Barrie Communauté Nouvelles

Barrie community members showed up once again for Smile Cookie week, helping drive this year’s fundraising total forward one cookie, one smile, and one act of generosity at a time. Barrie’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised an astounding $210,443.96 in support of RVH and Hospice Simcoe - Seasons Centre, helping fund compassionate care for local families at every stage of life.

A bridge housing project on Tiffin Street is being described as a national test case and is expected to begin welcoming residents next week as part of efforts to address homelessness in Barrie. Called the “Bridge to Stability” upon its launch in February, it acts as a feeder system, allowing those suffering from chronic homelessness to be sheltered while also receiving support through the HART Hub initiative.

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.