Hockeyville Hopes and a Colts Surge

    Welcome to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360, your weekly deep dive into the stories shaping our community. This week’s episode covers everything from policing and public safety to arena repairs, affordable housing, and a red-hot Barrie Colts team pushing toward the playoffs. Police Integrity and the Provincial Probe Following corruption charges against several Toronto police officers, the province is launching an inspection focused on police integrity across Ontario. Both Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston and South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke have publicly endorsed the review. Chief Van Dyke joins the program to discuss what happened in Toronto, why transparency matters, and what this provincial probe could mean for local services. It’s an important conversation about public trust and accountability in policing. Project Lima: Making Barrie’s Streets Safer Barrie Police have launched a new initiative aimed at improving pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety at busy intersections. Known as Project Lima, the program targets risky driving behaviour, visibility concerns, and overall traffic safety. Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan speaks with Staff Sergeant Angie Butler and Constable Taylor Collins to break down what the initiative involves and how it aims to make local roads safer for everyone. Stroud Arena and the Kraft Hockeyville Push The Stroud Innisfil Community Centre and Arena needs significant repairs and Innisfil Council has approved $1 million in emergency funding to get the work started. The town is now hoping to recover some of those costs through the Kraft Hockeyville program. Julius Hern speaks with Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin and Councillor Kevin Eisses about the arena’s importance to the community and what Hockeyville support could mean for its future. Redwood Park Communities Expands Its Impact Redwood Park Communities continues building momentum in its mission to provide safe, affordable, and hopeful housing. After launching a bond program last year to raise funds for housing projects, Redwood is now seeing additional support from local investors. Tim Kent and Carolina Belmares return to the program to talk about how the bond program is working, why community investment matters, and what comes next. Barrie Colts Keep Rolling Toward the Playoffs The Barrie Colts are heating up at just the right time. Seven straight wins have them sitting just four points back of Brantford for top spot in the Eastern Conference and first overall. Julius Hern catches up with Colts broadcaster Gene Pereira to recap the recent surge and look ahead to what could be a very exciting playoff run. Catch the full conversations on What Barrie’s Talking About, available wherever you get your podcasts and at Barrie360.com. Stay connected with us on Bluesky and X at @Barrie360 and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. We’ll see you next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min

  5. FEB 12

    Bowling for a Cause, Colts Clinch, and a Giant Snowman with a Big Heart

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. This week’s episode is all about community. From youth mentorship and playoff hockey to a towering snowman helping stock local food bank shelves. Bowl for Kids’ Sake Returns One of the biggest annual fundraisers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District is just weeks away, and there’s still time to get involved. Bowl for Kids’ Sake brings together teams of friends, coworkers, and families for a fun day on the lanes, all in support of mentoring programs that make a real difference for young people in the community. Executive Director Bre Lefebvre joins Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan to talk about the impact Big Brothers Big Sisters is having locally, why mentorship matters more than ever, and how residents can form a team or support the cause. For details on the event and the organization’s work, visit barrie.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. Colts Clinch a Playoff Spot The Barrie Colts have officially punched their ticket to the postseason. With the playoffs getting closer, the focus now shifts to momentum and positioning. Colts analyst Gene Pereira joins Julius Hern for the weekly update, breaking down what’s clicking for the team, how they’re shaping up heading into the stretch run, and what fans can expect as the playoff push intensifies. A “Tiny” Giant Raising Big Support Looking for a day trip with heart? In Tiny Township, a massive homemade snowman is drawing attention and donations. Built on the front lawn of a home at 8 Deanlea Boulevard, the giant snowman is raising funds for the Elmvale Food Bank. Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan speaks with creator Josh Faria about how the idea came together and how the community has been responding. Anyone who wants to swing by can drop off a donation and help support local families in need. Listen to the Full Episode You can hear the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting Barrie360.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for more local stories that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  6. FEB 5

