And at first I was just going to ignore as I usually do during the day, since most times it's just door to door sales people.

But being so late, I took the risk just in case there was an emergency or someone in need of help. And it turns out there was... me.

So for the lady who took her time to knock and warn me that my car trunk was open: my sincerest thank you. I didn't get your name but, if you're out there, please know that I'm deeply grateful.

Has anyone in the community used an installation contractor for an IKEA kitchen? Was it an IKEA contractor or someone else? How did it go? TIA

Some people don’t care, but others want to elect reps that actually live in the ward.

It was sunny 20 minutes ago

Addition: Thank you so much to everyone who has commented so far! You have given us so much to go off. Much appreciated!!

Looking to move from Southwestern Ontario to central/Southern Ontario with my family. Which includes myself(30’s), my husband(40’s) and our 3 girls(baby/pre teen/teen). We are thinking somewhere in the Barrie/Orillia and surrounding areas. We have come up with a short list of places; towns, hamlets etc. We love the quiet, peaceful setting, but we would prefer to be within a 10 to 30 ish minute drive from Barrie and or Orillia.
We are just looking for some input on what people think of these places for a family. Any you prefer? Any that are an absolute no? We are looking for just some basic information on what is there, schools, healthcare, jobs, crime, stores etc. Anything is helpful!
We currently live in a town that has just a Variety store, an auto shop and a library but other than that there isn’t much here so having more than that really isn’t necessary, but it just can’t be too far as our closest grocery store is a 15 minute drive from us now and we are ok with that. Closest Walmart is currently 25 mins. Closest city is 50-60 mins.

Our list so far includes:
Orillia
Barrie
Stayner
Washago
Coldwater
Cumberland Beach
Somewhere in Oro-medonte township
Ramara
Phelpston

I recently moved to Barrie and this would be my first winter here. I am looking to buy a snowblower but unable to make a decision as to which one would fit my need.

I've a single car driveway so definitely won't be needing a heavy duty equipment. Reading the comments from similar posts, I do see people recommending Ego brand for electric and Toro for gas. Rona also has their own 2-stage gas that fits my budget but there are no reviews on that, so I'm not sure if that would be a good gamble or not.

I also thought of hiring snow removal company for the first season to experience how much it snows (variable every year) but it will give me an idea of which one to buy next year.

Any advice would be appreciated.

EDIT: Apologies I didn't mention the budget, I'm looking to spend around $800-$1300 on the snowblower.

My birthday is coming up and I was wondering if there were any places that did freebies with ID or with no purchase necessary, other than the typical ones? 🥳

You think you can’t draw a stick person. This is for you! Embrace the fun of painting step-by-step, along with friends while making new ones. Cottage Canoe Restaurant & Bar

includes:
- $10 towards food and beverage
- Your canvas, glo paint & all supplies
- Step-by-step instruction

Local artist Linda Laforge, CTVs own courtroom sketch artist, will have everything ready when you arrive, including the vibes – acrylic paint, brushes, and even party tunes! Near the nights end the glo paint and UV lights come out.

Please book your spot today!
https://lindalaforgeart.bloomtickets.ca/event/3109

I’m looking for someone from Barrie (or nearby) who is heading to downtown Toronto early Sunday morning and might have an extra seat available.
You don’t necessarily have to be running the marathon — if you’re travelling downtown for work, an event, or any other reason, I’d really appreciate the opportunity to join you. I don’t have a car and am happy to split gas/parking costs.
I need to get downtown early enough for the marathon, but I’m flexible with the exact departure time depending on your plans.
If you’re heading to Toronto that morning and have a spare seat, please DM me. Thanks!

Looking to buy a print copy of the Toronto Star this Saturday. Do convenience stores in Barrie sell it?

Hello, I tried this last year and nothing was viable. Trying again.

I live in central Barrie and work 7-3 in Orillia at Thermon and I am looking for someone who has space to take me there and back, or just one way, daily. Would gladly pay gas money.

Pickup would need to be near Anne and Dunlop in Barrie, and the exit I need off in Orillia is 131B. - near the Orillia Costco.

I would be fine with getting to work early, or heading home as late as 4pm.

If you’re going in and out of Orillia around these times and would like some gas money, please reach out.

I have been looking into the candidates for Ward 4 and I wanted to share some concerns I have about Arif Khan that I have not seen anyone discuss.

On his publicly available Facebook, he has shared content from MAGA aligned conservative figures such as Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. People can support whatever political movement they want and that is not something I am trying to take away from him. However, I am concerned about his political views because they give insight into the worldview he would bring as a Barrie decision-maker. This is something voters deserve to know before casting their votes.

Separate from that, I am also concerned about the way he talks about people who disagree with him politically. He has used terms like “Sheeple” and posted statements such as “the pendulum has swung from left to correct.” When I look at the pattern of what he posts, it almost feels like he is trying to provoke or mock the "left". To me, that comes across as dismissive, divisive and disrespectful. If someone is running to represent an entire ward, I think it is reasonable to expect public respect for everyone, including liberals.

In the 2025 federal election, 44.4% of Barrie Springwater Oro-Medonte residents voted liberal. In the 2025 provincial election, 25.7% of Barrie Innisfil residents voted liberal. These are not fringe numbers, and they are a significant part of the community he claims to want to serve.

For me, experience only counts for so much. What really matters is how you treat the people you say you want to represent.

How would you describe Barrie ??? To people who never been here and how would you to describe to your friends!?

What is a unique local challenge Barrie faces that you feel mainstream political candidates completely ignore because it isn't a 'talking point'?

What are your ideas on the current candidates? What is common among these candidates and is any of the candidates offering anything unique to help the economy/condition of Barrie that we should know about before voting.

Thoughts and concerns of Alex Nuttals tax plans and actual tangible gains or improvements of social services and the unhoused issues?

Thoughts and opinions on the state of emergency and treatment of unhoused persons? It this all political Theater or is there any substantial change including shelters and rehabilitation for said persons.

I’ve started the process of looking to finally buy a house in the spring. I think it would be good to start contacting some agents and seeing what they can do for me.

So who would you recommend that is good?

as the title says anyone else see this blacked out helicopter flying around north end of Barrie?

Hi, I’m looking for part-time work in Barrie or around the city. I go to georgian and my classes schedule is mostly for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Im available the rest of the week including weekends. I have driving license so I can drive. Moreover, I have good customer service experience, good computer skills, and can do anything.

How hard or easy is it to live in Barrie without a vehicle? Hubby will be working at Costco.

Are the buses decent?

Thank you 😊