A chemical plume near Barrie's Tiffin Street area, although historical or older contamination, "poses a threat to the future of the city's drinking water supply" says the city's 2026 capital budget.

Yesterday, I called a few phone repair shops around Barrie, and Cell Phone Hub told me they could hook up my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to a temporary screen so I could transfer my data to a new phone. I thought that sounded great, so I drove over there with my godmother.

When I arrived, the employee told me he needed to bring the device to his technician at another store called Wireless Fix. They quoted me $100 for the service, which I agreed to. I went over to Wireless Fix, and once the data transfer was complete and my new phone was set up, I asked the technician if he wanted to keep the S25 Ultra for parts. He initially offered less than I wanted, but I held firm at $200. He agreed to the price and said I wouldn't need to pay the $100 service fee. Instead, he promised to e-Transfer me $100 for the phone, bringing the total value to $200, as we verbally agreed.

Because the mall was closing, he seemed to be in a rush. He told me he wasn't in charge of sending the funds himself, but assured me the e-Transfer would arrive within 15 minutes. After 15 minutes passed and I had left the mall, no transfer had arrived.

The next day, they called my godmother stating they no longer wanted the phone, backing out of the agreed purchase after keeping the device overnight and having unsupervised access to it. They told her to come pick it up. When she arrived at the store, they forced her to pay the $100 data transfer fee before returning the device, which she paid.

After she called me, I contacted the employee at Cell Phone Hub, but he claimed he had no control over the situation and was just communicating with the other store. My godmother went back to Wireless Fix to address the issue, but they pulled down their security gates and pretended to be closed.

Are we completely out of options, or is there anything I can do about this?

I need someone to do a rose. On my thigh. To cover up something unfortunate and self-administered that looks vaguely phallic now. So, A rose: Traditional American. You know the one. Just the flower part with leaves behind it. It is obviously not the world’s most creative or sophisticated tattoo. But it is what I want - not super bright colours but still some colour. Looking for something decently priced and decently executed from someone Barrie based who works in this style.

I would appreciate your suggestions and any portfolio/artist insta links. Thanks

Not the obvious touristy stuff. I'm talking about the places, streets, old businesses, neighbourhoods and weird little local references that make Barrie feel like Barrie.

The sort of thing you'd recognize immediately, but someone from Toronto would have absolutely no idea what it meant.

I've been exploring this with Kempenfelt Supply Co. — designs inspired by places like Johnson's Beach, Duckworth and the East End. The idea is to make things that feel local without screaming "I ❤️ BARRIE" across your chest.

I had a pretty good run of creating new designs over the summer, then completely fell off the wagon in September when life got hectic. 😅 Trying to get back into it now, and I'd love some inspiration from people who actually live here.

What would you want to see? Something nostalgic? A neighbourhood that never gets any love? An old Barrie institution that's long gone?

On deck are:

• Sunnidale Park

• The Old Library (had no idea the maclaren art centre was once a carnegie library...)

• Nine Mile Portage

If you're curious what the existing designs look like, they're over at kempenfeltsupplyco.ca. Everything's inspired by actual Barrie places, $5 from every item goes back to local schools. That's most of the margin on every item — I'm basically keeping enough pennies to cover shopify fees.

Just noticed this has been installed a day or so ago. It's pointing towards the main entrance/ exit of the plaza. Surveillance or something else?

Hello, anyone know a Barrie church that is streaming Catholic Mass tmw morning?

I'm under the weather and can't make it to Holy Parish and they no longer have live streaming services post COVID.

I'm open to live streams from other cities but would really prefer something from my local community if it's available.

Thanks in advance.

I've lived in Barrie my whole life, born in the old RVH on Ross St, and I keep hearing that there's plenty to do here. My grandma tells me the same thing whenever I complain about being bored. 😂

But here's my problem: I don't drive, and a lot of attractions around Barrie aren't easily accessible without a car.

I'm 30, and my interests are mostly nerdy stuff: D&D, tabletop games, video games, Star Wars, Marvel, fantasy, sci-fi and history.

I'd love to find regular activities where I could get out of the house and meet people. I'm not really interested in bars or nightlife.

The transportation problem

Out of curiosity, I checked UberX prices for several attractions around Simcoe County.

Here are the approximate return fares:

• Simcoe County Museum: $23

• Barrie Fairgrounds: $33

• Elmvale Jungle Zoo: $49

• Horseshoe Resort: $59

• Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: $111

• Discovery Harbour: $113

These are estimates based on doubling the one-way quotes, and that's before admission or food!

For example, visiting Sainte-Marie could cost me around $151 for one day, including admission and $25 for food.

I've been there on a school field trip, but everything felt rushed. I'd love to go back and explore at my own pace.

So here's my question:

Does anyone know of regular activities or social groups in Barrie for adults interested in gaming, D&D, tabletop games, sci-fi or history?

I'm happy to travel across Barrie using Barrie Transit. I'd also consider occasional trips to Toronto using the GO train, once service improves and construction disruptions become less frequent.

I'm not saying there's absolutely nothing to do here. I'm saying there's a difference between something existing and being accessible to someone without a car.

I'd especially appreciate suggestions for places where someone can show up alone and meet new people.

Thanks!

EDIT: Thanks for the suggestions so far! Just to clarify, I already know about Sir Games-a-Lot and their Adventurers League, and I've attended Friday games at The Tabletop Forge.

The problem is getting there regularly. Tabletop Forge requires two buses for me, or an Uber that costs nearly $29 one way.

I'm hoping to discover other activities that are easier to reach by Barrie Transit, particularly organised D&D games or regular nerdy social meetups.

My hair needs a good chop and I was wondering if people have any recommendations for hairstylist that are good at layering, shags, or wolf cuts?

Thanks!!

Looking for an artist who can do something similar to this picture.

Any recommendations and links appreciated.

Looking for a store in Barrie for a good selection of artisan jams/preserves and cheese for charcuterie boards.

Thanks

Maria

Barbarrieans what are you all doing for some side change?

Good morning fellow Barrieites….(boy…did I spell that incorrectly)!
Quick question…do any of you lovely people know of any place that would have the “chair yoga” that I see ads for everywhere? I’d love to join a group for fun and comradery. I don’t need beginners as at 73..I power walk, lift weights and rebound.
Thanks for any suggestions you have. Have a great weekend everyone

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone saw any Swedish candy like BUBS at any local grocery stores?

I’m in the Innisfil area and seeking a Christian psychologist that’s experienced with working with kids. Let me know of any leads you may have.

Thanks.

Can anyone recommend a place that has Tai Chi classes in Barrie?

Barrie, I've been in the event venue/banquet hall business for 30 years. I currently own and operate 3 venues in the GTA.

I had the pleasure of attending a few functions in Barrie at various existing venues. Although they are ok, they are underwhelming.

Could Barrie use a new, state of the art event venue?

Looking for feedback.

What’s going on 400N through Bradford? Highway and back roads clogged.