    Tariff Tensions, Policing Behind the Scenes & Valentine’s Day with a Twist

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. This week’s episode spans everything from international trade tensions and local policing priorities to Valentine’s Day ideas that go beyond chocolates. Trump Tariff Threats and What They Mean for Canada Trade tensions are flaring up again after Donald Trump threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Canada if Ottawa were to pursue a free-trade deal with China. With Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade talks also looming, the stakes are high but how serious is the threat? Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan speaks with tariff expert Kyle Peacock, head of Peacock Tariff Consulting in Orillia, to break down what’s political posturing, what’s realistic, and what these warnings could mean for Canada’s economy and local businesses. Inside South Simcoe Police: Budget, Modernization, and the Year Ahead Barrie 360 goes behind the scenes with South Simcoe Police Service, sitting down with the Chief and Deputy Chief to talk about what’s shaping the service this year. The conversation covers budget pressures, modernization efforts, staffing, and how policing is evolving to meet the needs of fast-growing communities. It’s a rare look at how decisions are made behind the badge and what residents can expect moving forward. A Valentine’s Gift with “Shock and Awe” Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if dinner reservations feel a little predictable, this segment offers a different idea. Ian MacLennan catches up with the Barrie County Chordsmen, a local barbershop quartet led by Brian Tracey, to talk about serenades, surprise performances, and why live harmony can still deliver genuine “shock and awe.” It’s lighthearted, fun, and a reminder that memorable gifts don’t always come in boxes. Listen to the Full Episode You can hear the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting Barrie360.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for more local stories that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  7. JAN 29

    An Earthquake Surprise, Fraud Warnings as Tax Season Nears, and the Colts’ Playoff Push

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. Just when it felt like winter had already thrown everything it had at us, this past week delivered an unexpected twist — a small earthquake felt across much of Central Ontario. That’s one of the stories on the program this week, along with an important warning from Barrie Police as tax season approaches and an update on the Barrie Colts as they continue their push toward the playoffs. A Rare Earthquake Felt Across the Region A 3.7-magnitude earthquake centred near Brechin caused a brief but surprising jolt across a wide area, with reports coming in from as far south as Niagara, west to London, and east to Belleville. While the quake didn’t cause damage beyond rattling dishes — and nerves — it raised plenty of questions for residents in a part of the country where earthquakes aren’t common. Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan tracked down Mareike Adams, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, to explain why earthquakes do happen in this region, how unusual this one really was, and what people should do if another tremor is felt in the future. Fraud and Scams as Tax Season Approaches As tax season gets closer, Barrie Police are bracing for an increase in frauds and scams tied to tax returns, refunds, and identity theft. Despite years of awareness campaigns and warnings, scams continue to succeed, and in many cases, they’re becoming more sophisticated. Ian MacLennan sits down for an extended conversation with Detective Constable Kris Nicholson of the Barrie Police Fraud Unit to talk about why these crimes persist, the tactics scammers are using right now, and the steps residents can take to protect themselves before becoming victims. Colts Continue Strong Run Toward the Playoffs On the ice, the Barrie Colts remain firmly in control of the OHL’s Central Division. With a commanding 16-point lead over second-place North Bay, the Colts took two of three games last week and now head on the road to Flint and Saginaw. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern checks in with Colts writer Gene Pereira to break down the team’s recent performance, the consistency that’s driving their success, and what to watch for as the playoff picture continues to take shape. Listen to the Full Episode You can hear the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting Barrie360.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for more local stories that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  8. JAN 22

    Thinking Spring: Baycats Baseball and the Return of Locallicious

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. With snow and cold still hanging around, this week’s episode looks ahead to warmer days, from baseball season just around the corner to one of the region’s most popular food festivals returning to help take the winter edge off. A New Era for Baycats Baseball Spring might still be a little ways off, but baseball is already on the mind in Barrie. The Intercounty Baseball League is officially no more, having rebranded as the Canadian Baseball League at the end of last season. So what does that mean for the Barrie Baycats? According to Baycats President, GM, and Manager Josh Matlow, it’s nothing but good news. He joins Barrie 360’s Julius Hern to talk about what the league changes bring, how the Baycats fit into the new vision, and what fans can expect when the season gets underway. If you’re counting down to baseball weather, this conversation is a good reminder that it’s closer than it feels. Locallicious Is Back to Warm Things Up If baseball talk isn’t enough to shake the winter blues, this might do it — Locallicious is back starting this weekend. Locallicious gives diners the chance to sample some of the area’s best restaurants with set-price menus, making it one of the most anticipated food events of the year. Organizer Randy Feltis stopped by Kool Mornings with Dale and Charlie to share a preview of what’s on the menu and why reservations tend to fill up fast. For details and reservations, head to locallicious.ca. Listen to the Full Episode That’s this week’s edition of What Barrie’s Talking About — trading snow boots for baseball caps and winter comfort food for full-on foodie season. You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts or at Barrie360.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for more local stories that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
See All (192)

Trailer

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Barrie is one of the best cities in Canada. We're a dynamic, growing and thriving community. Join us every week as we let you know what's going on. From news to events, and everything in between. If it affects you, we'll be talking about it. This podcast is brought to you by Barrie 360 - What Barrie's Talking About. https://barrie360.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Central Ontario Broadcasting
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Central Ontario Broadcasting
  • Show Website
    What Barrie's Talking About

You Might Also Like