What’s happening around Barrie right now? This week on What Barrie’s Talking About, we’re covering several local stories, from hate crimes and health care to cancer support, poverty and the municipal election.
We’re also looking back at Barrie’s rock music history and hearing from one of the city’s mayoral candidates.
Here’s what’s coming up on this week’s episode.
Barrie Police Chief Talks Hate Crimes in the City
Hate crimes have been back in the headlines after a deadly police shooting near a synagogue in Belleville.
So, what does the picture look like here in Barrie?
Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston joins the show to discuss hate crimes in the city. He also talks about what local police are hearing from the community.
Barrie hasn’t seen a large number of reported hate crimes. However, Johnston points out that police numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
Some incidents may never reach police. As a result, the true number could be higher than the reported figures.
The conversation also looks at why reporting incidents matters and what residents should know.
Sexual Assault Treatment Program Expands to Barrie
A successful sexual assault and domestic violence treatment program is expanding from Orillia to Barrie.
The program operates through Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Orillia. It provides specialized care for people who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.
Now, the program is expanding to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Robin Wanner is the program manager. She explains how the program works and why the expansion is needed.
The move will also give people in Barrie and the surrounding area better access to specialized services closer to home.
Raw and Reflective Calendar Shares Stories of Cancer Survivors
The new Raw and Reflective calendar is out for another year.
The project features cancer survivors from the local community. Participants share their stories alongside professional photography.
The calendar also raises money for Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka.
The organization supports people and families affected by cancer. It offers programs and services designed to help people through their cancer journey.
The calendar gives participants a chance to tell their stories while helping support an important local organization.
United Way Wants Local Businesses to Help Fight Poverty
The United Way Simcoe Muskoka is also looking for help from local businesses and community groups.
The organization has launched a new grant initiative focused on poverty in Simcoe Muskoka.
The goal is to support projects that can make a difference in the lives of people dealing with poverty.
Local businesses and organizations can apply for funding through the initiative.
United Way Manager of Partnerships and Collaborations Rebekah Vaughan joins the show to explain how the program works.
She also talks about who can apply and how local groups can get involved.
Alex Nuttall Talks About His Campaign for Barrie Mayor
The municipal election is also a big topic on this week’s show.
As part of our series of interviews with Barrie’s mayoral candidates, we sit down with Alex Nuttall.
Nuttall is seeking another term as Barrie’s mayor.
During the interview, he discusses his campaign and the issues he believes are important to Barrie.
The interview is part of our ongoing series with the people running for mayor. Each conversation gives listeners a chance to hear directly from the candidates as the election approaches.
Looking Back at Barrie’s Rock Music History
We’re also turning the clock back several decades.
A new documentary is exploring Barrie’s rock music scene. The story goes all the way back to the 1960s.
The documentary looks at the local musicians, venues and stories that helped shape Barrie’s music scene.
For longtime residents, it’s a chance to revisit some familiar names and memories.
For younger listeners, it offers a look at a side of Barrie’s history they may not know much about.
Listen to This Week’s What Barrie’s Talking About
There’s plenty to talk about on this week’s What Barrie’s Talking About.
Listen to the latest episode of What Barrie’s Talking About and hear the full conversations with the people behind these local stories.
