Immunization Records Just Got Easier, The Colts Continue To Dominate, Remembering Our Fallen Heroes, And More... What Barrie's Talking About podcast

21:26

Welcome back to another episode of What Barrie’s Talking About ; the podcast from Barrie 360 that brings you the stories that matter most to your community. In this week’s episode, host Dan Blakeley takes a closer look at Barrie’s housing market and introduces us to a new voice at a local organization doing vital work to support children and youth who have experienced abuse. Here’s what we’re talking about this week… Is Now the Right Time To Buy or Sell a Home in Barrie? With the economy still on shaky ground and the aftershocks of American tariffs being felt north of the border, many Barrie residents are pressing pause on major real estate decisions. While there are signs of improvement, the local market is still finding its footing. Peggy Hill, a well-known name in Barrie’s real estate scene, is hoping to provide some clarity. She’s hosting a free one-night seminar featuring a leading Canadian economist to break down the factors influencing home values, where interest rates might be headed, and more. Peggy joined Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan to talk about what buyers and sellers need to know right now. 🗓️ The seminar is happening Wednesday, June 18, from 6 to 9 PM at Liberty North on Caplan Avenue. Supporting Children and Youth in Crisis For years, the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka has been a pillar of support for young people who have experienced physical and sexual abuse. Their mission is to offer a safe space, specialized programs, and wraparound care for children, youth, and families in crisis. This week, we hear from Kate Waugh , the Centre’s new executive director. Kate shares how the organization is working hard to meet the growing needs of the community — even as resources remain tight. It’s a powerful and important conversation about the role CYAC plays in helping kids heal and move forward. Catch Up With What Barrie’s Talking About Thanks as always to Ian Maclennan for his reporting and Matt Latter for his technical work behind the scenes. If you liked what you heard, be sure to: ⭐ Subscribe to What Barrie’s Talking About 💬 Leave a rating and review 🎧 Check out our Daily Kickstart podcast on all major streaming platforms We’ll be back next week with more local stories that matter to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Barrie’s New Coach, a Wild Poker Ride, and a Streaming Star from Angus 39:18

12 days ago39:18

39:18

Welcome back to another episode of What Barrie’s Talking About — the podcast that brings you truly local stories that matter. Hosted by Dan Blakeley and powered by Barrie 360, this week’s episode is packed with emotion, insight, and inspiration. Here’s what we’re diving into: The Barrie Colts have a new coach First up, we sit down with Dylan Smoskowitz, who recently stepped into the role of head coach for the Barrie Colts. Dylan's journey with the Colts has been a remarkable one, from his playing days to becoming an assistant coach in 2021. Hear firsthand from Dylan about his vision for the team and his new responsibilities alongside Marty Williamson, who now focuses on his role as vice president and general manager. Living Green Barrie's Bicycle Poker Run Living Green Barrie is gearing up for their second annual Bicycle Poker Run this weekend! Join us as Steve Schwarz, Chair of Living Green Barrie, shares all the details about this fun and eco-friendly event. Discover how you can pedal for a purpose, supporting local initiatives and Firebird Community Cycle. Don't miss out—sign up today at livinggreenbarrie.com! Avery Irvine: From Angus to Gaming Stardom Ever wondered what it takes to become a gaming and streaming sensation? We've got the scoop on Avery Irvine, hailing from Angus, who has carved out a niche for himself in the gaming world. Will Konken chats with Avery about his journey, his passions, and what's next for this rising star in gaming and streaming. This week’s episode highlights the passion, creativity, and community spirit that make Barrie shine—from local sports leadership and eco-friendly events to homegrown talent making waves in the digital world. 🎧 Subscribe to What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts ⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review the show 📱 Follow us on Bluesky and X @Barrie360 🌐 And catch all episodes at ⁠barrie360.com⁠ Thanks for tuning in — we’ll talk again next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Local Heroics, Big Plans, and a Storm We’ll Never Forget 30:24

