Barrie Ontario Information

BARRIE ONTARIO CANADA - by Dave Moore copyright June 2015 Barrie Ontario is a healthy, vibrant, anchor at the centre of Simcoe County and Central Ontario. Originally a long time home to Aboriginal peoples it was first settled by others of European heritage around the Nine Mile Portage that ran from Kempenfelt Bay to Fort Willow. Originally a site of a few homes and warehouses, it was more officially settled towards the end of the War of 1812. Barrie was an important supply link during that conflict. Today Barrie hosts a population of over 141,000 within 9 communities. Currently recognized as the 3rd best place to Invest in Ontario Real Estate. Average household income is $88.498. At 74% Barrie boasts the highest labour force participation rate in Canada, according to Statistics Canada. Further Barrie is designated an Urban Growth center by the Province of Ontario. Barrie experienced a 5.70% increase in population between 2006 and 2011. Median age is 37.2 years. Covering a land area of 100.52 square miles. Single detached homes are the dominant building style and type. 2013 saw $267M in Construction value. Enjoy the best of both worlds between traditional Cottage County to the north and the GTA to the south. Barrie still has the beauty and friendliness of small town Ontario and surrounds beautiful Kempenfelt Bay. Add all the conveniences of a modern city and Barrie is obviously a place to find the best of both worlds! Barrie offers it all, outdoor beauty and activities, shopping, a wide variety of restaurants and menus, boutiques, Theater and other arts. Highlights such as Kempenfest, the Jazz and Blues festival, and so much more! Barrie is less than an hour to skiing, Muskoka, and the GTA. Housing is far more affordable than it is in the GTA. Many residents are transplanted Torontonians. Single family homes, condominiums, townhomes, estate homes, waterfront property, it’s all here. A modern, expanding hospital; Royal Victoria Regional Health Center offers a dedicated team of over 280 Physicians, 2,300 staff, and 1,110 volunteers. More and more health care professionals are naturally attracted to all Barrie has to offer all the time. Education from JK, to post-secondary, and beyond to Georgian College and Laurentian University are available. Alternatives such as Kempenfelt Bay School and Montessori schools are also accessible. The location is dynamic: ¼ of Canadians live within a 100mile radius of Barrie. Barrie is one day’s trucking distance to over 131 million of North America’s consumers. High tech abounds, bandwidth, connectivity, and IT continuity are in place and integral to business in Barrie. Barrie is connected to the rest of the world with a Regional Airport, the 400 Hwy, secondary highways 27 and 11, by rail, and by GO transit. Barrie has a very diverse workforce, in a diverse range of industries, businesses, and services. Barrie encourages business growth and opportunities supported through an Economic Development Department. Council for 2014 to 2018 developed a new Strategic Plan, “Our Plan For A Better Barrie”. Highlights: Vibrant Business Environment, Responsible Spending, Inclusive Community, & Well Planned Transportation. Live, work, play in Barrie, a great choice to make HOME!