Blogging About Barrie

Kempenfest Barrie's Waterfront Arts and Crafts Festival

2009-07-28T01:37:59Z

Kempenfest 2009 at Barrie's Waterfront

If you have never been to Kempenfest you should take the time this weekend to explore one of North America's largest outdoor arts and crafts festival. This festival features over 375 Art and Crafts exhibitors, Antique Dealers, 3 entertainment venues, a Midway Theme Park, a kids area and a food court and many other food and beverage locations.

There is things to do for everyone so go and enjoy.

Just a quick note, in the past 20 plus years I have been going it has always rained at least one day and it will be very hot. Come prepared with water and please leave you dogs at home it is just to hot and crowded for them.

It's A Boy

2009-07-27T20:37:00Z

On Friday July 24th, 2009 Joshua O'Toole joined us.

Born via c-section he was 9lbs 3 ozs and 20.5 inches long.

Momma and baby are doing well.

Joshua's big brother Banjamin is so excited to be a big brother.

Sliced Bread

2009-06-21T21:13:00Z

Humans say "this is the greatest thing since sliced bread!" when talking about something really useful.

My question is what was the greatest thing before sliced bread?

Promenade Days and Fireworks

2009-06-21T21:02:00Z

Celebrate Canada Day July 1st with Fireworks and Promenade Days from July 1st - July 4th in downtown Barrie

Enjoy Downtown Barrie's longest standing Canada Day family weekend. This year the event is schedule for 4 days starting Wednesday July 1st 2009 - Saturday July 4th 2009.

Dunlop Street is closed to traffic from Mulcaster Street to Toronto Street (see the 'Map' webpage and go to Events)
New the year - Canada Day Midnight Madness - Wednesday Only
- Cake Cutting and Citizen Acclamation Ceremony with Patrick Brown, MP -6pm
- Street Market Open 10am until 10pm
- Fireworks - 10:15pm (weather permitting)
- Main Stage Entertainment - until 11:30pm
The Downtown merchants will showcase all their fantastic products during the Street Market the remaining days from 10am - 7pm.
Family & Kids Zone with activities for all ages in Memorial Square:
- Petting Zoo
- Reptile Show
- Face Painting
- Inflatable Set Up
- Midway
Great main stage entertainment in Memorial Square:
Family Stage and West End Street Stage
Interactive Street Level Entertainment throughout
Restaurants Street Patios will be throughout the event area

Make this year's extra long weekend fun and enjoyable in Downtown Barrie!

Information retreived from www.downtownbarrie.ca

Raiden Says

2009-06-10T00:00:00Z

He who laughs last didn't get the joke!

Provincial Announcement Supports Barrie's Plan for Responsible Growth

2009-06-05T21:01:00Z

I have just received an email from the city of Barrie regarding the long standing border dispute between Barrie and Innisfil.

This is the body of the email plus a map of the proposed new boundaries.

Provincial Announcement Supports Barrie's Plan for Responsible Growth

Following the announcement made by the Province, the City of Barrie is pleased that years of uncertainty have come to a positive conclusion. The announcement and Provincial legislation supports Barrie's plan for a stronger economy, slower population growth, and environmental sustainability. The decision is consistent with Places to Grow and reaffirms Barrie's role as an Urban Growth Centre.

"We are glad to see a resolution to the years of negotiations between our two communities," comments Mayor Dave Aspden. "It is now time to move forward and work collectively for the good of all of Barrie and area. On behalf of Council, I commend Minister Watson and Minister Aileen Carroll for their leadership in resolving this dispute."

"This announcement means more jobs, less long distance commuting, and more sustainable growth in our area. I am very pleased that this eight year long dispute is finally at an end. This announcement means we can start changing from being a bedroom community, to a complete community," adds Jeff Lehman, Chair of the Working Group on Boundary Expansion.

Sadie's Dumb Laws

2009-06-05T19:38:00Z

Shooting Game

In the State of California it is a misdemeanor to shoot any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale.

Comeback often for more dumb laws.

If you know of any dumb laws that you would like to be shown here please forward them to me.

Open House 9 timothy Lane Barrie

2009-06-04T11:13:00Z

        Open House
Sunday June 7th, 2009
          1pm-3pm

   Mapleview-Marsellus-9 Timothy

Celebrate Barrie and its 50th year as a City

2009-06-04T10:53:00Z

It's Barrie's 50th anniversary as a city!

Celebrate Barrie in an annual celebration of our community held in beautiful Centennial Park. The festival features fun for the whole family including rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, local entertainment plus much more.

This free event is on Saturday, June 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Raiden's Says

2009-06-04T10:52:00Z

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you are on.

Sadie's Dumb Laws

2009-06-01T20:59:00Z

Pay to Park Your Elephant

In the State of Florida if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

Comeback often for more dumb laws.

If you know of any dumb laws that you would like to be shown here please forward them to me.

9 Timothy Lane

2009-05-28T20:13:00Z

For Sale

9 Timothy Lane, Barrie, Ontario

$285,000

For more informationon this listing please go to www.chrisotoole.com and enter ID# 1845B

Barrie Waterfront Festival

2009-05-26T21:11:00Z

The 5th annual Barrie Waterfront Festival will be held this Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.

The 5th annual spring line-up will feature live bands from different genres - including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, Latin, flamenco, big band, rockabilly and some good old-fashioned rock n' roll. There will also be a midway with rides and games, face painting, street vendors, food, treats and contests. Share in the community spirit eat, drink and have fun with your whole family.

For more information go to http://www.barriewaterfront.ca/index.html

A Great Day

2009-05-17T12:44:00Z

After almost 2 and a half years I finally got to see my Dad again yesterday as he came back to Canada for a visit from California.

We spent a couple hours catching up and then the evening at the horse races for dinner at Georgian Downs.

Today it is off to the Toronto Zoo (photos of the zoo will be posted soon).

My weekly stats update for sales and new listings and expired real estate in Barrie will be available later tonight.

Have a great day.

10 Simple Things to Save Money, Energy and the Enviroment!

2009-05-16T16:38:00Z

During these tough economical times we would like to save money wherever you can. One of the easiest and least expensive is around the house.

Here are 10 simple things you can do around your house to help reduce your energy bill.

1. Adjust thresholds and door sweeps
That little 1/8 inch gap along the bottom of your front door is equivalent to having a 4-inch hole in the wall. Take a couple minutes to adjust the sweep or replace it so it is snug. Usually it only requires a screwdriver.

2. Add electrical outlet sealers
When a house is insulated the area behind electrical outlets and switches is often neglected. Foam outlet sealers (available at your local hardware store) help reduce drafts from air leaks. These sealers are easy to install and inexpensive.

3. Seal leaky ductwork
In a recent study the average forced-air system loses over 20% of its heated or cooled air through leaks in the duct system.
Two material work extremely well to seal gaps. the first is silicone sealant designed to work around corners, and aluminum tape seals straight seams. (NOTE: even though its name is duct tape, its actually the worst material for sealing ducts.

4. Install a programmable thermostat
By lowering your thermostat, you can save approximately 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C it is lowered. Using an programmable thermostat to lower temperatures and night or when you are away.

5. Make sure your chimney damper is shut tight
For those houses that still have a wood burning fireplace don't overlook the obvious. Did you remember to shut the fireplace damper after that cozy fire you had months ago? Leaving the damper open will allow warm air escape in the winter and cool air in the summer.

6. Lower the temperature on your water heater
Heating water beyond 99 degrees C can be both unsafe and wasteful. You can easily save money by lowering the temperature setting on your water heater.

7. Install dimmer switches and motion detector lights
Installing an inexpensive dimmer switch can lower your utility bill and prolong the life of light bulbs. Now you can purchase compact florescent light bulbs that will work with dimmers. Installing motion detector lights outdoors keeps lights from burning all night long. If you don't want to replace you current light fixtures there are screw-in adapters available.

8. Clean your refrigerator coils
At least twice a year (more often if you have pets that shed) take the time to clean out the coils beneath or behind your refrigerator. Not only does clean coils help increase the efficiency of the compressor it could also reduce the service calls and add life to your appliances.

9. Change furnace and cooling equipment air filters
Check your filter monthly, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). A dirty filter slows airflow and makes the system work harder. A clean filter also helps prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system.

10. Invest in ENERGY STAR products
When shopping for new appliances, heating and cooling equipment, light fixtures and building material, look for the ENERGY STAR logo. These products use less energy, saves you money and helps protect the environment better the standard models.

The energy and money saving figures given here are representative. Your savings will depend on the products selected, your home and where you live.

Ontario's New Harmonized Sales Tax HST

2009-05-10T14:53:00Z

You are about to become the victim of one of the largest tax hike in our history!
What is the HST?

The HST is the harmonizing of both GST and PST to a new 13% tax.

The intended purpose is to blend the GST and the PST into one tax. The reason the Provincial and Federal Government are implementing this new tax is to cut down the paperwork for Ontario businesses and, there thinking, lessen staff by merging both departments. This could be a good attempt to cut costs. There is just one problem. Rather than just blending the products and services that now charge both taxes, the provincial government has decided that it will apply this new tax to almost all goods and services that you do not pay PST on now!
Now the big question is how will this affect you?

Here is a short list of items that you will now be charged an extra 8% to purchase and you decide if it will affect you and your family:

Gasoline Home heating fuel Water

New homes Hydro Used cars

Newspapers Hair Cuts

Any service you now use for your home or business such as repairs,
professional services of any kind (Lawyer, Accountant etc.), construction materials etc.

This article www.digitaljournal.com/article/269917 lays out the extra cost a family could endure and talks about the $1000.00 rebate they are offering.

Almost everything currently without PST in your life except children’s clothing, prescription drugs, diapers, and feminine hygiene products will now cost you 8% more. Our premier is counting on taxpayers to do what they always do when a new tax is added. Nothing!

It is very important that you start to research and discuss this with your friends and family.

It is not too late to stop this if you are willing to do something as send an email to the premier asking him either to

a) Stop the tax grab all together

b) Do what was originally intended and blend the tax on the products that now have both taxes and not to extend the new tax to everything else.

To contact Premier Dalton McGuinty please go to www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp

About Me

2009-05-10T03:23:15Z

I guess it is best that I first introduce myself to you…my name is Chris O’Toole and I am a Realtor in Barrie, Ontario. This is my Blog in which I will share with you my life as a Realtor, a home owner, as well as interesting Real Estate & local news. I hope to keep it informative and entertaining.

First, I would like to share some background information about me. I was raised in Barrie and have lived here since the summer of 1974. Growing up her I have seen the town develop into a city and know much about its history and am very interested in its future. I married my wonderful wife (Kelly) December 10th 2006, at the chapel in Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. We have an amazing 3 year old son Benjamin and our second boy due the end of July.

My wife and I have a strong passion for travel, especially cruising the Caribbean. It is very humbling to travel outside of the Canada and learn how other cultures live. This is a subject I feel passionately about and I will often share these experiences with you. Besides travel, I enjoy sports, reading, animals and of course spending as much time with my family as possible.

This is me in a nutshell and I welcome you to make comments, questions, or share your own stories on my site. My goal is to help you get acquainted with me, the city of Barrie and the Barrie and area real estate market.

This blog will be updated frequently and I hope you'll "bookmark" it and return back from time to time to see what's going on here. I hope to keep the information relevant and timely and would welcome your comments. Also, if you have information or articles that you believe would be a benefit to the readers of this blog, please feel free to email them to me.

Thank you for taking a minute to check this out and don't forget to forward this to a friend.