Stephen J. Donkers, Author at CompassNews

Barrie grants $4.5M toward new Tollendale Village retirement development in Innisfil

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:21:25 +0000

A new retirement community development in Innisfil is getting a boost from the City of Barrie, which is providing a $4.5-million grant to support the project.

Speaking to a large group of seniors at Tollendale Village in Barrie’s south-east end, Mayor Alex Nuttall and Barrie–Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin announced grant funding for a second Tollendale Village campus, which will be located at 1870 Big Bay Point Rd. in Innisfil.

The partnership between the city and Tollendale Village will extend municipal servicing for the second campus. According to a media release, the city’s investment is intended to support the expansion of seniors housing options as the local senior population continues to grow.

The investment is also designed to spur development by providing necessary infrastructure servicing.

The second Tollendale Village campus was first announced in July 2019, with a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) approved by the Ontario government. The campus is planned for a 32-acre site and, once complete, will include more than 580 residential units.

Nuttall, who used his provincially permitted strong mayor powers to greenlight the grant, said the goal is to ensure seniors can continue living close to their families.

“Our focus is simple – making sure Barrie residents can stay in the community they’ve built their lives in,” he said.

“This is about keeping seniors close to their families, close to care, and close to home. By moving forward with servicing for Tollendale’s second campus, we’re taking a practical step to deliver the kind of housing our residents need.”

Khanjin, who serves as Ontario’s minister of Red Tape Reduction, said Tollendale is a special place for her and noted she admires the strong community spirit built at the retirement complex.

“Affordable seniors housing is a priority for our government – Tollendale is very near and dear to my heart,” she said.

“To see the incredible community you’ve all developed here – you can do carpentry, play games – this is really a place of social cohesion and a sense of belonging.”

In a media release, Ralph De Groot, chair of Tollendale Village, said the grant will allow the project to move forward with servicing and proceed to the next phase of development.

“Tollendale Village has been a trusted part of this community for years, and this next phase will allow us to build on that foundation,” he said.

“With the city stepping up to deliver servicing, we can move ahead with providing more housing options for seniors who want to remain at home in Barrie.”

No timeline for the start of construction has been released yet.

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Province invests in Barrie programs supporting at-risk youth

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:20:19 +0000

The Ontario government is investing $400,000 through the 2026-28 Civil Remedies Grant Program to support programs aimed at helping at-risk youth in Barrie.

Funding will be split between the Barrie Police Service and the John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka, with each receiving $200,000 over two years. The programs are designed to prevent youth from entering the justice system and reduce reoffending.

The John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka is a charitable organization focused on prevention, intervention, advocacy and community partnerships.

The Bright Futures Barrie Strategy will be the first to receive funding, with a focus on developing recreational and proactive programming for at-risk youth.

Police data shows 65 per cent of youth charged had five or more prior interactions with police.

Local Barrie MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin, Mayor Alex Nuttall, Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston and Hayley Murdoch-Fyke at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus for the announcement.

Downey, who is also Ontario’s attorney general, said the funding will help build a safer community.

“These investments are targeted, strategic, and designed to meet the unique needs of communities across the province – this is real,” he said.

“It’s targeted funding that will make a meaningful impact, helping police and community partners confront and dismantle criminal networks that prey on communities.”

Downey also highlighted the role of collaboration between the province, the city and community organizations.

“It’s through these partnerships that we build a safer, more inclusive community for everyone. For those on the frontline, the prevention, intervention, and support, it’s the work that needs to be done and it does not go unnoticed.”

Khanjin echoed those comments, pointing to the broader impact of the funding.

“We are using these resources – we’re using them for justice, for healing, and to help prevent crime before it starts,” she said.

“It’s about turning the proceeds of crime into opportunities for prevention, support, and long-term positive change.”

Nuttall said he is thankful for the province stepping up with funding and continuing to foster a strong relationship with the city.

“I can tell you that each and every time we see issues arise in the City of Barrie that we need to focus on – whether it’s an ice storm, a housing issue or anything else – we have incredible partners at the province,” he said.

“Some of the significant investments they’ve made in this community on the social services side over the last 24 months have helped shift the trajectory of safety and security on Barrie’s streets in a much different direction. And the help and support individuals have been receiving has been incredible as well.”

Murdoch-Fyke said the investment is key to ensuring youth do not follow a path toward crime.

“If we want safer communities, we have to invest in prevention, in accountability, and in supporting meaningful behavior change and underlying beliefs over time,” she said.

Key partners involved include Barrie Police Service, CFS Counselling and Well Being, the City of Barrie and the Salvation Army.

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Mayor’s Innovation Awards spotlight community leaders, businesses and organizations

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:36:38 +0000

Innovative ideas and solutions were recognized at the 2025 Mayor’s Innovation Awards in Barrie.

