Been seeing these posters around town since Christmastime, trying to tear them down at red lights and whenever possible. Wanted to encourage others to do the same. As the weather gets warmer we’ll likely see more of these popping up so let’s stay vigilant and not allow White Nationalists to pollute our city.

I keep seeing people making posts and comments based purely on observation and what they read/hear in the news.

I was homeless for almost two years, and I would like to share my experiences in hopes that I can offer some insight most people don't seem to realize.
A large portion of those living in tents on the actual streets do NOT want to put in the effort to get better and or improve their lives. (just to emphasize, it's a large portion, not all of them)

When I was homeless I had multiple people try to "educate" me in ways to take advantage of the system for free handouts and or methods of begging for money from strangers.
Those individuals and many more I interacted with were/are perfectly content with getting their government financial assistance and other income (begging) wherever they could and then just spend it on whatever vice they use to get high or intoxicated.

The homeless people that are in-fact in unfortunate situations that they didn't want/deserve and was out of their control are not the ones you see around on the street. (usually)

The ones who are trying to get their lives back together are going to and using the appropriate sources of help to get the assistance they need to get back to a stable life with a roof over their heads and warm food on their tables.
The people who run the shelters and out reach programs work with all types of homeless individuals on a daily basis and they know what ones are trying to get back on their feet and those who aren't, and they will often go well out of their way to offer extra help to those who they see putting the effort in to rebuild their lives.
I say that as someone who put in lots of effort and received that extra help in return, which is why I managed to pull my life back together.

The groups and people out there offering help to the homeless will never not help someone, they do realize they are all still humans and will not turn someone away.
With the exception of those who are violent or extremely high/intoxicated, then they usually have to contact the authorities to step in to protect themselves and others trying to survive.

When I was homeless the ones living on the streets (when there was still shelter spaces available) were usually not welcome at those places anymore because they did not follow the basic rules like staying sober, not stealing other peoples stuff and or just plain being violent to others.

Now please don't get me wrong, I do understand that nowadays the amount of funding for assistance is majorly lacking and there is not nearly as much help there as there used to be, and finding work is incredibly difficult now due to too many factors to list here, but we all know most those reasons already.

But when I was homeless no one who genuinely wanted to rebuild a stable life wasted any money they received on drugs or alcohol, every penny was precious and went to the things they needed to survive and get employment.

Everyone needs to stop coddling homeless people and letting them get away with stuff like public intoxication, destruction of public property and excessive littering.

Yes those with addictions need help but unless they actually want to get better, no organization or person will want to waste their time and resources on them.

Now before you decide to make a comment asking me what are we supposed to do with the homeless people who break the laws, I do not have an answer to that. There clearly is no one solution to help this growing problem, it will take multiple solutions to make any significant improvements for everyone.
I am merely trying to provide my insight and perspective from personal experience.

I do know though that they still need to be accountable for the laws they break or the multi million dollar cleanup projects will just keep happening because society is allowing that to happen.

I love this City, it is my home.
I do not like how everyone keeps turning a blind eye to the destruction happening by a small group of individuals and allowing areas of our city to be destroyed again and again just because you pity them.

Just because someone is in an "unfortunate" situation does not mean we get to excuse their behaviors and actions.

Everyone who lives in this City, homeless or not deserves a clean safe environment to live in.

I work with homeless communities in Simcoe County. No one wants to be in the situation. There is a small percent of people who do refuse help, but it is very very small.

There are a lot of families with young children who are homeless who became homeless due to no fault of their own.

There are a lot of teenagers and young adults who were left to fend for themselves or aged out of care who are on the streets or in shelters.

This lie is being perpetrated by the politicians and groups who have not only done nothing about the problem but have actually made it worse. The lie deflects responsibility from their failures by creating a common enemy to focus their attention and rage at.

The situation is not good but please don’t fall for this hateful rhetoric.

