What Barrie's Talking About

Central Ontario Broadcasting
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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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. JAN 15

    Lessons from the Dragon’s Den and a Banner Weekend for the Barrie Colts

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. This week’s episode focuses on resilience, learning from big moments, and a local hockey team firing on all cylinders. From a Barrie entrepreneur reflecting on her time in the spotlight to the Colts rolling through a perfect weekend, these are the local stories people are talking about right now. Dawn Mucci on Life After the Dragon’s Den Local entrepreneur Dawn Mucci, founder of Lice Squad, recently stepped into the spotlight on CBC’s Dragon’s Den. While she didn’t walk away with a deal, Mucci says the experience was far from a loss. She joins the podcast to talk about what it was really like facing the Dragons, what she learned from the process, and how the feedback she received is helping her prepare for what comes next. Mucci also shares advice for other entrepreneurs who are thinking about pitching on the show — or who may already be on their way into the Den themselves. It’s an honest conversation about setbacks, growth, and why one “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Barrie Colts Put Together a Perfect Weekend It was a banner weekend for the Barrie Colts, with three wins in three nights and a firm grip on first place in the OHL’s Central Division. The Colts are now just five points back of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Colts analyst Gene Pereira joins Barrie 360’s Julius Hern to break down what went right, how new faces in the lineup are making an impact, and why the team’s momentum is building at exactly the right time. For Colts fans, it’s a stretch worth celebrating. 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

    28 min

  7. JAN 8

    Snow, Plows, and the Winter Blahs

    Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. This week’s episode is all about the snow! Why we’ve seen so much of it, how much more could be on the way, what it takes to clear it, and how people are really coping as winter drags on. From behind-the-scenes looks at snow removal to advice on beating the winter blues and the latest from the Barrie Colts, these are the conversations happening across the city right now. Why This Winter Feels Different It’s been snowing almost daily, and for many people, this kind of winter feels unfamiliar. Barrie 360’s Dan Blakeley connects with climatologist David Phillips to talk about why this season has delivered so much snow in such a short time. Phillips explains what’s driving the pattern, why recent winters may have made this one feel more extreme, and whether there’s relief on the horizon. It’s a grounded look at what’s happening — and what residents can realistically expect as winter continues. Inside Barrie’s Snow-Clearing Operation With snowbanks piling up and storage space running out, frustration has been growing around plowing, sidewalks, and windrows. It’s been a tough stretch for snow crews trying to keep up. Barrie 360’s Ian MacLennan goes behind the scenes with Barrie’s Director of Operations, Dave Friary, to get a clearer picture of what plow crews are dealing with, how priorities are set, and why clearing the city during a winter like this is far more complicated than it looks from the curb. Coping with the Winter Blahs Beyond the shovelling and slippery roads, winter can take a real toll mentally. This year, many people are feeling the February blahs earlier than usual. Ian MacLennan speaks with Dr. Genevieve Monaghan, a psychologist with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, about how prolonged winter weather can affect mood and motivation. She shares practical advice on how to get through the rest of the season and when it might be time to reach out for extra support. Changes Coming for the Barrie Colts On the ice, there’s movement with the Barrie Colts. A couple of new faces are expected to join the lineup as the team prepares for the weekend ahead. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern checks in with Colts broadcaster Gene Pereira to break down what the changes could mean and how the team is shaping up as the season continues. 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 and updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  8. 🎅 A Year in Review With Danta Claus

    12/19/2025 · BONUS

    🎅 A Year in Review With Danta Claus

    We have a special Christmas message from Dan (Danta Claus) Blakeley. Gather around and listen to a dramatic reading of Dan's original Christmas poem that perfectly puts a bow on the events of 2025. Listen to this special episode with your friends and family. We'll see you in the New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min
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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
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Central Ontario Broadcasting
  • Show Website
    What Barrie's Talking About