The event took place at the Five Points Theatre in downtown after being postponed from November 2025 due to poor weather.

The awards recognize businesses, individuals and organizations whose creativity and drive are helping build a stronger community.

Award winners and runners-up are:

Pivot Point
Winner: Canadoor Garage Doors
Runners-up: Canadian Musicians Co-operative and Bektra Corp and Crave Arts Academy

Creative Collaboration
Winner: New Roots New Routes program, developed by the Sandbox Centre and the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre
Runners-up: Barns2Beaches Music Tour; Botree Inc.’s Level-UpTM Growth Hub and The Vanguard Network

Research and Innovation Contribution
Winner: SEAN.CA
Runners-up: Trainers Choice and The Dirty Seahorse

Youth Innovator
Winner: Omid Latifi (Latifi Digital Strategies)
Runners-up: Zoe Bystrov, Youth for Lake Simcoe and Jasmine Kaur, Subal

Shift Disturber
Winner: Ryan Joyner (Victory Ridge Sports Distribution Inc.)
Runners-up: Shakir Barmare, Barrie Indian Association; Beyond Giving Inc. and Rejoice Photo; LifeVac Canada Inc.

Municipal Innovation
Winner: Biosolids pilot project – led by Infrastructure (City of Barrie)
Runners-up: AI chatbot on barrie.ca – led by IT, communications, Service Barrie and Barcode scanner project – led by finance, infrastructure, Barrie police

Mayor Alex Nuttall said the awards highlight the strength of innovation across the community.

“There is certainly a lot to celebrate in our city,” he said.

“Often, innovation isn’t a big, splashy, sexy thing. It’s something that happens internally, then grows – and it can change culture, it can change financials, it can change communities.”

In a later social media post, Nuttall said the ideas from nominees and winners contribute to a stronger community.

“We celebrated the incredible nominees and winners whose ideas and solutions are shaping a smarter, stronger community,” he stated.

The event is supported by sponsors including Adams Hamilton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Marquee Benefits Inc., Innovative Automation, reIGNITE Conference and the Sandbox Centre.

A panel of judges evaluated more than 80 nominations before selecting a shortlist of finalists. The 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards are scheduled for November 2026.

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Mayor tours progress on Lakehead STEM Hub in downtown Barrie

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:34:20 +0000

Barrie is a step closer to establishing a permanent university presence, as renovations continue on the upcoming Lakehead University STEM Hub.

Mayor Alex Nuttall toured the progress at the main hub, located on the ground floor of 24 Maple Ave. in downtown Barrie. The Sandbox Centre, a regional innovation centre, occupies the second floor of the same building.

The Maple Avenue site will include specialized research and teaching labs, featuring advanced equipment for motors and robotics, machinery, instrumentation and mechatronics. The facility is intended to support applied learning and industry collaboration, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

A second STEM Hub is also planned at 5 Ross St., expanding the university’s footprint in the city’s downtown core. Both locations are scheduled to open in September and are expected to bring in hundreds of students.

Nuttall spoke to invited guests and officials during the tour, highlighting the broader impact of the project.

“This isn’t just about a university improving the private sector, improving the way the government and education and business work together,” he said.

“It’s also about our young people having access to education in an affordable way and one that’s going to put them onto that path of hope and opportunity.”

Nuttall added that he plans on championing the university as progress continues.

“I’ll be cheering this along because this September, we’re going to have hundreds of students in our downtown and that’s all thanks to Lakehead University and the vision they’ve put forward,” he said.

The STEM Hub initiative is part of a broader partnership between the university and the city, aimed at expanding post-secondary access. Officials first announced the Maple Avenue location in November 2024, followed by the Ross Street expansion earlier this year.

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City unveils proposed plans for annex lands at open house public meeting

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:32:44 +0000

City residents got a look at proposed plans for the new annex lands in Barrie’s north end.

The open house public meeting took place at Barrie City Hall, where city staff greeted residents who were able to provide feedback. Multiple maps and information boards were on display.

Maps highlighted planned areas for land-use designation, community structure, mobility network, right-of-way widths, greenspace, vulnerable areas, cultural city features and conservation authority areas.

Other information presented included a proposed Partridge Road–Highway 400 interchange and plans for the Little Lake lands to be used for conservation purposes only.

Craig Flegel lives in lands once part of Oro-Medonte Township and attended the open house. He said he wasn’t happy about the annexation but wanted to gather information.

“I wanted to see the plans, and as far as engineering goes – looking at sewers, water, pumping stations, stuff like that,” he said.

“They have shown different roadways that could potentially be built, as well as new neighbourhood zones.”

Springwater Township resident Bryan, who did not want to share his last name, owns land in part of the new city lands. He said he supports the city’s plan to build more industrial areas to attract employers.

“We should attract more industrial — we need more in Barrie,” he said.

“Manufacturing is what we need. We need people building and making parts, things like that.”

Coun. Clare Riepma also stopped by the open house. Riepma represents Ward 1, which became larger when the former Oro-Medonte annex land officially became part of the city.

Riepma said while he heard a mixed response from residents about the annexation, he remains optimistic the lands will be developed properly.

“Mixed feelings — I would say that there’s some of that, but I think that it has decreased over time,” he said.

“I think everybody’s kind of holding their breath to see what’s going to happen with the lands. I’m hoping that any development that goes on there is going to be terrific and that it’s got real character – that it will be just as livable and walkable as the ward is now.”

Logan Juffermans, growth management and program manager for the City of Barrie, is overseeing the growth plans for the new lands. He said he and city staff were glad to receive feedback from residents.

“We heard a lot of good feedback that definitely needs to be incorporated into the plan,” he said.

“The development community is interested in building quickly on this, and they’re happy with some of the timelines. Residents are also concerned with change in their area, and we respect and recognize that, and we have to be realistic that infrastructure takes time to build out.”

Barrie officially annexed 1,216 hectares from Springwater Township and 457 hectares from Oro-Medonte Township, which became part of the city on Jan. 1, 2026.

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Simcoe County HART Hub nears first year as officials showcase program

Stephen J. Donkers — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:18:30 +0000

Dignitaries gathered in Barrie to highlight the impact of the Homeless Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub of Simcoe County as the program closes in on one year of operation.

The event took place at 24 Maple Ave., where local officials and invited guests discussed the program’s collaborative approach, with multiple access points and pathways aimed at addressing homelessness, addiction and mental-health challenges.

Those in attendance included Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, Barrie police Chief Rich Johnston, Mina Fayez-Baghat, Simcoe County’s general manager of social and community services, and Katie Drake, manager of the HART Hub, among others.

The HART Hub is a regional network providing homelessness and addiction recovery support, bringing together organizations to deliver coordinated services.

Funded by the Ontario government, the initiative was announced in January 2025 and rolled out in phases. Operating at roughly $6.3 million a year, the program has seen about 100 people complete recovery, with hundreds more receiving support.

Nuttall said more affordable housing options are needed across the county.

“We need additional, affordable housing available for these individuals to not just get past the addiction for just a day or a month or six months or a year, but to have a meaningful hope and opportunity moving forward,” he said.

Nuttall added that initiatives like the HART Hub reflect the type of approach needed across Ontario.

“We need to change the approach in Ontario that focuses on making rehabilitative services, support services, mental health services readily available day in and day out inside of the communities that are struggling with massive addiction and mental health and homelessness,” he said.

Drake said the program’s impact is best understood by seeing the work firsthand.

“The true story of the HART of Simcoe County is told best by the people who deliver those services every day and by seeing the experiences of their work up close,” she said.

Program supports include live-in treatment, community services, supportive housing, primary care and dedicated Indigenous care pathways, connecting clients with culturally specific supports.

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Registrations open for Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:52:33 +0000

Ready, set, paddle – the 22nd annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is set to return on Aug, 15.

The Barrie Public Library (BPL), which hosts the annual event, announced teams have until Aug. 4 to register participants. Teams that complete registration by April 30 will be entered to win an “Ultimate Tim Hortons Coffee Break” prize, presented by sponsor Tim Hortons. The winning team will receive $750 in Tim Hortons gift cards.

The Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event where teams race long dragon boats on Kempenfelt Bay. Since 2003, the festival has raised more than $2 million for dozens of local charities.

In a media release, BPL CEO Lauren Jessop said the event remains a highlight each year.

“The Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is a tradition we look forward to each year,” she said.

“The festival is an incredible celebration of community, teamwork, and shared camaraderie. Events like this show what’s possible when our community comes together to support local charities, including the library. We’re grateful to the teams who have chosen us as their charity of choice. Your fundraising efforts help us expand access to library services and bring our mission to life across Barrie.”

Christopher Vanderkruys, BPL director of corporate services, said the event continues to support the library’s growth in the city.

“This event began as a fundraiser in 2003 to support the library’s expansion from one branch to two,” he said.

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to be planning for a fourth branch in Barrie’s Letitia Heights neighbourhood; an important step in continuing to serve our growing community.”

Participating teams can support the library or any charity of their choice. The 2025 festival featured 40 teams, and more than $103,000 was raised for local charities, including the library.

Teams can sign up at barrielibrary.ca/dragonboat.

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Barrie mayor reflects on lessons learned from Alberta trip regarding homelessness challenges

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:51:01 +0000

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall says Alberta’s approach to homelessness could serve as a roadmap for addressing the ongoing crisis.

Nuttall recently took a trip to Alberta in February could help reshape how Ontario — and even the rest of the country — address homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.

He and a city hall staffer travelled to Alberta to meet with provincial officials and learn how the province responds to homelessness. Alberta’s approach emphasizes recovery-based treatment, early intervention and coordinated enforcement, with a focus on addressing root causes.

The province pairs faster encampment responses with expanded access to detox, recovery programs, supportive housing and integrated outreach teams that include police, health professionals and social workers.

“Alberta is a leader on the national stage when it comes to how to deal with addictions and homelessness,” Nuttall said.

“The Alberta model is a legitimate one. I believe it should be the Canadian model – I think that there is a ton of positive things that they’ve done so far.”

Nuttall said a key takeaway was Alberta’s focus on rehabilitation within correctional facilities. He pointed to programs that separate individuals seeking treatment from the general prison population and provide on-site recovery services.

“The idea that you can go into prison and, instead of perpetuating drug use and violence, you have the opportunity to get clean through a rehab facility on site is a key piece of what I learned there – we need to bring it to Ontario,” he said.

He also highlighted Alberta’s willingness to intervene earlier when individuals cannot make decisions about their own health due to severe addiction or mental illness. He said earlier intervention could help prevent overdoses and reduce long-term homelessness.

“That makes a lot of sense. It’s an intervention at an earlier stage than an overdose,” he said.

“We want individuals to get rehabilitation, find a new beginning, a new future and a path forward.”

Another element that stood out to Nuttall was the possibility of diverting individuals into treatment at the point of arrest, rather than sending them to jail where negative behaviours may continue.

“Having the ability to intercede at the point of an arrest so that individual doesn’t go to jail and instead gets rehabilitative work done is key,” he said.

Nuttall said he hopes Alberta representatives will visit Barrie to share details with local and provincial leaders. He noted the city has made progress, including reducing encampments and expanding services, but challenges remain.

“Barrie is one of the cleanest cities of all of our cities in Ontario at the moment, yet I know what we struggle with day in and day out in terms of mental health and addictions,” he said.

“We need to figure out how to properly meet the day, don’t leave anybody behind, and help individuals heal and move forward.”

Nuttall added that Alberta officials expressed surprise at Barrie’s progress in reducing encampments, noting there was “a little bit of disbelief” at the city’s current situation. He said the exchange reinforced the value of collaboration between jurisdictions.

On Sept. 9, 2025, Barrie declared a state of emergency in response to addressing homeless encampments on city owned properties.

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Barrie mayor says HST removal on new homes is a ‘game-changer’

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:25:23 +0000

The recently announced move to remove the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) on new homes could impact housing affordability in Barrie, Mayor Alex Nuttall says.

On March 26, the Ontario government announced it would eliminate HST on new homes for all buyers, a measure aimed at accelerating construction and improving affordability.

The change means buyers would no longer pay the 13 per cent tax on newly built homes, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars depending on the purchase price.

Nuttall said the HST removal could have a significant impact on the local real estate market.

“That’s going to have an immense impact on the market,” he said.

“If you think about the cost of housing – if it’s a million-dollar home, which is many single-family homes in the City of Barrie today, that is a 13 per cent, $130,000 saving on the cost of the home.”

Nuttall said the change could be particularly meaningful for first-time buyers and younger residents who have struggled to enter the housing market.

“We have a real problem with the ability for young people being able to purchase that first home – rent can be too high to save, and the cost of home is too high,” he said.

He pointed to a hypothetical starter home priced at $600,000. With the HST removed, the cost could drop by roughly $70,000, bringing the price closer to $530,000, assuming savings are passed on to buyers.

“It’s a large amount – it’s a game-changer for an industry that’s kind of on hold,” he said.

“That $600,000 home becomes $530,000 — this can make quite a difference here in Barrie, seeing how so many new homes are being built right now and more are coming in the not-too-distant future.”

Beyond affordability, Nuttall said the policy could also help revive a slowing construction sector.

“Right now, I think the housing market is basically shut down,” he said.

“We’re not seeing any construction take place. It’s hitting the trades – the impact is widespread.”

He said fewer housing starts affect not only buyers but also workers in construction and related industries.

“This is as much about jobs at this point as it is about housing itself,” he said.

“If all of a sudden there’s no work because the construction industry is shut down, that’s a real negative.”

The mayor added the City of Barrie is considering complementary measures, including potential adjustments to development charges, to further support housing construction.

“You’ll see more houses under construction and ultimately we’re going to see more people end up in homes that they’re able to afford,” he said.

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Barrie recognized as second-best city to live in across Canada

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:49:51 +0000

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.

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