History of Barrie, Ontario, Canada

1853 - October 11 - Northern Railroad reaches Barrie from Toronto, Ontario.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ October_11

1855 - Church of St. Mary established at Barrie

www.gcatholic.org

1869 - Barrie
"Barrie.— The County Seat of Simcoe, and a station of the Northern Railway, pleasantly situated on Kempenifeldt Bay, Lake Simcoe, in the Township of Vespra. It has a fine appearance from the opposite side of the bay, the rising ground bringing every part of the town distinctly into view. Distance from Toronto 64 miles, from Collingwood ,81, and from Orillia 27. Steamers to the Muskoka Territory, Orillia, &c. Stages to Peuttanguishcue. Population 3000."
The Province of Ontario Gazetteer and Directory: Containing Concise Descriptions of Cities, Towns and Villages in the Province...
Henry McEvoy January 1, 1869 Robertson & Cook

1873
BARRIE, a pretty town of Ontario, capital of Simcoe co., on Kempenfeldt Bay, an arm of Lake Simcoe, 60 miles N.N. W. of Toronto, with which it communicates by railway. It has 2 branch banks, agencies of several assurance and insurance companies, a number of stores, 2 telegraph offices, 2 printing offices, from each of which a weekly newspaper is issued, several schools and hotels, a woolen factory, flour mills, &c. A steamboat plies between Barrie and other ports on the Lake. Pop. 3 398.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1895 - Barrie
Bar'rie, a post-town of Ontario, capital of Simcoe co, on Kempenfeldt Bay, Lake Simcoe, 60 miles by rail N.N.W. of Toronto, It has 10 churches, 3 banks, an academy, 3 weekly newspapers, 3 saw-mills, 3 grist-mills, 3 carriage factories, and 2 woollen-factories. The railroad shops of the Grand Trunk Railway are near here. Pop. in 1891, 5550.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Bar'rie, a banking post-town and outport of Ontario, capital of Simcoe co., on Kempenfeldt Bay, Lake Simcoe, and on the Grand Trunk R., 64 miles NNW. of Toronto. It has various collegiate institutions, saw-, grist- and planing- mills, foundries, breweries, tannery, and manufactures of wool, etc. Pop. in 1901, 4894.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1985 - BARRIE MOURNS DEAD. SEARCH GOES ON FOR MORE BODIES.
Barrie, Ont. (CP) - A grim, building-by-building search continued yesterday for more possible victims of a cluster of violent tornadoes that ripped like chainsaws across parts of Ontario Friday.

By sundown yesterday, the death toll in the strip of south-central Ontario that took the brunt of the twisters' fury was at least 12 as still numb residents picked through the debris of what had been their homes and belongings 24 hours earlier.

Included in the known death toll were eight victims in Barrie and four in other Ontario communities devastated by the brief but lethal twisters that roared out of a storm that was spawned over the Great Lakes Friday afternoon.

Four of the Barrie victims were children.

One police official said he feared additional bodies might be found in the rubble of more than 200 homes and factories in a normally pleasant subdivision set on rolling land near the south end of Barrie, about 100 kilometres north of Toronto.

Judy Mustoe, nursing... Read MORE...

Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Barrie:
**1. Barrie Waterfront:
Take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront. There are parks, beaches, and walking trails. Centennial Beach is a great spot for a picnic, and during the summer, you can enjoy various water activities.

**2. Kempenfelt Bay:
If you love water activities, Kempenfelt Bay is the place to be. You can go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The bay offers stunning views and is a serene place to spend a day.

**3. Downtown Barrie:
Explore the vibrant downtown area. There are numerous shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Dunlop Street is known for its charming shops, and you can find unique items in the local stores.

**4. Barrie Farmers' Market:
Visit the Barrie Farmers' Market for fresh, local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. It's a great place to experience the community and support local businesses.

**5. Sunnidale Park Arboretum:
Nature lovers will appreciate Sunnidale Park Arboretum. It's a beautiful green space with walking trails,... Read MORE...