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. 3d ago

    Hometown Harvest Festival, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, October 8, 2026

    The Hometown Harvest Festival Thanksgiving weekend at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a celebration of "the harvest and the bounty of the fall," blending the atmosphere of a traditional fall fair with the site's unique historical setting. Attractions include guided barn tours, live music, beginner-friendly line dancing, heritage games, traditional Indigenous activities, and a large artisan market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 6d ago

    Fire Prevention Week, Oct 5, 2026

    It is Fire Prevention Week. Lithium-ion batteries are the focus this year - charging them, where you're charging them, and what you're charging them with. Barrie 360's Ian Maclennan gets advice on that, and more, from Barrie's Fire Education Officer Kate Foster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Oct 1

    Hate Crimes, Cancer Survivors, Poverty Grants and Barrie’s Mayoral Race

    What’s happening around Barrie right now? This week on What Barrie’s Talking About, we’re covering everything from hate crimes and sexual assault services to cancer support, poverty, local politics and the history of Barrie’s rock music scene. The latest episode of the Barrie 360 podcast brings together local voices to look at some of the issues and stories making headlines across Barrie and the surrounding area. Here’s what’s on this week’s program. Barrie Police Chief Talks Hate Crimes in the City Hate crimes have been back in the headlines following a deadly police shooting near a synagogue in Belleville. But what does the picture look like here in Barrie? Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston joins the program to talk about hate crimes in the city and what police are seeing locally. While there haven’t been a large number of reported hate crimes in Barrie, Johnston points out an important issue: reported numbers only tell part of the story. Some incidents may never be reported to police, making it difficult to know the full scope of the problem. The conversation looks at what local police are hearing, what residents should know and why reporting incidents matters. Sexual Assault Treatment Program Expands to Barrie A program that’s been providing sexual assault and domestic violence treatment in Orillia is expanding to Barrie. The program at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has been successful in helping people access treatment and support following traumatic experiences. It’s now being expanded to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Robin Wanner, the program manager, explains how the service works, why it’s needed and what the expansion means for people in Barrie and the surrounding area. The move also means people who need specialized care may be able to access services closer to home. Raw and Reflective Calendar Shares Stories of Cancer Survivors The Raw and Reflective calendar is back for another year, featuring people from the region who have been impacted by cancer. The calendar combines personal stories with professional photography, giving participants a chance to share their experiences in a very personal way. The project also raises money for Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka, which provides support and programs for people and families affected by cancer. The organization offers its services free of charge. The latest calendar continues a project that has become a familiar local fundraising effort. Previous editions have featured cancer survivors and community members sharing their own stories while helping raise money for Gilda’s Club. United Way Wants Local Businesses to Help Fight Poverty The United Way Simcoe Muskoka is putting a call out to local businesses and organizations as part of a new grant initiative focused on poverty. The goal is to get businesses and community groups involved in projects that can make a difference for people dealing with poverty and other challenges across Simcoe Muskoka. The program is aimed at turning community support into practical action, with funding available for groups looking to make an impact. United Way’s Manager of Partnerships and Collaborations, Rebekah Vaughan, joins What Barrie’s Talking About to explain the initiative and how local organizations can get involved. Alex Nuttall Talks About His Campaign for Barrie Mayor With the October 26 municipal election approaching, the 2026 Barrie mayoral race is heating up. This week, What Barrie’s Talking About continues its series of interviews with the people running for mayor, with incumbent Alex Nuttall joining the program. Nuttall was elected mayor in 2022 and is seeking another term. Four candidates are on the certified ballot for Barrie mayor this year: Nuttall, Tanya Saari, Kay Sayer and Russell Tighe. Election Day is October 26, with internet and telephone voting opening October 16. The interview gives listeners a chance to hear directly from Nuttall about his campaign and his plans for Barrie. As with the other candidate interviews, the goal is to give residents an opportunity to hear from the candidates themselves as the election gets closer. Looking Back at Barrie’s Rock Music History The episode also takes a trip back through Barrie’s music history. A new documentary is exploring the local rock music scene, reaching back to the 1960s and looking at the musicians, venues and stories that helped shape the city’s musical identity. For longtime Barrie residents, it’s a chance to revisit a part of the city’s history that might not always get the attention it deserves. And for anyone who wasn’t around for those early days, it’s a look at how Barrie’s music scene developed over the decades. Listen to This Week’s What Barrie’s Talking About From policing and health care to poverty, cancer support, local politics and Barrie’s music history, there’s plenty to unpack in this week’s episode. What Barrie’s Talking About brings together conversations with the people behind some of the biggest local stories, giving listeners a closer look at what’s happening in Barrie and Simcoe County. Listen to the latest episode wherever you get your podcasts and keep up with What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Sep 24

