This is something to sneeze at!
According to http://aerobiology.ca, an Ottawa research lab, Barrie ranks third in Canada as the most challenging place with pollen allergies in 2026.
An estimated eight to 10 million Canadians, or approximately one in five people, are affected by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, according to the study. If you are one of those individuals, you know the symptoms can range from nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes.
The report says pollen seasons in Canada are becoming longer and more intense, in part due to climate change.
"Warmer temperatures contribute to earlier seasonal onset, longer growing seasons, and increased pollen production," the report states. "Higher temperatures and air pollution in urban environments may further intensify exposure to airborne allergens."
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
The report based its rankings on the length of the pollen season and the number of days with high or very high airborne pollen counts, among other factors.
Ranked number one and two, ahead of Barrie, were Windsor and Hamilton, while Victoria, B.C, placed fourth, followed by Kingston.
"These locations experience longer pollen dispersal seasons with markedly higher peak pollen concentrations, largely driven by dense surrounding vegetation, including extensive deciduous forests, favourable climate conditions, and the abundance of highly allergenic species such as birch, oak, and ragweed, particularly across southern Ontario," the report found.
It said tree pollen is the primary driver of spring seasonal allergy symptoms in Canada and is typically the first major airborne allergen of the year.
The top five cities with the lowest seasonal pollen burden in 2026 are St. Johns, N.L., Saint John, N.B., Regina, Sask., Moncton, N.B., and Halifax N.S.
