The municipal election campaign is underway in Barrie, and we're starting a series of conversations with the candidates running for mayor.
This week, Tanya Saari is the first candidate to join What Barrie's Talking About.
Meanwhile, the Barrie Colts are getting ready to open their 2026-27 season. General Manager Marty Williamson and Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz look ahead to a new season after the team came close to reaching the top last year.
Here's what Barrie's talking about this week.
Barrie Mayoral Election 2026 Gets Underway
The Barrie mayoral election 2026 campaign is now underway, with four candidates on the certified ballot: incumbent Mayor Alex Nuttall, Tanya Saari, Kay Sayer, and Russell Tighe.
We've invited all four candidates to take part in a series of interviews on What Barrie's Talking About.
Tanya Saari is the first to sit down with the Barrie360 team.
Saari entered the mayoral race in July. She has said her campaign is focused on issues including affordability, public safety, growth, and how the city works with residents and council.
Her interview gives listeners a chance to hear directly from the candidate and learn more about her priorities for Barrie.
The other mayoral candidates have also been invited to participate in the series, giving voters an opportunity to hear from each campaign.
The municipal election is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Barrie Colts Ready to Start a New Season
While City Hall is getting ready for an election, the Barrie Colts are getting ready for the start of another hockey season.
The Colts came close last season. Now, with new ownership and some new faces, the team is looking to build on that experience heading into 2026-27.
General Manager Marty Williamson and Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz recently spoke with Barrie360 about what they're expecting from the team.
A new season always brings plenty of questions.
How will the new players fit in? What will the returning players bring back to the lineup? And can the Colts take another step after coming so close last season?
Those are some of the questions heading into opening weekend.
Colts Open the Season on the Road
The Barrie Colts begin their regular season Friday night in North Bay.
Then, they'll return home for their home opener Saturday night against the Sudbury Wolves.
That gives local fans an early chance to see the new-look Colts and get their first look at the team for the 2026-27 season.
Stay Connected With What Barrie's Talking About
If you like what you've heard please subscribe to What Barrie's Talking About.
You can also keep up with What Barrie's Talking About on Bluesky and X at Barrie 360 on our website Barrie360.com.
And there's our Daily Kickstart podcast available from any streaming service and on our website.
