The summer is winding down, and that means two things are happening around Simcoe County.
Businesses are still trying to figure out how new U.S. tariffs will affect them. At the same time, families are getting ready for the return to school, which means more students, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles on local roads.
This week on What Barrie's Talking About, we're looking at how Barrie businesses tariffs could affect local companies and what police want drivers, parents, and students to know before school starts.
Check out this weeks episode:
Barrie Businesses Are Feeling the Tariff Pressure
Local businesses are still trying to digest the latest tariffs coming from the United States.
Canada has also announced retaliatory tariffs, creating another layer of uncertainty for companies that rely on cross-border trade.
However, not every business will feel the impact in the same way.
Some industries and companies could take a much bigger hit than others, depending on what they sell, where their products come from, and how closely they rely on the U.S. market.
Barrie Chamber of Commerce President Paul Markle has been talking with local businesses to get a better sense of how they're coping.
Businesses Can Draw on Lessons From the Pandemic
There is at least some experience to draw from.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses had to adapt quickly as supply chains were disrupted and operating conditions changed almost overnight.
Those lessons could prove useful again as companies deal with changing trade rules.
For some businesses, that could mean finding new suppliers or markets. Others may need to rethink how they manage inventory and costs.
Meanwhile, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce is looking at ways it can support local companies as the situation develops.
The full impact of the latest tariffs remains uncertain. As a result, businesses are watching closely for what comes next.
Back-to-School Safety Means More Traffic
While businesses are dealing with tariffs, families have another transition to think about.
School is back next week.
That means more feet on the ground and more vehicles on the roads during the morning and afternoon rush.
South Simcoe Police Sgt. Matthew Kernan joins us with some reminders for drivers and students as everyone settles back into their school routines.
Drivers should expect more pedestrians and cyclists around schools and residential neighborhoods.
In addition, parents should give themselves extra time during the first few weeks of school. Traffic patterns can change quickly when thousands of students return to classrooms.
Police Warn About E-Scooters
E-scooters are also part of the back-to-school conversation.
While they may seem like an easy way to get around, police are reminding people that they're not a suitable way to travel to and from school.
There are also rules and safety concerns that riders need to understand before using them.
For students and parents, the message is simple: know the rules, pay attention, and choose a safe way to get to school.
Two Very Different Back-to-School Conversations
This week's stories may seem unrelated, but both involve preparation.
Local businesses are preparing for potential changes caused by tariffs. Meanwhile, families, drivers, and students are preparing for another school year.
In both cases, being informed and planning ahead can make a big difference.
With September here, that's a pretty good message for everyone.
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