19 days ago30:24

30:24

Welcome back to another episode of What Barrie’s Talking About — the podcast that brings you truly local stories that matter. Hosted by Dan Blakeley and powered by Barrie 360, this week’s episode is packed with emotion, insight, and inspiration. Here’s what we’re diving into: 🌀 39 Years Since the 1985 Barrie Tornado May 31, 1985, marks one of the darkest days in Barrie’s history. On that day, an unexpected and powerful F4 tornado tore through the city, claiming eight lives, injuring 155 others, and leaving a trail of devastation behind. Over 300 homes were destroyed, and the sheer power of the storm even tossed 30 boats and their concrete moorings into Kempenfelt Bay. In this segment, Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson speaks with Ian MacLennan about how far we've come in forecasting severe weather events like tornadoes—and what gaps still exist in our systems today. From the absence of warning systems in 1985 to the rise of social media and advanced tracking tech, it’s a timely conversation as we reflect on that tragic day. 🏘️ Growing Barrie: Land Talks with Springwater and Oro-Medonte As Barrie continues to grow, so does the need for more space—for homes, businesses, and future development. The City is exploring land exchange options with the neighbouring townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte. In this week’s episode, Mayor Alex Nuttall drops by to provide an update on discussions around these land exchanges. He shares how this approach could help the city expand in a way that benefits all municipalities involved, without the complications of annexation. It’s a critical conversation about sustainable urban planning and regional collaboration. ✂️ Razors of Hope: Jason Helmond’s Hair-Raising Fundraiser Barrie’s own Jason Helmond is back at it again—raising funds and awareness for the Terry Fox Foundation by shaving his head at the Razors of Hope event. A proud Special Olympian and long-time Terry Fox supporter, Jason is bringing his infectious energy and passion to this year’s event once more, joined by his friend Patrick Scott. The Razors of Hope event takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Barrie City Hall . Everyone’s invited to stop by, donate, and maybe even get a trim in support of cancer research. It’s community spirit at its finest, and a great way to give back. This week’s episode reminds us of the strength, resilience, and heart of our city—whether it’s reflecting on past tragedies, planning for a better future, or coming together for a great cause. 🎧 Subscribe to What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts ⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review the show 📱 Follow us on Bluesky and X @Barrie360 🌐 And catch all episodes at ⁠barrie360.com⁠ Thanks for tuning in — we’ll talk again next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Walking the beat with South Simcoe Police Chief, big changes at Innisfil Beach Park, A Sunday Afternoon with Gilda's and more 31:49

26 days ago31:49

31:49

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we talk about the big changes coming to Innisfil Beach Park, walk the beat with South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke, check in on the Kempenfelt Derby and more … What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) Walking the beat Local police officers, along with others across the country, were fully engaged last week for Road Safety Week in Canada. OPP served up some stats suggesting that a majority of deaths last year on roads they patrol could have been prevented if drivers had been driving safely and passengers had been riding safely. South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke joins us to discuss these stats and driver safety … 2) Innisfil Beach Park update Innisfil Beach Park is getting a long overdue makeover, which includes moving the dog park to a new location. Barrie 360's Ian Maclennan got the lay of the land from Meredith Goodwin, capital project mgr for the Town of Innisfil, and Chris Trevisan, Operations mgr for parks and community spaces … 3) A Sunday Afternoon with Gilda’s Club Gilda’s is hosting their Annual Sunday Afternoon but this year they’re making some changes, including the venue. Gilda's Marketing Manager and Chief Fundraiser Deb James is here to talk … 4) Off To The Races! It’s time to get dressed up and head to the races! On June 10, Kempenfelt Derby returns to Georgian Downs! The Derby will also be shaking things up with new food, new entertainment and more. Dan Blakley sits down with Mike Campbell of the Kempenfelt Rotary to find out more … We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of ⁠⁠⁠ What Barrie’s Talking About ⁠⁠⁠ . This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Barrie Mitsubishi⁠⁠⁠ . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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The Baycats are back, whether or not towns should be allowed to incentivize doctors, fighting back against city hall and more … 27:57

5 weeks ago27:57

27:57

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It's Emergency Preparedness Week, some updates on ice storm clean up, community members going on display for 24 hours, and more 1:04:24

