Barrie has changed a lot over the years — but look a little closer, and you’ll still find pieces of the past built right into the city’s foundation. From military landmarks and railway stations to century-old churches and gathering places, these spaces have helped shape Barrie into what it is today.
Out series, Barrie Through the Ages, is a deep dive into the buildings, streets, and stories that have stood the test of time. .
A Brief History of Barrie
Long before it became a bustling city, Barrie was home to the Wendat people, and later became a key location during the War of 1812, serving as a supply depot along the Nine Mile Portage. With the arrival of European settlers in the 1800s, Barrie grew into a centre for trade, military strategy, and eventually, industry.
Over time, historic neighborhoods and buildings emerged — some grand, some modest — each playing a role in shaping the Barrie we know today. These places tell stories of resilience, growth, and community — stories we’ve been proud to spotlight.
About the series
Each edition of Barrie Through the Ages dives into the story behind one of Barrie’s historical landmarks. Whether it’s a forgotten corner or a well-known building passed daily, we’ve taken the time to ask: What happened here? Who walked these halls? Why does it matter now?
The places we've explored so far
Here’s a look at the historic buildings and areas we’ve featured in the series:
1. The Allandale Train Station
A true icon of Barrie’s railway history, Allandale Station once connected the city to the wider province and beyond. This grand structure welcomed passengers for generations and played a crucial role in Barrie’s development as a transportation hub.
Explore the legacy of Allandale Station
2. City Hall
From its early days as the heart of municipal decision-making to the modern civic centre we see today, Barrie’s City Hall has evolved alongside the city it serves. We traced its transformation through the decades and explored its role as both a functional space and a symbol of local governance.
Take a look inside the evolution of Barrie’s City Hall
3. Lakeview Dairy
Once a vital part of daily life in Barrie, Lakeview Dairy delivered fresh milk right to the doorsteps of local families. This modest building on Dunlop Street represents a time when local food production and delivery were personal, and community-driven businesses helped fuel the city's growth.
Read more about the history of Lakeview Dairy
4. West Ward School
More than just a schoolhouse, this red-brick building on Toronto Street served generations of Barrie students and reflects the city's investment in education during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Though it's no longer used for classrooms, the building remains a proud piece of Barrie’s educational legacy.
Step inside the story of West Ward School
5. Glebe Block
Standing tall in downtown Barrie, the Glebe Block is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture — and one of the few survivors of the Great Fire of 1876. Its detailed stonework and long history of local businesses make it a living link to Barrie’s commercial past.
Discover the past of the Glebe Block
6. The Barrie Examiner
Home to one of the city’s most influential newspapers for over a century, the Barrie Examiner building on Collier Street was where stories were written, edited, and printed for the community. Though the paper has folded, its impact — and the building itself — remains a testament to the power of local journalism.
Uncover the history behind the Barrie Examiner
Explore Barrie’s History on the map
Want to visit these landmarks in person? We’ve mapped out every location featured in the series so you can plan your own self-guided heritage tour of Barrie.
Why these stories matter
It’s easy to overlook the buildings and sites we pass every day, but each one has a backstory worth preserving. These landmarks are more than just bricks and beams — they are witnesses to Barrie's evolution, holding memories of celebrations, hardships, growth, and resilience.
By understanding the history of Barrie, we build a deeper connection to its present.
Share your story
Do you have memories tied to one of these places? Or know of a historic building that deserves a spotlight? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your suggestions, photographs, or personal stories — your voice could be part of our next chapter.
