Op-ed / Rant

The growing animosity of international trade wars may be rattling global markets, but it’s quietly reshaping the local economies of cities like Barrie, Ontario, in ways once considered unlikely. When U.S. tariffs raise the stakes, the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement emerges as both an economic defence mechanism and a rallying cry for consumers to prioritize homegrown […]

For decades, the United States and Canada shared more than a border—they shared a partnership rooted in trust, economic collaboration, and military alliances. Yet today, that relationship appears fractured, defined less by unity and more by partisan divide within the United States itself. Under President Donald Trump, American perceptions of global allies have undergone a

It’s nearly impossible to separate sports from the broader societal and political currents swirling around them. Why do stadiums become battlegrounds for political opinions? Can you blame fans for reacting? The Toronto Blue Jays’ home opener in March 2025 is a prime example of how the sports world often intersects with political tensions. As the

Few stories leave us grappling with the human side of investigations like the recent SIU ruling on the Barrie Police case. Behind the headlines, there’s a story of a tangled moment, a fractured collarbone, and a search for truth. When a 24-year-old man found himself in a Barrie parking lot on a brisk November evening,

Well, hey there, folks! Hope you’ve got your toques on tight because today’s weather in Barrie is shaping up to be a real mixed bag, eh? You know, it’s one of those classic Canadian spring days where winter doesn’t quite know when to pack it in. This morning kicks off with chilly air hanging around

The late afternoon calm on North Street was shattered by the piercing wail of sirens, as fire crews raced to contain an apartment blaze that left one individual injured. The air was thick with smoke and unanswered questions. On Thursday, March 27, at approximately 4 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a multi-unit building on North

The closure of Doogan’s Pet Centre in Barrie marks the end of an era for local retail while shedding light on the rising dominance of online marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy. After 40 years as a beloved fixture in the Kozlov Centre, Doogan’s Pet Centre has closed its doors, a casualty of shifting consumer habits

Accountability comes knocking, even for those who wear the badge of authority. But when the law turns its eyes on one of its own, the questions grow sharper, and the stakes climb higher. On March 27, 2025, a long-serving member of the Barrie Police Service was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police. This officer, an

Spring in Barrie is a celebration of renewal—budding blooms, fresh breezes, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. And what better time to embrace this than Easter, a holiday that begs for memorable meals without the last-minute frenzy? Picture this: You’ve planned the perfect Easter feast, but instead of scrambling in the kitchen while

The chatter of campaign promises now comes with a digital echo, louder and harder to decipher than ever. Canadians must brace for a new chapter in the manipulation playbook—this time, on their screens. On March 23, the federal election was officially underway as Liberal Leader Mark Carney visited Rideau Hall to set the stage for