municipal news Archives - CompassNews https://compassnews.ca/tag/municipal-news/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:33:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://compassnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-CompassNews-Logo-Icon-2-32x32.jpg municipal news Archives - CompassNews https://compassnews.ca/tag/municipal-news/ 32 32 Seniors are a vibrant & interesting part of the community https://compassnews.ca/seniors-are-a-vibrant-interesting-part-of-the-community/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:33:19 +0000 https://compassnews.ca/?p=5317 Submitted by: Gwen Kavanagh, the Barrie Seniors & Accessibility Advisory Committee The 2021 census tells us that the population in Barrie at that time was 147,829, with those aged 55 and up at 43,205, just short of one-third of the population. The baby boomer population, born between 1946 and 1964, is now mostly seniors, telling […]

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]]> Submitted by: Gwen Kavanagh, the Barrie Seniors & Accessibility Advisory Committee

The 2021 census tells us that the population in Barrie at that time was 147,829, with those aged 55 and up at 43,205, just short of one-third of the population.

The baby boomer population, born between 1946 and 1964, is now mostly seniors, telling us the city of Barrie is now likely 30 per cent-plus seniors. This column will be devoted to reaching this demographic with news, events and happenings relevant to us.

We fight “ageism” much of the time, which is very frustrating, as many of us are vibrant, interesting members of the community, volunteering multiple hours per week in the community.

Some examples are:

  • Mature Minds Program: Tailored specifically for older adults and retirees looking to give back.
  • County of Simcoe Senior Services: Involves older adults in programs such as the Resident Ambassador initiative across locations like Georgian Village and Simcoe Village.
  • VON Canada: Seeks volunteers for adult day programs and SMART exercise and fall prevention classes in Barrie.
  • Hospice Simcoe: Provides flexible roles in client care, reception and community outreach.
  • IOOF Seniors Homes Inc.: Offers placements in fundraising, friendly visits, craft shops and program assistance.
  • Canadian Red Cross – Simcoe Muskoka: Frequently recruits volunteers for friendly visiting and senior support services.

Secondly, most seniors follow the news and we vote.

READ MORE: Dear Victoria: I think my parent needs more help. Where do I start?

I would encourage all eligible constituents to make the time and effort to vote, as turnout these last few years has been just over 40 per cent. That is a very dismal number, and it suggests we do not value our democracy and the rights we enjoy as Canadians.

I was happy to hear that the City of Barrie plans to allow us to vote by phone and online in the upcoming municipal elections, making it easier for some seniors and anyone with accessibility problems.

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]]> Barrie approves remote-controlled mowing for steep slopes https://compassnews.ca/barrie-approves-remote-controlled-mowing-for-steep-slopes/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:54:08 +0000 https://compassnews.ca/?p=4862 No more white-knuckle mowing. During the final council session before the summer break, Barrie council approved the purchase of remote-controlled mowers to safely maintain steep grassy slopes. The city will roll them out first at the municipal Surface Water Treatment Plant. Council voted to spend up to $50,000 from the city’s tax capital reserve after […]

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]]> No more white-knuckle mowing.

During the final council session before the summer break, Barrie council approved the purchase of remote-controlled mowers to safely maintain steep grassy slopes. The city will roll them out first at the municipal Surface Water Treatment Plant.

Council voted to spend up to $50,000 from the city’s tax capital reserve after staff warned that using conventional riding mowers on steep slopes poses risks to operators.

Staff had originally recommended an end to cutting grass on the slopes to instead allow the areas to naturalize. Council members said that would create maintenance and aesthetic concerns. The remote-controlled mowers will instead allow operators to continue the work from a safe distance.

Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson supported purchasing the equipment, arguing it would improve safety while maintaining the city’s current service levels.

“We’d start with the water treatment plant, see how effective it is, and then take it from there with a report back if it can be expanded to retention ponds and other applications,” he said.

Coun. Bryn Hamilton, who represents the southeast area where the Surface Water Treatment Plant is located, supported the plan.

“I absolutely am supportive of it,” she said.

“I’ve heard from a number of residents who back onto the water treatment facility specifically. And this area has been maintained for the past couple of years – we set that level of service expectation already.”

The issue emerged after the city took over lawn maintenance in 2024. A near-miss involving a riding mower on a steep slope since prompted a health and safety review.

City staff said operators have experienced riding mowers tipping or flipping on some of the steepest slopes.

Rather than purchasing a larger remote-controlled slope mower, which can cost between $80,000 and $100,000, council approved a smaller gas-powered model upwards of $50,000.

The city is also considering the use of the remote-controlled mowing equipment for the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus and other municipal properties with steep grassy slopes or stormwater ponds.

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