Barrie Community News

Over 40 community planting events will expand the urban tree canopy across seven provinces this year; First of 20 spring plantings kicks off April 19

Jersey Mike’s Subs locations across Canada and their generous customers rallied to raise more than $205,000 to help seven local hunger and children’s charities during the company’s 16th annual “Month of Giving” in March. The 21 Jersey Mike’s locations accepted donations throughout the month, building to the company’s Day of Giving on March 25, when each of the restaurants donated 100 percent of sales, not just profit, to the local charities.

From April 19 to May 25, 2026, the Barrie Public Library will celebrate our amazing volunteers during National Volunteer Week. This annual celebration is a time to thank and recognize our volunteers who make our programs and services possible.

The Ontario government is continuing to support the province’s vibrant Francophone communities with the launch of the 2026–2027 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP). Through the FCGP, Ontario is protecting the cultural and economic vitality of the Francophone community by funding initiatives that improve access to French‑language services, strengthen organizational capacity and promote Francophone culture.

This past weekend, the Honourable Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of almost $600,000 to support the delivery of inclusive, culturally sensitive SRH services and resources to the communities across the country that need them. The announcement took place at the Positive Light Gala in Edmonton, AB, held in support of building a more inclusive and accepting society for all, including people living with HIV.

Two years after the release of her landmark report on homeless encampments, the Federal Housing Advocate continues to urge all levels of government to do more to address the human rights crisis of homeless encampments in Canada. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Canada continues to rise. Figures show the number of people living unsheltered has more than doubled in recent years – an increase of 107% between 2020-2022 and 2024. In Ontario alone, a report published in January by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario identified 85,000 people experiencing homelessness in the province in 2025. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people continue to be grossly over-represented in these numbers.