Barrie, Ontario

The city of Barrie is on the shore of Kempenfelt Bay, a part of Lake Simcoe. It was founded as a railway stop and, in 1832, was named after the then head of naval forces in Canada, Sir Robert Barrie, who frequently passed through the area on his way to Georgien Bay. Today, with a population of near 130,000, Barrie is the largest city in Simcoe County. Located on Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie features a large number of eating and entertainment establishments. Attractions include the MacLaren Art Centre and, in the summer several festivals, a great waterfront and parks where visitors will surely spot Ron Baird's Spirit Catcher, a 21 metre high sculpture moved from the Expo '86 grounds in Vancouver in 1987.

Local media includes the Barrie Examiner, the Barrie Advance and a CHUM TV station, A-Channel (formally CKVR) and several radio stations.