    Fall Arrives in Barrie With Food, EV and Housing Updates

    Fall has officially arrived, and after a pretty decent summer, there are plenty of reasons to look ahead. This week on What Barrie's Talking About, we're checking in on what the new season could bring. We're also looking at the growing need at the Barrie Food Bank, the latest results from CAA's electric vehicle testing, and the Barrie housing market with realtor Peggy Hill. Here's what Barrie's talking about this week. Fall Weather Is Looking Good We flipped the calendar to fall this week after a summer that brought plenty of swimming weather and, thankfully, no major storms in our area. Now, the question is what comes next. The early outlook for fall is looking pretty good, giving residents another reason to get outside and enjoy the changing season. Of course, the weather can change quickly once September arrives. Still, after a solid summer, there's plenty to look forward to as the leaves begin to change. Barrie Food Bank Launches Fall Food Drive Meanwhile, the need at the Barrie Food Bank continues to grow. The organization has launched its fall food drive, called One Can - We Can, to help keep food on the shelves for people who need it. The need is greater than ever, according to Food Bank Executive Director Karen Shuh. And there are also more people turning to food banks who might not fit the stereotype many of us have in mind. That makes community support especially important heading into the fall and winter months. Every donation can help provide food for a neighbour who may be struggling to keep up with rising household costs. CAA Puts Electric Vehicles to the Test Still thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? CAA has been putting EVs through their paces, testing 22 vehicles to see how they perform when it comes to range and affordability. For years, range anxiety was one of the biggest concerns for people considering an EV. However, as more electric vehicles hit the market, the conversation is changing. Now, it's increasingly about where you can charge and how much charging you'll need to complete a trip. CAA South Central Ontario's Director of Corporate Communications Kaitlyn Furst joins the conversation to explain what the testing found and what shoppers should know. Barrie Housing Market Gets a Quarterly Check-In From the car to the house, we're also checking in on the Barrie housing market. Local realtor Peggy Hill stops by for her regular quarterly update on market conditions. The housing market continues to change, and buyers and sellers are watching closely to see where things are heading. This quarter's update looks at whether conditions are improving or becoming more challenging for people trying to buy or sell a home. For anyone keeping an eye on local real estate, it's another useful snapshot of what's happening right here in Barrie and the surrounding area. 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

  5. Sep 17

    Barrie Mayoral Election 2026 and Barrie Colts Get Ready for a New Season

    The municipal election campaign is underway in Barrie, and we're starting a series of conversations with the candidates running for mayor. This week, Tanya Saari is the first candidate to join What Barrie's Talking About. Meanwhile, the Barrie Colts are getting ready to open their 2026-27 season. General Manager Marty Williamson and Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz look ahead to a new season after the team came close to reaching the top last year. Here's what Barrie's talking about this week. Barrie Mayoral Election 2026 Gets Underway The Barrie mayoral election 2026 campaign is now underway, with four candidates on the certified ballot: incumbent Mayor Alex Nuttall, Tanya Saari, Kay Sayer, and Russell Tighe. We've invited all four candidates to take part in a series of interviews on What Barrie's Talking About. Tanya Saari is the first to sit down with the Barrie360 team. Saari entered the mayoral race in July. She has said her campaign is focused on issues including affordability, public safety, growth, and how the city works with residents and council. Her interview gives listeners a chance to hear directly from the candidate and learn more about her priorities for Barrie. The other mayoral candidates have also been invited to participate in the series, giving voters an opportunity to hear from each campaign. The municipal election is scheduled for October 26, 2026. Barrie Colts Ready to Start a New Season While City Hall is getting ready for an election, the Barrie Colts are getting ready for the start of another hockey season. The Colts came close last season. Now, with new ownership and some new faces, the team is looking to build on that experience heading into 2026-27. General Manager Marty Williamson and Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz recently spoke with Barrie360 about what they're expecting from the team. A new season always brings plenty of questions. How will the new players fit in? What will the returning players bring back to the lineup? And can the Colts take another step after coming so close last season? Those are some of the questions heading into opening weekend. Colts Open the Season on the Road The Barrie Colts begin their regular season Friday night in North Bay. Then, they'll return home for their home opener Saturday night against the Sudbury Wolves. That gives local fans an early chance to see the new-look Colts and get their first look at the team for the 2026-27 season. 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

