Welcome to our blog!

We are the Burlington Team - Rob, Greg, Glenn, Brandon, Norene and Caleigh - of Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage and this is a blog for people living in the Barrie area, about real estate, community events, local shops and services, and just about anything else that catches our fancy.

We hope you'll find this blog useful and interesting, and if there is ever a real estate question that you want to ask, please visit our website at www.barriehome.com, or drop us a line to glenn@barriehome.com.

Prize-winning author Joseph Boyden in Barrie

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Joseph Boyden, winner of the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize for literature, will be speaking at Georgian College this Wednesday, September 30, during an event that begins at 7:30 pm.

Boyden won the Giller in 2008 for his novel Through Black Spruce. He will join two other Canadian novelists - Stephen Finucan and Damian Tarnopolsky - in reading from their works and participating in a discussion.

The event is being held in support of the L3: Writers’ Conference, a project of Grade 12 Barrie North Collegiate Writers’ Craft students and their teacher Brian Adduono. The annual event consists of day workshops for selected high school students from Simcoe County and evening reading sessions featuring some of Canada’s best-known novelists, poets, publishers and journalists.

Tickets are available at the door, and are $20 for the public or $10 for students.

For more information on the L3 Writers’ Conference, visit http://www.georgianc.on.ca/news/?s=L3+writers%27.

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Weblink Weekends! Do NOT try this at home

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Subtitle "Epic Kludges and Jury Rigs", this blog is a hilarious compilation of DIY gone horribly wrong!

Thereifixedit.com collects photos from around the world, depicting "fixes" that came just (a mile or two) shy of an elegant fix. If you have a pseudo-handyperson in your family, send in a pic!

Here are two of my personal favourites: the DIY shower curtain and mailbox! - Caleigh

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TATW: Fall brings pumpkin festivities! And Corvettes!

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It's officially Fall, and Fall Fairs are cropping up throughout the province. This weekend is the Coldwater Fall Fair, where they are focusing on pumpkins ... the bigger the better!

Speaking of pumpkins, it's also the beginning of the season at major pumpkin farms such as Chappell Farms just North of Barrie, and Rounds Ranch in Elmvale. In addition to choosing your pumpkins, you'll find lots to do at these farms including petting zoos, hay mazes and a haunted barn!

Not into pumpkins? This weekend is also the Georgian College Auto Show. The event runs from the 25th through the 27th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is $5 (kids under 12 are free). This year's event will be showcasing the Corvette. "The Wasaga Beach Corvette Club has assembled a rare collection of award winning corvettes for each generation of the American legend on Sunday, September 27, 2009. The Club will be on-site to promote the evolutions introduced in each generation of the Corvette." Click here for the event schedule.

And as mentioned previously on our blog, this weekend is also the beginning of the Barrie Colours of Music festival, and the 17th Annual Fall Home & Renovation Show. Enjoy the weekend! - Caleigh

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Barrie hosts 17th Annual Fall Home & Renovation Show!

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More than 100 vendors will be at the Barrie Molson Centre this weekend to showcase products and services for your home at the Home and Renovation Show.

The show runs Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, for a $5 admission fee ($4 for seniors, kids 12 and under free).

In addition to tons of home ideas and product demos, you can also find out more about the federal home renovation tax credit. If you're one of the first 100 visitors, you'll also get a $10 RONA gift card!

Read More 0 comments | Posted by CC |

Weblink Weekends! Missed your favourite show? Surf the Channel!

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Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you no longer need to panic if you miss an episode of your favourite show, or if you decide to get up to speed on a series you've never watched before.

Surfthechannel.com is a little like the Google of TV shows. They do not host video files (because that would be very naughty), but they do provide links to the various places on the internet where you might find, for example, last season's episodes of Grey's Anatomy, or last week's premiere of Gossip Girl.

To use it, simply type in the name of the show you are looking for in the box near the top and click Search. You will then get a list of Search Results, and if all goes well one of them should be called Television. Click on it, then on the right side under Channel Results you should see the name on your program. Click on that to go to a list of available episodes. Choose the one you want and you'll see a list of locations for the video. You then have the choice to watch the video from one of those locations or to download it. Some files might require you to download viewing software, others will not. You may need to try a couple before finding one that works, or that hasn't already been deleted for copyright infringement (which the Burlington Team in no way endorses).

Keep in mind of course that streaming video can be slow and have lags, but it's less prone to carry viruses than a downloaded file.

It's not perfect, but if your PVR or VCR fails you, it's a nice little insurance policy against missing a key episode! - Caleigh

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Allandale Station restoration project underway

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You don't need to be a history buff to rejoice in the fact that Barrie's Allandale train station may soon look more like the photo above (taken in 1910) than the one below.

The station was built in 1904, but has become an eyesore since it stopped seeing train service in the 1980s. (photo at right from here)

Architects and restoration professionals are expected to be on site beginning immediately, with work continuing through the winter. The restoration is just part of a $50-million project that will include a GO train station, stores, offices, public arts and cultural spaces, a new YMCA and a condo/hotel. - Caleigh

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TATW: The perfect time to explore Barrie and its history

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For the last week of Summer, it certainly feels like Fall! Sounds like a perfect weekend to put on a sweater and enjoy some of the special places Barrie has to offer.

