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:

New Barrie pilot program aims to fast track housing construction

A new pilot program will be launched in Barrie to boost housing construction by allowing eligible builders to defer development charges.  Mayor Alex Nuttall, using...

Barrie, Springwater eye land for services deal

The City of Barrie and the Township of Springwater are moving forward with talks on a  potential deal that would trade municipal services for...

New Metro grocery store opens in Barrie southeast

A new grocery option has arrived in Barrie’s southeast end, with Metro officially opening its second location in the city.  The 38,500-square-foot store at 640...

City council weighs options for new ward boundaries

Barrie city council reviewed five proposed options for redrawing the city’s ward  boundaries during a Finance and Responsible Governance Committee meeting on April  30. 

Barrie student reflects on what it meant to be a student mayor

Municipal politics may not typically excite elementary students, but for Olivia Goglidze of Ferndale Woods Elementary School, serving as Barrie’s student mayor for three...

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...