  6. Sep 10

    Lightfoot Festival Returns to Orillia as Local Fighter Steps Into the Ice

    Orillia is getting ready to celebrate one of Canada's most famous musicians. The Lightfoot Festival Orillia returns to honour the music, life, and legacy of Gordon Lightfoot. Meanwhile, a Penetanguishene man has taken part in a very different kind of hockey event. James Dalzell recently suited up for Bare Knuckle Ice Wars in Alberta. There's no hockey game involved. Instead, competitors put on full hockey gear and settle things with their fists on the ice. Here's what Barrie's talking about this week. Lightfoot Festival Orillia Celebrates a Canadian Music Legend Gordon Lightfoot's connection to Orillia runs deep, and the city continues to celebrate his incredible musical legacy. The annual Lightfoot Festival brings people together to remember the Canadian singer-songwriter and his lasting impact on music. Lightfoot's songs became part of the Canadian soundtrack for generations of listeners. His music continues to attract fans both at home and around the world. The festival gives those fans a chance to come together, hear live music, and celebrate the man behind some of Canada's most recognizable songs. What to Expect at the Lightfoot Festival Festival President John Winchester recently stopped by to talk about this year's event. He shared some of the background behind the festival and what goes into putting it together each year. For fans of Lightfoot's music, it's more than just another music festival. It's an opportunity to celebrate his connection to Orillia and keep his music and legacy in the spotlight. As the festival continues to grow, it also gives a new generation of listeners a chance to discover Lightfoot's work. Bare Knuckle Ice Wars Brings a Different Kind of Hockey Fight Meanwhile, there's a very different kind of action happening on the ice. James Dalzell of Penetanguishene recently took part in Bare Knuckle Ice Wars in Alberta. If you've ever watched hockey, you've probably seen a fight break out during a game. Bare Knuckle Ice Wars takes that part of hockey and removes the actual hockey. There are no goals to score and no puck to chase. Instead, competitors face off on the ice while wearing full hockey equipment. A Penetanguishene Fighter Takes the Ice Dalzell was among the competitors taking part in the event. He recently sat down with the Rock 95 Morning Crew to talk about the experience and what it's like to take part in a sport that's essentially a hockey fight without the hockey. It's certainly not your usual weekend on the ice. However, the event has created its own following by turning one of hockey's most controversial traditions into the main attraction. 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 dot 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