This Sunday will be the second Doors Open Barrie event. There are 13 area buildings opening their doors to curious visitors this year, including some businesses occupying homes dating back to the 1800s. Visit this page for a list, and click on each name to see a picture of the building. There will also be a number of historical walking tours, which promise to be fascinating. You must register in advance for the tours by clicking here.

To coincide with this event, the MacLaren Art Gallery is hosting Carnegie Days - a four-days arts festival for all ages.

Andrew Carnegie was known as the "Patron Saint of Libraries" for donating funds to build more than 2,500 libraries around the world - 125 of them in Canada, including the Barrie Carnegie Library (photo at right, from here) which is now home to the MacLaren. The festival honours this history with a variety of events meshing the worlds of books and art. Click here for the schedule.

Another event celebrating the region's history is the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Festival. It kicks off at Heritage Park with a reenactment of the War of 1812 battle on Kempenfelt Bay and the landing of historic boats and canoes. There is also a guided walk along the Nine Mile Trail, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and a variety of activities at Historic Fort Willow.

While we're on the subject of history, you can also head up to the Simcoe County Museum, where they will be holding the annual Quilt, Rug and Craft Fair. "Beautiful quilting, embroidery, spinning, handweaving, and rug hooking will be on display by the guild members who handcrafted them. Discover new skills at one of our hands-on demonstrations, talk to the experts and get advice, or simply shop for a unique gift." Show hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission cost is $4 per person, per day. - Caleigh

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Get your tickets! The arts season is underway in Barrie

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The kids are back to school, the leaves are changing colours (already!) and the arts season has begun.

Barrie's Colours of Music Festival runs from September 25th to October 4th, and offers a broad range of musical entertainment. From individual artists, to small groups, to huge orchestras, there are a wonderful array of performers and concertgoers can see them all for the incredible price of $65 per pass (which comes to about $3 per ticket if you were to see them all). Single tickets range from $15-25 depending on the show. Click here for the full schedule.

Tickets for the Gryphon Theatre's 2009/2010 Headliner Series are now on sale, and generally they do sell out.

They have some fantastic acts coming this year, including stand-up comedy with Brent Butt (formerly the star of Corner Gas), and music from Stephen Page of the Barenaked Ladies (pictured at right, taken from here). Click here for the full lineup. They will also be announcing the lineup for their kids theatre season shortly.

The On Stage Performance Group is leading off the theatre season with a performance of the musical spoof "The Saloon Keeper's Daughter" at Barrie's Downtown Community Theatre. The show runs from tonight (September 16th) through the 25th.

Kempenfelt Community Players have announced their 2009/2010 season of three shows: the comedy "Dear Edwina Junior", the musical "Evita", and the Neil Simon farce "Rumors".

Talk is Free Theatre has five different shows planned for the season, including "Colours in the Storm" about Group of Seven painter Tom Thomson, who died under mysterious circumstances.

The South Simcoe Theatre in Cookstown has also announced its new lineup, including the classic "Our Town", and a musical based on the book "The Spitfire Grill".

For a complete(ish) listing of theatre companies in Simcoe County, click here.

Read More 0 comments | Posted by CC |

Barrie to build state-of-the-art theatre facility downtown

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Anyone who has read this blog is probably aware of my passion for the arts, so I'm naturally very excited that the funding has been received to turn the former Scotiabank building into a flexible arts space that could accommodate 240-340 seats.

The new venue would be used by the many existing arts companies in the area, and undoubtedly nurture the development of many more.

This is also good news for everyone who has hoped to see more revitalization in the 5-Points area, as it is expected to be pivotal in the development of an entertainment district, including artists' studios and a refurbished movie theatre. - Caleigh

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TATW: HUGE list of things to do this weekend in Simcoe County

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Perhaps to make up for the quiet Labour-Day weekend, there are a ton of events (big and small) going on across Simcoe County this weekend!

Barrie's New Music Fest starts today and runs all weekend, with 10 venues featuring about 75 artists. One wristband costs only $10 (yep, TEN dollars!) and will get you into all venues and performances (up to capacity, of course). If you haven't heard of any of the artists before, don't worry - the idea is to introduce you to up-and-coming musicians. Click here for locations, acts and times.

It's also time for the 39th Annual Fall Barrie Automotive Flea Market, which runs today through Sunday at Burl's Creek Park. There'll be an auction, car show, and sales of all kinds of hard-to-find car parts, plus many other vendors. Camping is available on site.

This Saturday and Sunday, the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre will be hosting their 9th Annual Traditional Pow Wow at Saint Marie Among the Hurons Park in Midland. The event is open to the public and features Native dancing, traditional crafts and foods and more.