6 weeks ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we cover a few upcoming events to raise money for the community, get an update on the ice storm clean up and dive into Emergency Preparedness Week... What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) Emergency Preparedness Week This week marks the annual Emergency Preparedness Week. If the recent ice storm taught us anything, it's the importance of being prepared when unexpected weather hits. We have a special guest in the studio this week to share some tips. The Manager of Emergency Management for the County of Simcoe, Grant Durfey, joins Dan Blakeley... 2) Ice Storm Clean Up Continues... a few weeks removed from the ice storm that caused havoc around the community. The city of Barrie is still working on cleanup from the storm. Dave Friary, the manager of operations for the city of Barrie, has been around for a while and has seen a lot. He joins Dan Blakeley to share how the ice storm is different... 3) On Display for the 705 Recovery Community Center Imagine being on display in a storefront window in downtown Barrie for 24 straight hours. Being at the mercy of anyone willing to donate some money to a good cause. They could make you say things, or even run down the street in your underwear, they could also be kind and grant you a washroom break, or give you a coffee. Well, that is going to be a reality for some this weekend in a way to raise money for the 705 Recovery Community Center. Two of the participants, Candice and Nicole, give our own Ian MacLennan a rundown of what to expect... 4) In Bloom Gala for Ralphy's Retreat Saturday, May 24 is going to be a big day for Ralphy's Retreat Animal Sanctuary. That's the day they are holding the In Bloom Gala to raise funds to help with operating costs. Manager, Shannon Leguizamon, took a break from hanging out with the animals to give Mj from the Rock 95 Morning Crew a rundown of the event, and why it's so important... 5) IG Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer's Big event coming up later this month, Sunday, May 25th, to be exact. The IG Management Walk for Alzheimer's is happening at Springwater Provincial Park. Barrie City Councillor, Ann-Marie Kungl, joins Barrie 360's Dan Blakeley to share some of the details... We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of ⁠⁠ What Barrie’s Talking About ⁠⁠ . This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Barrie Mitsubishi⁠⁠ . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Fundraisers in Barrie, the Colts playoffs, Local country artist Parker Graye and remembering a tragedy... 50:01

7 weeks ago50:01

50:01

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we dive into a few fundraisers happening around town, the Barrie Colts playoff hopes and remember a tragedy... What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) Eastern Conference Finals With the Barrie Colts Rough start for the Barrie Colts in the third round of the OHL playoffs. They'll have to pull off a 4 game sweep if they want to advance to the finals. It's a daunting task against Oshawa, but it is doable Barrie 360's newest addition, Julius Hern, gets the rundown on how they can do it with Colts writer and broadcaster Gene Pereira... 2) Hike for Hospice The biggest fundraiser for Hospice Simcoe is back again this weekend. The annual Hike for Hospice is happening this weekend at Sunnidale Park. Our Ian MacLennan chats with Hospice Simcoe Executive Director, Kelly Hubbard... 3) Local Country Artist Making Waves Orillia-born country music writer Parker Graye has been making waves as of late in the music scene. Debuting at Boots and Hearts in 2023, she's been steadily making an impact on the music scene since. She has over 8.2 million streams online. She joins Dan Blakeley to share her story... 4) Homeruns for the Hungry is back! Big weekend for events in town, including the annual Homeruns for the hungry game at New Athletic Kulture Stadium. It's going to be a great day for the family, the Baycats, some Barrie Colts, and a few local celebrities are stepping up to the plate to end hunger in our community. Ian MacLennan gets the details from the Barrie Ward 2 councillor Craig Nixon and Baycats president Josh Matlow... 5) Remembering A Tragedy 25 years ago this coming Monday, three children tragically passed away while playing Hide and Seek. Coming up on Sunday, there will be an invite-only event to reflect on the tragedy and honor Kambel, Pauly, and Renee. Amanda Patrick is organizing the event and gives Dan Blakeley more information... We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of ⁠ What Barrie’s Talking About ⁠ . This episode is brought to you by ⁠Barrie Mitsubishi⁠ . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Meeting some more local candidates for the federal election, the Barrie Colts are moving on, a new book club at the library, and more 48:56