  7. Sep 3

    Barrie Businesses Face New Tariffs as Back-to-School Safety Takes Centre Stage

    The summer is winding down, and that means two things are happening around Simcoe County. Businesses are still trying to figure out how new U.S. tariffs will affect them. At the same time, families are getting ready for the return to school, which means more students, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles on local roads. This week on What Barrie's Talking About, we're looking at how Barrie businesses tariffs could affect local companies and what police want drivers, parents, and students to know before school starts. Barrie Businesses Are Feeling the Tariff Pressure Local businesses are still trying to digest the latest tariffs coming from the United States. Canada has also announced retaliatory tariffs, creating another layer of uncertainty for companies that rely on cross-border trade. However, not every business will feel the impact in the same way. Some industries and companies could take a much bigger hit than others, depending on what they sell, where their products come from, and how closely they rely on the U.S. market. Barrie Chamber of Commerce President Paul Markle has been talking with local businesses to get a better sense of how they're coping. Businesses Can Draw on Lessons From the Pandemic There is at least some experience to draw from. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses had to adapt quickly as supply chains were disrupted and operating conditions changed almost overnight. Those lessons could prove useful again as companies deal with changing trade rules. For some businesses, that could mean finding new suppliers or markets. Others may need to rethink how they manage inventory and costs. Meanwhile, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce is looking at ways it can support local companies as the situation develops. The full impact of the latest tariffs remains uncertain. As a result, businesses are watching closely for what comes next. Back-to-School Safety Means More Traffic While businesses are dealing with tariffs, families have another transition to think about. School is back next week. That means more feet on the ground and more vehicles on the roads during the morning and afternoon rush. South Simcoe Police Sgt. Matthew Kernan joins us with some reminders for drivers and students as everyone settles back into their school routines. Drivers should expect more pedestrians and cyclists around schools and residential neighborhoods. In addition, parents should give themselves extra time during the first few weeks of school. Traffic patterns can change quickly when thousands of students return to classrooms. Police Warn About E-Scooters E-scooters are also part of the back-to-school conversation. While they may seem like an easy way to get around, police are reminding people that they're not a suitable way to travel to and from school. There are also rules and safety concerns that riders need to understand before using them. For students and parents, the message is simple: know the rules, pay attention, and choose a safe way to get to school. Two Very Different Back-to-School Conversations This week's stories may seem unrelated, but both involve preparation. Local businesses are preparing for potential changes caused by tariffs. Meanwhile, families, drivers, and students are preparing for another school year. In both cases, being informed and planning ahead can make a big difference. With September here, that's a pretty good message for everyone. 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

  8. Aug 27

    Barrie Family Doctors, Battery Safety, and Loose Parts Art

    What happens when medical students finish their training and decide to stay right here in Simcoe County? This week, we're talking about Barrie family doctors and the local program helping train them. We're also looking at the growing concern around lithium-ion battery fires and why Barrie's fire chief wants residents to use these batteries safely. Plus, a local children's author is taking her popular Loose Parts Art series somewhere a little different: the beach. Here's what Barrie's talking about this week. Barrie Family Doctors Training for Local Practice Tens of thousands of people in and around Barrie still don't have access to a family doctor or regular primary care provider. However, the Family Medicine Teaching Unit at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre is helping address that shortage. The program trains new family physicians while giving them hands-on experience in the local healthcare system. And there's some good news. Several recent graduates have decided to stay in Simcoe County and begin their medical careers here. That means more doctors joining the local healthcare system and potentially more patients gaining access to primary care. Dr. Stu Murdoch, a Barrie family physician and Academic Lead at the teaching unit, says the program continues to make a difference. Why Keeping New Doctors Local Matters Training doctors is only part of the challenge. Communities also need those doctors to stay once they finish their education. That's why having graduates choose to build their careers in Simcoe County is such an important step. It can take years to address a shortage of family doctors, but programs like the Family Medicine Teaching Unit can help build a stronger local healthcare system over time. As Barrie and surrounding communities continue to grow, that need will only become more important. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Gets Attention Meanwhile, fire officials are keeping a close eye on lithium-ion batteries. You've probably got several of them in your home right now. They're found in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, lawn equipment, and plenty of other everyday products. Toronto has dealt with several recent fires involving these batteries. In many cases, overheating, damage, improper charging, or improper use can create serious risks. Barrie hasn't seen the same level of concern so far. Still, Barrie Fire Chief Kevin White wants residents to take the issue seriously before it becomes a bigger problem. How to Use Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely There are some simple ways to reduce the risk. Use the charger that came with the device whenever possible. Don't leave batteries charging unattended or overnight. Also, keep damaged or swollen batteries out of service. In addition, don't use a battery that shows signs of overheating or damage. If you're charging an e-bike or another larger device, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a safe charging location. A few basic precautions can help prevent a serious fire. Loose Parts Art Heads to the Beach Finally, there's something a little more colourful happening for local kids. A local children's author is taking her Amelia's Loose Parts Art series to the beach. The concept encourages children to use everyday objects and natural materials to create their own artwork. Instead of following a set pattern, kids get to use their imagination and come up with something that's uniquely theirs. Taking the activity outdoors adds another element to the experience. Sand, rocks, shells, sticks, and other natural materials can all become part of the creative process. It's a simple idea, but it gives kids a chance to create, explore, and have some fun away from a screen. 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

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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
    221
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Central Ontario Broadcasting
  • Show Website
    What Barrie's Talking About

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