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 to end all speed cameras

All speed cameras in Barrie will be coming to an end by Dec. 31, 2025, after city council voted to phase out automated speed...

Former Barrie mayor Jeff Lehman opts out of Ontario Liberal leadership race

The Ontario Liberal Party is searching for a new leader, but former Barrie mayor Jeff Lehman says he won’t be in the running. In a...

Premier Ford visits Barrie to view homeless encampment

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stopped in Barrie on Saturday, Sept. 20, to tour a homeless encampment alongside Mayor Alex Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson...

Proposed downtown mixed-use building could shrink in height

A proposed 25-storey high-rise in downtown Barrie could be scaled back to 10 storeys after city council approved changes to parking and height restrictions. The...

Mayor Nuttall weighs re-election bid as 2026 campaign looms

With just over a year to go before the 2026 Barrie municipal election, Mayor Alex Nuttall says he has begun discussing a possible re-election...

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...