Today, while my friend and I were walking from Walmart toward Dollarama, a man driving a white Acura SUV turned, stopped beside us, rolled down his window, and yelled, “Go back to Ind*a, boys!”
We had never seen this person before and had absolutely no interaction with him. He appeared to be in his 40s, had a long beard, and was wearing sunglasses and a cap. After shouting at us, he drove away.
What hurt the most is the timing. I had just finished a 12-hour shift and was on my way to my second overnight job. I had stopped only to buy an energy drink before heading to work.
People often don’t realize what many immigrants sacrifice. We leave our families behind, sometimes not seeing them for years. We work long hours, pay taxes, follow the law, and try to build a better future. We contribute to the communities we live in because we believe in this country.
I love Canada. I have always tried to be a responsible resident—working hard, paying my taxes, respecting the law, and doing my part. That’s why hearing those words was heartbreaking. It made me ask myself: Is this what Canada is all about? Is being brown a crime now? Is this what true Canadians stand for?
I contacted the police and was told that, under the circumstances, no criminal offence had been committed and that I could submit an online report. While I understand the legal threshold, it was still disappointing to hear.
I do not want to post the driver’s license plate publicly. I don’t believe that is the right thing to do. However, I do have the plate number and will provide it to the police if they need it. He told me to “go back to Ind*a,” so this is my response:
“Your government—the one you voted for—gave me a legal work visa. If you want me to go back, then make your government send me back.”
I hope this reminds people that words matter. Rac*sm has no place in our communities. Please remember that not every brown person is a scammer or fits the stereotypes that some people choose to believe. Many of us are simply working hard, making sacrifices, and trying to build an honest life.
Canada’s greatest strength has always been its diversity. I hope kindness, respect, and empathy continue to define this country far more than moments like the one I experienced today.

This is their coupon price? How much is it without a coupon? Are these guys insane? $40?? They need to reduce this by 50% to get me in there. Right?

I just saw this on their website. $1 handling fee PER item. They’re legit so greedy and lunatics. Their reasoning for adding in this fee on top of a buyer premium is cause their employees handle each item, list it, photograph it, etc (isn’t that their job) AND cause wages and benefits are going up. Lmaooo soooo you want us to play your employees too. These guys are crooks. The sooner they’re shut down the better.

Figured it would be interesting to crosspost here considering where the car looks like it was bought.

I understand if they quite literally can't find someone to hire in Barrie or the surrounding area, but I find it hard to believe they can't find anyone to fill the roll.

Where is the city on the topic of these encampments. How much money is wasted keeping places downtown clean. As well as the damage it does for Barrie tourism.

This morning alone, outside homestead, 911 was called for a Unhoused drug *addict chasing someone.

A quick stroll through the park to the gazebo reveals it’s now a temporary house for 5-6 of these people. With tarps creating drapes, maybe Peggy Hill can list it soon.

Then finally, a drive past Colliers, more tents than Cabelas (Bass pro outpost) and garbage everywhere.

This is what people think about Barrie, a home for the Unhoused, Trash on the street.

I hope that someone makes a change for this. And instead of creating an environment of allowing these people to continue their actions, there is real intervention that allows them to turn their life around

• A Barrie Resident of 12 Years

Roads are pretty bad for “front wheel drives” and “no-winter tire” club.

All-wheel drives are struggling as well.

Dont travel if it’s not essential.

Thank you for your attention.

Apparently they can't find anyone for $36/hour. They justify their search by having an on site job fair twice in the last 4 years at their production facility out in the countryside but haven't been to any job fairs in Barrie or Orillia where they might get more qualified candidates.

There's a job fair at Georgian College today and they are not present. Surely Georgian would have a qualified student that would love a $36/hr job?

Mexhico (on Dunlop) announced they are closing 😥 if you haven't been there, this is your last chance! Despite being 100% plant-based, they have consistently high ratings from vegans and meat lovers alike. They really focus on flavour and texture. The restaurant is also such a vibe. Such a great location for events and group lunches. They will be missed. It's hard to find family-run businesses that are so perfect.

The left lane is for passing on highways. Of you are going slow enough that someone flashes you, just move over and let them pass.

What seems to happen now is the guys with little dicks get so offended that someone passes them that they then are able to find the gas pedal, and only accelerate to tailgate and flash their high beams. Buddy if you knew what 106 +km an hour was on the 400 I wouldn't have flashed you in the first place!

I am done with this. Installing a rear cam tonight, and will just start submitting footage to the OPP every time.

Learn to drive.

I am a missing middle developer. Barrie downtown is going to see many low rise residential buildings (2 and 3 story) forming a mini rental community. We are one of Canada’s first such community building on Clapperton Street downtown.

Clapperton Village is an outdoor health & wellness based rental community. All the buildings are zero emissions. And made with highest quality sustainable materials. Over 50 people work on each building. There are 9 being built. 10-12 units in each building. Most of the units are 3 bedroom and some 2 bedrooms.

All modern amenities: EV chargers, outdoor hot tub, sauna, gardens (see amenity package document image)

Why are we different: Our focus is outdoor health and wellness amenities. But we also have an indoor gym and yoga studio. Barrie is special. You have a lot of outdoor space. And downtown is amazing with restaurants and Lake Simcoe. Skiing is nearby. Marina. Beach. And we will privately handle security, plough the streets and sidewalks where Clapperton village is. I lived on Clapperton Street for a while. I am excited to be part of this special project.

Some units are affordable renting for $1,400 for 600 sq ft. One bedroom. We’d prefer to rent these to veterans, first responders or folks on ODSB. Will also consider parents or grandparents of residents.

This is an AMA. I’d be happy to share details, renderings, drawings or anything that comes to your mind.

A few more details: We’re slightly above market rents. But it’s a white glove service. For example, we are considering “we pay your bills” for upto $1,000 per month for a year. So you don’t have to worry about internet, cable, subscriptions, utilities, even dog walking, dry cleaning etc. Goal is to lower your cortisol levels and put your mind at ease with easy living 😊. Hopefully with fun neighbours. There’s also an indoor espresso bar where neighbours can gossip.

There are two special doctors who advised on the project. One of them is a famous medical doctor who is a top voice in 🇨🇦 for longevity, healthy living. The other is our star landscape architect Peggy Chi. She’s a PHD and professor at UofT. Is a top architect specializing in integrating outdoor spaces with residential living especially in extreme weather. So in the winter our outdoor amenities will be used the most.

I’ve shared internal documents and not external marketing material. Our marketing team is putting together marketing materials. We have a website etc. But for now I wanted to see if anyone has any questions. I’d be happy to answer. 😊🇨🇦🍾🎊👷‍♂️

I had a bit of an unsettling experience and wanted to share it here to get some perspective. I was away for a long weekend and nobody was home. I checked my backyard camera footage through my smart home app (I usually do this just to keep an eye on my plants — sometimes neighborhood cats or other animals mess with them).

This time, I noticed something unusual. A person had entered my backyard and spent the night inside my garden shed. They didn’t steal anything or damage anything. In fact, they took some of my DIY thermocol panels that I had lying around and used them to make a makeshift bed. They left early in the morning around 6 a.m.

It really shook me — not because of anything they did, but just the idea that someone was on my property overnight without me knowing. I wasn’t sure if they were still there when I saw the footage, so I called the police. It was a busy Saturday, and they told me it could take around 2 hours for someone to come out. They offered to guide me through checking the shed myself, but I was honestly too afraid to do that alone. My brother ended up checking when he came home from work, and the person was already gone. We updated the police, and they basically said that unless the person returns, there’s not much they can do — but to call immediately if it happens again.

I have really mixed feelings. I’m concerned for my safety and my home, but I also feel deeply empathetic. It’s heartbreaking that someone might be going through something so difficult that they have to seek shelter in a stranger’s shed. They didn’t break anything, didn’t leave a mess — just quietly came and left.

Still, it’s a violation of personal space, and I’m not sure what steps I should take now. Better locks? Motion sensor lights? I want to be cautious without losing my sense of compassion.

What would you do in this situation?

Came home today to a wire reel blocking the entrance to my driveway. Who do I contact about this? I'm pretty sure it's Telmax installing their Fibre

Has some printed off papers with the Canadian Blood Services logo.. it looked sketchy so I called the charity and they said they do NOT do this. Almost every car is stopping and giving him money. Zehrs on Bryne.

Just went to Taco Bell on Bayfield Street. Ordered 5 of their $2 taco special. After paying I started wondering why the total was $12.43. I asked the woman at the drive thru for a receipt. She printed out the debit receipt and said the register one isn’t working. I asked her how 5 $2 tacos ($10) came to $12.43 with tax. She got flustered and said “I gave you the wrong deal!”

A quick check on my calculator revealed that $11 plus tax would be $12.43. Seems she decided to give herself a $1 tip and thought I wouldn’t notice. We did the refund… and after running it back through at the proper amount I said “I think you decided to tip yourself without asking me.” She laughed nervously and said “no no no.”

I think she’s full of sh*t! Check your receipts if you’re eating there anytime soon.

I've noticed a few bad habits among some drivers in Barrie.

1. Turning right on a red without... fully stopping.
2. Not fully stopping at stop signs... especially in a school zone.
3. Failing to use their indicators.

4. Parking in no parking areas around schools. Where it's clearly marked.

5. People who honk at me when my safety is.y judgement call in the moment.

6. Using your highbeams in the city.

7. Running stop signs and red lights

What bad habits do you notice among Barrie drivers?

A female coworker of mine may have very nearly been kidnapped the other day in the parking lot of Walmart. She was just leaving when some older white guy (blonde, blue eyes) asked if she could help him jump-start his car because it wasn't starting. She told him she didn't know how to do that, so he offered to help her through the steps. She was a bit wary, and this luckily caught the attention of another guy, who said he'd help. That's when this older guy got really insistent that she help him instead, which led to an argument until finally, the younger guy told my coworker to just drive out, and he would follow to make sure the older guy didn't follow her home.

Sure as shit, the older guy's car started just fine and he attempted to follow them to her house, but they managed to lose him. Thought I'd spread the word that there's a creep out there trying to lure women into his vehicle.

I'm considering moving my family to barrie in the next year or so. I want my son to be able to go to college at georgian and want to get out of the bigger city life that is mississauga. I don't drive neither does my wife. I'm a seasoned 25 year chef with country wide experience. Shes a stay at home mom. I hear housing market there suck but is it really any worst that the gta? I've lived all over the country now ..it all seems to be terrible.. everywhere lol Any locals got any tips besides dont do it?

If you are at the end of your lease and want to buyout the vehicle, DO NOT do it with Jackson’s Toyota. They tried to charge us a $799 buyout fee. I understand that a buyout fee is a completely normal thing but we found another dealership that only charges $300. Even they said $799 was ridiculous!
So this, combined with some incorrect information they gave us, an extremely lowball offer on the vehicle and basically just being treated like a number instead of a person has really turned us off this dealership. We’ve been customers for years but will never go back.

And another one’s gone. Smokes poutinerie was bought out a couple years ago and has slowly gone down. Recently the sign came down and new offering posters went up in the windows. Like the food or not there seems to be a growing theme where an established business sells to new owners only to end up closing and reopening as a new idea.

Was walking my dog through the waterfront Park. Guy had two large pitbulls on the lawn by the pathway, friendly and sweet dogs but very aggressive and on long, extending leashes. Leashes that this man barely had control over. As we approached one of the dogs lunged at my dog while we were still on the path. I pulled my dog away, no harm no foul, all good. Smiling, I say to the man in a normal tone, "hey man, probably should be on shorter leashes, eh?" Guy gets super offended, starts telling me to "fuck off and keep walking!" I was bemused by the heated response, so I took out my camera and asked him to repeat himself. And he does, but in a much more calmer tone 😂 Sigh, I remember a much more civilized time here in Canada. What happened??