What’s Stopping New Homes, Who’s Stepping Up For The Homeless, And A Surprising Tool For Grief What Barrie's Talking About podcast

What’s Stopping New Homes, Who’s Stepping Up for the Homeless, and a Surprising Tool for Grief

2d ago 45:25

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Welcome back to What Barrie’s Talking About, the podcast that dives into the stories shaping our community. This week, host Dan Blakeley and the Barrie 360 team take a closer look at housing, homelessness, healing, and hockey.

Housing Hits a Wall

Where’s all the housing we keep hearing about? Despite government incentives and cuts to red tape, new housing projects in Ontario — including here in Barrie — have slowed dramatically.

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) says housing starts are down an average of 40% across 34 municipalities it studied, and gave most of them a failing grade. Council President Richard Lyall sits down with Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan to explain why the industry has hit a wall, and what needs to change.

Barrie Cares Steps Up on Homelessness

The homelessness crisis in Barrie continues to grow, with encampments being torn down and residents asking what more can be done. Barrie Cares, a local grassroots organization, has been quietly working behind the scenes to help.

Director Rowley Ramey joins Barrie 360’s Julius Hern to talk about how the group is trying to make a difference, where they’re focusing their efforts, and how the community can step up too.

The Healing Power of the Wind Phone

At Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, visitors might notice something unusual — a phone booth in the woods. It’s called the Wind Phone, and it offers a symbolic, powerful way for people to process grief and begin healing.

Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan speaks with Nicole Hamley from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Lisa Snow from the Oasis Centre for Bereavement and Healing to learn more about this unique resource and the role it plays in emotional recovery.

Barrie Colts Weekly Update

The Barrie Colts are off to a 1-3 start this OHL season, including a tough shootout loss. They’re looking to bounce back this weekend.

Colts broadcaster Gene Pereira joins Barrie 360’s Julius Hern with weekly updates on the team — the wins, the challenges, and what fans can look forward to as the season unfolds.

Listen to the full episode now to hear these stories in detail. Subscribe to What Barrie’s Talking About on your favourite podcast app, and don’t forget to rate and review.

For more local stories, follow us on Bluesky and X at @Barrie360, or visit Barrie360.com.

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