Barrie Community News

Hamilton’s Sebastian Halmagean made his final journey Tuesday as armed forces members, police and those from the community honoured the life of a soldier killed while serving his country in Latvia.

Over $114,000 was raised last Thursday at the ParaTough Cup, the signature fundraising event of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, which supports Para athletes at every stage – from community programs to the podium.

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, announced the renewal of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant for the next three years. This grant provides eligible community organizations with financial support to help offset the costs of hosting free tax clinics, making it easier for them to continue their important work.

After a year of record growth, the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants, presented by National Bank, returns in 2026 with a new two-year grant available for past recipients, as Tennis Canada and National Bank’s investment grows to $125,000.

A young Barrie family is warming up their neighbourhood — and giving back to the community — through a homemade hot chocolate stand raising money for charity. Alex and Ava Marks, along with their mother Leah, will be braving the cold again this Friday between 1 and 3 p.m., as they host their hot chocolate stand outside their Trevino Circle home, near Bayfield and Hanmer streets in north Barrie.

Surveying for the 2026 Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) officially begins on February 4, 2026, marking the start of another year of real-time insight into the experiences of Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector.