Snow Valley's 75th Anniversary

The Rock 95/Kool FM Toy Drive is underway for another season, partnering this year with Barrie and District Christmas Cheer, an organization that has spent decades making sure local families experience the joy of the holidays. Demand for support continues to climb across Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, and much of Simcoe County, with Christmas Cheer aiming to help more than 2,200 families this season. Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan spoke with Executive Director Sandra Yaquo about the growing need, this year's focus on toy donations for older children, volunteer opportunities, and how the community continues to rally behind families during the holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many families, Christmas is a time of celebration. But for others, financial hardship, illness, tragedy, or other life circumstances can make the holidays feel out of reach. Barrie's Gift a Family is working to change that, connecting local sponsors with children who might otherwise go without a true Christmas experience. We spoke with founder Amanda Patrick about the organization's growing impact, the families it's helping, and how the community can get involved this holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From blasting out tree stumps with dynamite in the 1950s to operating some of the most advanced snowmaking equipment in Ontario today, Snow Valley has come a long way over the past 75 years. Ahead of the resort's anniversary celebrations, Barrie 360's Julius Hern caught up with General Manager John Ball to talk about the pioneers who built the hill, the families who helped shape its legacy, and why Snow Valley continues to be a winter tradition for so many people across Simcoe County and the GTA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School drop-off and pick-up times can turn neighbourhood streets into a traffic jam, with lineups of vehicles stretching around the block. But what if more students walked, biked or rolled their way to class instead? The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's "On the Move" initiative is working with schools, municipalities and families to make active transportation safer, easier and more appealing for students. Barrie 360's Ian MacLennan spoke with public health nurse Rachel Abaza about the program, the challenges families face, and how communities across Simcoe County and Muskoka are helping get kids moving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karaoke is one thing, but what if you could take the stage with a live six-piece band backing you? That's the idea behind "Bandeoke," a new fundraiser supporting the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. The Society's Jaimie Grant stopped by to explain how the event came together, how the money raised will help local families affected by dementia, and the important message she wants people to hear about seeking support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Vettä Nordic Spa approaches its fifth anniversary in Oro-Medonte, the destination is celebrating with one of its biggest expansions yet. Owner Eric Harkonen joins us to talk about bringing authentic Finnish sauna culture to Simcoe County, the growing popularity of wellness tourism, and why disconnecting from your phone might be one of the healthiest things you can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, and that's exactly why carbon monoxide is so dangerous. During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service is reminding residents to test their alarms regularly and keep fuel-burning appliances properly maintained. Education Officer, Kate Foster, joins us with tips and advice, and a reminder to test your CO alarms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He recently won all four categories he entered at a bodybuilding competition in Michigan. Out of the blue, he was invited to compete for a professional bodybuilding card. He's from Barrie. And he's just 16 HE...Is Cruz Pyros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mild winter forecast sounds great on paper, but emergency officials say it could still bring heavy snow, damaging ice storms and lengthy power outages. On this episode, we sit down with Simcoe County's chief emergency planner Grant Durfey and Nathan Latulippe from the SERV volunteer program to talk about winter readiness, lessons learned from past storms, generator safety, emergency kits, and how residents can help make their communities more resilient when severe weather strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As fraud scams continue to evolve and become more convincing, Barrie Police are urging residents to stay vigilant. From fake bank investigators to grandparent scams, fraudsters are using stolen personal information, spoofed phone numbers and high-pressure tactics to target victims. Earlier this week, we sat down with Barrie Police Detective Constable Neil Peterson to talk about the scams making the rounds, why they're so effective, and what people can do to protect themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices