Here’s a complete guide with all the essential details about living in Barrie, Ontario. Barrie is a dynamic city with a strong reputation for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community spirit. With a population size of 150,000 residents, it is a hub of activities and opportunities. The prime location on the western shore of Lake Simcoe not only offers splendid waterfront views but also makes room for an increased number of recreational activities. These activities include boating, fishing, and waterfront strolls. With a thriving economy resulting from the chief industries like healthcare, advanced technology, and advanced healthcare, Barrie presents varied opportunities.
Family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent educational institutions, and a strong sense of community make this destination quite enticing for families and friends alike.
Let’s delve deeper into what living in Barrie could be like if you’re already on your path to Canada.
Essential details about living in Barrie, Ontario
Barrie in Ontario, a waterfront city is situated on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, Lake Simcoe’s western side. It is an evolving region that has emerged as a prominent destination for newcomers and individuals moving out of Toronto. This is also partially a result of the ongoing trend of migration between provinces.
Typically, there are several reasons behind the popularity of this region, such as its reputation of being a bedroom community of Toronto. Its location is at a distance of 90 km north of the bustling metropolis while remaining conveniently accessible. With an average commute time of about an hour, Barrie provides a desirable balance between city facilities and suburban tranquility. This proximity to Toronto makes it an enticing alternative for commuters looking to escape the city’s fast pace without the need to sacrifice career opportunities.
Over the last few years, this place has transformed from a small city to an upcoming city. Also, it is quite affordable compared to other cities in Ontario. The cost of living and housing prices are relatively low.
There is a significant amount of employment growth in the city and an excellent transit system. This city is perfect for those in love with outdoor activities, such as the beaches and ski hills located near it. There are several hiking paths, skiing sports, and ample waterfronts.
Establishing a career in Barrie, Ontario
Barrie’s economy is a growing destination, and an increasing number of people are moving out of the bigger cities to settle here. The anticipated population growth of 70 percent by 2041 will bring forth new employment prospects and opportunities. According to estimates, there are over 30,000 new jobs that will come to the forefront in the next twenty years.
There are different growth sectors including arts, entertainment, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, insurance, and construction. However, the chief industries in Barrie are as follows:
- Manufacturing
- Security and Cloud Services
- Food and Beverage
- Retail
- Life Sciences
- Tourism
- Technology
Significant employers existing in Barrie
Barrie consists of several corporate headquarters, offering an opportunity to work for larger firms. A few of the significant employers are as follows:
- IBM Canada Leadership Data Center
- Scotiabank
- Sun Media
- Coca Cola
- Georgian College
- Hydro One
- The Royal Victoria Regional Health Center
- Napolean/Wolf Steel
- Russell Security Services
- The Source
Career prospects in Barrie
One can explore ample career opportunities and even explore the Canada Job Bank’s government or other digital job boards. Individuals have the choice to connect with recruitment agencies, such as Randstad Canada, IS2 Workforce Solutions, AppleOne Employment Services, and TalentWorld.
Essential details about living in Barrie, Ontario – Barrie’s Housing Market
In order to analyze and understand where you would want to reside in the city, you must choose a place that is in close proximity to your workplace, school, or other facilities. However, this has become rather challenging in the past few years as the city is currently facing a few challenges.
Housing availability is one of the primary issues, and an increasing number of people want to settle here. However, there have been recent housing development plans that will take place to assist new immigrants with more alternatives.
Housing expenditure in Barrie
The housing market is relatively budget-friendly compared to different cities in the Greater Toronto Area. However, on the whole, the housing cost is increasing and the gap is reducing.
Finding a rental place in Barrie
Renters in this city have the option to buy homes suitable for single families, condos, apartments, and townhouses in several neighborhoods. There are some methods through which one can look for rental units. One can use online platforms or access realtor websites and type “Rental for Newcomers” to find the existing rental costs in Barrie.
Rental prices begin at around $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment unit. Meanwhile, the median rental cost for an apartment in Barrie is nearly $1,842, and for two bedrooms, the price is around $2,199.
In terms of renting, it is an excellent idea to access rental insurance to protect one’s family, belongings, and finances.
Purchasing a house in Barrie
Purchasing a house in this city is increasingly becoming a challenge for newcomers as the prices have gone up by 30 percent in the previous year. In addition, the prices have been anticipated to rise up to 15 percent in 2022. The average cost of a detached home in Barrie is nearly $980,000. Also, the average price of a townhouse is almost $853,000, while the average cost of a condo is around $626,000.
Details of the transportation system in Barrie – Understanding the Public Transit and Driving
Barrie consists of a robust road system and is a city of commuters since several individuals drive to different locations near the Greater Toronto Area for work purposes. The region consists of several highways, such as Highway 400, the significant one that stretches between the city and Toronto. Highway 26 is the chief Highway that travels across the city and moves toward Collingwood. Different Highways in the area include Highway 90, Highway 27, and Highway 93.
In Ontario, all drivers must have a driver’s license, and to acquire one, one must undergo the graduated licensing process.
What about the Public Transit in Barrie?
Barrie offers public transit and bus routes to people in this city and they can even benefit from the Daily Go Train and Bus Services going toward Downtown Toronto and different cities in the area. Accessing Public Transit is the most convenient way to commute across the city and also a budget-friendly option for newcomers.
Newcomers accessing community support
New immigrants can access support services in Barrie and Simcoe County who go to the community. A few of the prominent settlement agencies include:
- The Learning Institute
- YMCA of Simcoe or Muskoka Immigrant Services
- Georgian College
- Bradford Immigration and Country Services
Language Support
Several community agencies provide free language classes and those residing here can take up courses or programs at the following:
- Georgian College
- The Learning Center
- YMCA Immigrant Services
They might as well take up courses at the Simcoe County District School Board (in Adult English) as the Second Language Program.
All about banking
New immigrants are supposed to have a robust financial management plan. They must access banks, credit unions, and different financial institutions where individuals can open a bank account, acquire a credit card, credit line, and submit a mortgage application. Mostly, banks and financial institutions provide certain products and programs to newcomers. They must visit a local branch to open a bank account and will require residential proof and valid identification.
Essential details of the Education System prevalent in Barrie
Ontario’s government handles the school system, including high school, elementary and post-secondary education.
Elementary and high school education
Barrie provides its residents with numerous options for education, such as high school and elementary education. They will have the choice to access the public or catholic school board. It primarily comprises two French school boards and numerous private schools. They must access and enroll their kids at an institution with one of the following:
- Simcoe County District School Board
- Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
- Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde
Post-Secondary Institutions
Barrie comprises the Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, which provides more than 130 programs targeting careers that are full-time. There are more than 13,000 full-time students comprising 4,500 international students from at least 85 countries.
Medical care in Barrie, Ontario
Barrie provides emergency care through the Royal Victoria Regional Health Center. There are walk-in clinics across the city to acquire care for non-emergency requirements. In addition, they can dial 9-1-1 for emergencies, irrespective of where they reside in Canada.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan offers residents full healthcare coverage, and people can access other health insurance plans to assist with the cost of prescription drugs and services that don’t fall under the OHIP. A few employers provide third-party health insurance in the form of employer benefit packages.
Barrie’s family doctors
Taking care of one’s health will require people to find a family doctor in Canada. They must reach out to doctors who take up new patients using the Health Care Connect. In addition, they must dial 1-800-445-1822 or search for them digitally.
Essential details about living in Barrie – Discovering the routine life
There is a plethora of activities that newcomers can do, as Barrie provides a wide range of things that residents can try throughout the year. They can rejoice on the summer beaches and experience the ski clubs in the winter season. It is a short distance from several outdoor activities. Additionally, they might try the following:
- The city provides them with multiple attractions, such as Bear Creek Eco Park, Fort Willow, Centennial Park, and Simcoe County Museum. Individuals involved in the arts and theatre must figure out Maclaren Art Center or Five Points Theatre. They must not miss out on the reputed Spirit Catcher Sculpture.
- Downtown Barrie is the location where you can enjoy dinner and entertainment and get involved in cultural activities. The city consists of several festivals, such as the Barrie Waterfront Festival, Kempenfest, Winterfest, and the Barrie Film Festival.
- Situated on Lake Simcoe, Barrie offers residents the chance to walk along the waterfront, enjoy boating, and have great beach life in the summer. Surely, figure out the beaches at The Gables, Johnson’s Beach, Tyndale, and Minet’s Point. In addition, they can access Blue Mountain, Snow Valley, and Horseshoe Resort, which are great for tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. Enjoy nature to its core at Arboretum Sunnidale Park.
- Barrie comprises the Barrie Colts (Ontario Hockey League) and different minor sports. Those who are concert lovers must witness Sadlon Arena or Burl’s Creek Event Grounds. A prominent country music festival called Boots and Hearts is also prevalent here.
Essential details about living in Barrie – Culture and Diversity
Barrie, while not historically recognized for its diversity, is steadily progressing towards greater inclusivity. With approximately 20,000 immigrants residing within its bounds, the city is witnessing a burgeoning demographic shift. Currently, minorities constitute 7.6% of the population, while 5% identify as Aboriginal. Notably, Barrie boasts a sizable francophone community, with nearly 10,000 residents proficient in both French and English. Among the prominent minority groups, Black individuals represent 2.7%, followed by South Asians at 2.2%, Chinese at 1.2%, and Latin Americans at 1.1%.
Worship Culture
Nearly two-thirds of the residents who reside in Barrie are Catholic, Anglican, or United. However, primarily the community here follows Christianity. Moreover, 30 percent of the population has no religious association. Nearly, one to two percent of the population recognizes some other form of religion.
Climatic conditions in Barrie
Barrie shares a climate characteristic of Southern Ontario, featuring warm, humid summers and cold winters, typical of a humid continental climate. Spring and summer often bring heavy thunderstorms to the region. Located in proximity to Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario, the city experiences substantial snowfall during winter. January sees an average temperature of -8.1°C, while July brings warmer weather, averaging around +21.0°C.
Exploring the essential details about living in Barrie, Ontario, will surely help newcomers significantly in determining the pros and cons of immigrating to the city.
If you still have questions related to the Canadian immigration process, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Write to us at [email protected]