8 weeks ago48:56

48:56

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we meet more candidates for the upcoming federal election, take a look at the Colts' future as they move on to the 3rd round of the OHL playoffs, and dive into ways you can celebrate Earth Day around town... What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) The Final Countdown to the Federal Election Part 3... Federal election day is just around the corner, and we have been extending invitations to local party representatives. We've already heard from three candidates in the past two weeks, this week we get a visit from the Liberal candidate for Barrie Springwater Oro-Medonte, Dr Rose Zacharius. She chats with Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan... 2) On to the Next One with the Barrie Colts It wasn't easy... But the young guns for the Barrie Colts were able to pull it off, beating Kingston in game seven to advance to the next round of the OHL playoffs. The next opponent, the Oshawa Generals, should make for an interesting series. This week, we take a look back at how the Colts got here Will Konken is with Colts writer and broadcaster Gene Periera... 3) Working For the Environment Earth Day was a couple of days ago, a day to focus on preserving the planet. Living Green Barrie has a couple of upcoming events over the next couple of weeks to celebrate. Earth Day used to be something everyone jumped on board for, people were excited... Are they still? Executive Director of Living Green Barrie, Andee Pelan, answers that question, along with a couple of others, with Dan Blakeley... 4) Becoming a Detective With the Barrie Public Library Something new and exciting is making its way to the Barrie Public Library. It's a new book club, but not just any book club; this one is a true crime book club where you get to become the detective (kind of). It caught the interest of our own Will Konken, who gets information. He is with Library Associate, Sara Spencer, who put together the book club... 5) The Final Countdown to the Federal Election Part 3 (continued)... The final countdown to the federal election, and so far, we have had a few of the local candidates on the show to share their ideas and plans. We are joined by the final candidate to accept our invitation. The Conservative candidate for Barrie Springwater Oro-Medonte joins us in the studio to share his perspectives. He is with our own Ian MacLennan... We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of What Barrie’s Talking About . This episode is brought to you by Barrie Mitsubishi . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Meeting the local candidates for the federal election, Barrie Colts game three struggles and more... 30:55

9 weeks ago30:55

30:55

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we meet more candidates for the upcoming federal election, break down the latest Barrie Colts loss, and get some information about a beloved event on Kempenfelt Bay... What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) The Final Countdown to the Federal Election Part 2... Last week, we chatted with one of the candidates running for Barrie in the upcoming federal election. We keep that trend going this week, meeting a couple more. Starting with Michael Speers. Michael is running for the Communist Party of Canada in Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. He is with Barrie 360's Will Konken... 2) The Final Countdown to the Federal Election Part 2 (continued)... From one party to another. The Barrie South Innisfil Liberal candidate, John Olthius, stopped by for a chat as well this week. We will have more candidates on the show for your next week as we head into the April 28th election He talks about his party's plans with Ian MacLennan... 3) Rocky Road in Round 2 for the Barrie Colts The Barrie Colts got off to a rocking start in the 2nd round of the OHL playoffs. They took the first two games at Sadlon Arena. They headed into game 3 with hopes of pushing Kingston to the brink of elimination. It looked good until some bad penalties led to them giving up 3 goals in the third period, losing the game 5-3 Colts writer and broadcaster Gene Pereira gives Will Konken his take on what happened... 4) The Dragon Boat Festival Comes Back in 2025 A few months before the Dragon Boat Festival comes back to Kempenfelt Bay this summer. Space is limited, so it's a good idea to start getting details in order if you plan on attending this year. Director of Business and Development for the Barrie Public Library, Chris Vanderkruys, gives Ian MacLennan more details... We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of What Barrie’s Talking About . This episode is brought to you by Barrie Mitsubishi . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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A new initiative to help local businesses, talking election, and the Colts are primed for round 2 26:03

