Getting silver never looked so good — Barrie has been ranked the second-best city to live in Canada.
According to a study conducted by Toronto-based digital marketing agency dNOVO Group, Barrie placed second nationally, just behind Kelowna, BC. Factors used to determine the rankings included average rent, personal safety, local attractions, livability and financial steadiness.
Mayor Alex Nuttall said he was thrilled when he heard Barrie was ranked so high.
“I’m pleased to see Barrie recognized as one of the top cities to live in Canada,” he said.
“This distinction reflects the hard work of our city staff, local businesses, and residents who keep our community strong and welcoming. From maintaining our neighborhoods and waterfront to supporting local economic growth, everyone’s effort contributes to making Barrie a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Kathleen Trainor, executive director of Tourism Barrie, said she wasn’t surprised Barrie ranked so high.
“I’m not surprised at all that Barrie was named the second-best place to live in Canada,” she said.
“It’s a recognition that reflects what residents and visitors already know, Barrie offers an exceptional quality of life.”
Trainor said there are several key factors that set Barrie apart from other Canadian cities.
“What truly sets Barrie apart is its four-season lifestyle and access to outdoor recreation,” she said.
“In the winter, residents enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Warmer months bring boating, beaches, waterfront activities, and an extensive trail network, while the fall offers stunning natural beauty with vibrant colours throughout the city. Barrie is also a place where people can truly live, work, and play.”
Coun. Sergio Morales, who grew up in Barrie, said the ranking reflects the city’s long-term appeal.
“There’s a reason why it’s so common for people who grew up in Barrie to come back and spend decades more living here,” he said.
“Barrie has an unmatched balance of big city amenities, small city charm, and ecosystem amenities that in my opinion, the only cities that come close to us are Guelph and Kingston. The institutional investments City Council has been making into roads, bridges, our upcoming rec centre, and into attainable housing policy will only make the case for Barrie’s great liveability, even stronger.”
Other cities ranking behind Barrie include Abbotsford, Sherbrooke, Sudbury, Burlington, Oshawa, Oakville and Windsor.
