Stephen J. Donkers

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Originally from Oshawa and raised in Barrie and Innisfil, Stephen J. Donkers began his career in Ontario’s film and television industry as an assistant director before pivoting to journalism and corporate communications through studies at Humber Polytechnic. With experience in digital marketing and communications, he brings a sharp storytelling lens to every role. Stephen currently works in marketing while reporting for Compass News in Barrie, covering impactful community stories in the city he proudly calls home. He lives in Barrie with his family and two pets.

Exclusive articles:

Barrie’s boundary expansion gains momentum at Queen’s Park

Barrie’s long-planned boundary expansion is moving closer to reality. On Nov. 25, the Ontario government introduced legislation that would shift municipal boundaries, transferring 1,216 hectares...

Creativity celebrated at the Barrie Arts Awards

Creativity took centre stage at the 2025 Barrie Arts Awards.  The annual awards were presented at the MacLaren Art Centre in downtown Barrie, where a...

Fire Station 6 opens in Barrie’s south-east

Then there were six.  On Nov. 17, Barrie Fire Station 6 officially opened in the city’s southeast end. Mayor Alex Nuttall, Fire Chief Kevin White,...

Progress continues to be made with homeless encampments, says Barrie mayor

Barrie’s homeless encampment numbers have fallen sharply since a state of emergency was declared in early September, Mayor Alex Nuttall said Thursday.  Speaking at a...

Speed cameras removed in Barrie

Barrie’s automated speed enforcement (ASE) program has come to an end, and all cameras have been removed.  Mayor Alex Nuttall previously announced during a Sept....

Breaking

Nuttall campaigns on making resident-only parking at Centennial Beach

Alex Nuttall is promising to make the Centennial Park...

Ottawa Police Blotter – October 7

Good Morning Ottawa, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has...

This Week in Barrie: Week of October 5

  The 2026 Municipal Election is coming. Be ready to...

Candidates vie for newly redrawn Ward 3 council seat in Barrie

Traffic safety, infrastructure, responsible growth and basic city services...