10 weeks ago26:03

26:03

1
Bad weather, big messes, the worst roads and more 25:58

11 weeks ago25:58

25:58

1
The Neighbourhood: Ice Storm Updates with Mayor Alex Nuttall 11:01

11 weeks ago11:01

11:01

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360. On this week's bonus episode, Dan was joined by Bairre's Mayor Ale Nuttall to talk about the ice storm, what to do next. Given the ice storm of the past weekend Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall stopped by to talk about the impact the storm has had, the city's response, and what to do with all that debris in your yard. We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay up to date with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of What Barrie’s Talking About . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Red light cameras are coming to town, the Colts playoff dreams, Autism Awareness Day and more... 57:22

12 weeks ago57:22

57:22

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we talk red light cameras, Barrie Colts playoff aspirations, Mullets and Autism Awareness Day, and more... What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) Red Light Cameras Are On Their Way... Speed cameras have been hanging around our streets for some time now, mainly in school zones. Some call it a cash grab, others say they're keeping our schools safer. Now, we are hearing talk of red light cameras coming to town. They are already being used in other Ontario cities, and now Ward 9 Councilor Sergio Morales thinks it is time they made their way to Barrie He's with Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan with more information... 2) Playoff-Bound Colts They've officially made it to the show! The Barrie Colts kick off the playoffs Thursday night at home against the Niagra Ice Dogs. But what can we expect? Colts writer and broadcaster Gene Periera joins our Will Konken for a new feature... 3) March In For A Mullet Update A couple of snips away from the March In For A Mullet or Trim Campaign ending. Amber McAuley was in a few weeks ago teeing up the event and wanted to come in for an update and to motivate some last-minute clients to put this over the top She's With Dan Blakeley... 4) The Barrie Public Library is Planning Something Big Another branch of the Barrie Public Library is taking seed, to make it easier for more of the city to access everything they have to offer. But what does it mean, and how will it work? Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan gets some answers from the library's CEO, Lauren Jessop... 5) Autism Awareness Day Autism Awareness Day is a little less than a week away! This year the focus is shifting from "awareness" to embracing and understanding the diversity of people on the autism spectrum. Amanda Baysarowich has been making some significant strides with IBI Behavioural Services in Barrie helping to promote development She speaks more about it with Will Konken... We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of What Barrie’s Talking About . This episode is brought to you by Barrie Mitsubishi . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Spring has sprung, police want access to city cameras, doing chores for a good cause, and more 47:28

13 weeks ago47:28

47:28

Welcome to another edition of What Barrie's Talking About from Barrie 360! It's a big week with lots to talk about. What Barrie's Talking About is a weekly podcast that brings the local stories that impact you. News stories that you aren't used to hearing! This week on the podcast, we talk Chores for Charity, Police access to city cameras, what's in store for spring, and more. What Barrie's Talking About This Week 1) Spring has sprung. In fact, it arrived just after 5 AM this morning and it wasn't a moment too soon! On this week's episode, Dan Blakeley is joined by climatologist David Phillips to look back at the winter we had and talk about what spring has in store for us ... 2) Barrie Police are hoping to get access to all of the city's closed circuit cameras, most of which are downtown. Police Chief Rich Johnston joins Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan to tell us why and what safeguards would be in place to protect the privacy of innocent residents … 3) It's the final weekend of the OHL regular season and the Barrie Colts have secured a spot in the Central Division. They're still batting for first place in the eastern conference but that will be a tall order sitting three back on Brantford. Barrie 360's Will Konken joins Colts broadcaster and writer Gene Pereira to talk about how the team got to this point … 4) The McLaren Art Centre wants to bring you on board and give you something special for getting involved. Dan Blakeley chats with Andrea Araujo, a development officer for the McLaren Art Centre about a special event coming up very soon ... 5) He's at it again – Rock 95's afternoon host, McCully, is doing chores for charity and there's still some time to get him to do something funny or help out with a household chore ... all for a good cause. Will Konken caught up with him in between assignments to see what you've had him doing … We’re so glad you joined us for the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About. Stay updated with everything in Barrie and listen to past episodes of What Barrie’s Talking About . This episode is brought to you by Barrie Mitsubishi . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Barrie Colts in good shape as playoffs draw near; YMCA helps kids help their community; ever seen a bowler in pyjamas? 27:10

14 weeks ago27:10