Need a few more ideas? You can also check out:

- the Barrie Psychic Fair and Expo, Friday through Sunday at the Army, Navy & Air Force Club

- Village of the Arts festival in downtown Orillia, Saturday afternoon, and the Orillia and District Fall Fair, Friday through Sunday at the Fairgrounds

- Wye Marsh Anniversary Gala, running all weekend and featuring a performance by Suzie McNeil on Saturday night

- Grandparents Day at Santa's Village in Bracebridge, Sunday only WITH THIS COUPON

- Back-to-School Open House at Bulldog Interactive Fitness for Youth, this Saturday and Sunday

- CIBC Grand Opening with autographs by Wendell Clark, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Casino Rama acts this weekend including Tony Bennett, The Smothers Brothers and the Black Crowes

Wow! No excuse to be bored this weekend! - Caleigh

Read More 0 comments | Posted by CC |

Where to get immunizations in Barrie and area

With news of a forthcoming H1N1 immunization, many people are giving thought to flu vaccines.

The H1N1 shot is not expected until November-ish, but in the meantime it's good to arm yourself with awareness about the disease and its symptoms. Click this link for an H1N1 primer from the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit. It is good to know that the SMHU is reporting only one case in the region, and that person is currently being treated in hospital. The SMHU publishes frequent updates on the situation, which can be found by clicking here.

The regular shot for seasonal flu is expected to be available in October. If you aren't able to get vaccines through your family doctor, you can count on the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit to have numerous free public clinics available for flu shots. A basic list of locations and times is available by clicking here. Later in the fall, they will also publish a list of additional community clinics in their PSA section. - Caleigh

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Teens use the big screen to help save Lake Simcoe

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The lake that our County surrounds and is named for is a huge part of our regional identity. It's a beautiful body of water enjoyed by thousands of people every year, but like all of Canada's lakes its health is delicate.

This summer, a film school - also known as the Lake Simcoe Anchigamin Film Project - was created through a partnership between The Ladies of the Lake Conservation Association, the Windfall Ecology Centre and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

W.A.S.T.E. Film School (an acronym for We Are Saving The Environment) allowed 64 teen filmmakers from around the Lake Simcoe Watershed to learn from top professionals while creating their own films to "transform minds about how we live and work in this watershed."

These films are now ready to be seen. The Anchigamin Gala is set for October 1st at the SilverCity complex in Newmarket, and will include a press conference and red carpet. Additionally, some films will be presented online and in participants' schools.

The final element in the project will be a conference, set to take place in November. - Caleigh

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Weblink Weekends! Incredibly basic, incredibly useful

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It seems like such a little thing, but I have probably used the Time and Date website hundreds of times.

I don't keep a calendar by my desk at home, but I do have a link to timeanddate.com's Year 2009 Canadian calendar, and I refer to it constantly.

Need to figure out what days you worked last year, or if your birthday falls on a weekend next year? Just toggle to another year. Want to know the stat holidays for another country? Just switch from Canada to whatever you please.

It's also got printable calendars, time zone maps and converters, and the World Clock, showing you the correct time for any zone in the world.

It may sound too basic to be useful, but trust me, it's precisely the opposite. - Caleigh

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If you were thinking of visiting Barrie Hill Farms ...

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Please note that Barrie Hill Farms is closed until the 10th to allow the remaining blueberries as well as the new raspberries time to ripen. They anticipate good picking of both types of berry beginning next weekend. Their farm market (for those who'd rather not pick) will also be closed until the 10th.

Of course many of the region's PYOs will be open this weekend (crops and weather permitting, always call ahead). For a complete list, check out the "Guide to Barrie and area pick-your-own farms" that I published last May.

Meanwhile, fresh local sweet corn is now available all over the County, from roadside stands to larger enterprises like Chappell Farms, who even offer a drive-through! - Caleigh

Read More 0 comments | Posted by CC |

TATW: A pretty quiet weekend around Simcoe County

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*sigh* The last weekend before school starts. Where did the time go? I took yesterday off to have a family fun day in Toronto before our little one starts Grade 1 (and before the crazy mad long-weekend traffic hits) so forgive me for being a bit behind on the blogging.

The good news for anyone planning on staying close to home is that there's NOT a lot of organized activities going on this weekend. I don't know about you, but for the 'last weekend of summer', I'm just as happy not to be sharing the Barrie waterfront with vendors and midways and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. I'm hoping that perhaps this will be a good weekend to spend down at the local beach with the family. We shall see. :)

If you are looking for a planned event, the 1st Annual (can you really call something annual if it's a first?) Railway Blues & Bluegrass Festival takes place this Saturday at the Cookstown KOA campground (on the East side of the Hwy 89 Cookstown Exit off Highway 400), beginning at noon and going until sometime after dark. Click here to find out more about the festival and about camping on site.

There will also be an end-of-summer fireworks display Sunday night at dusk at Wasaga Beach.

And of course there are many summer entertainment venues to take advantage of while the weather is good, like Santa's Village in Bracebridge, Castle Village in Midland, and Rounds Ranch in Elmvale.

Happy Labour Day! - Caleigh

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Welcome to our blog!

Prize-winning author Joseph Boyden in Barrie

Weblink Weekends! Do NOT try this at home

TATW: Fall brings pumpkin festivities! And Corvettes!

Barrie hosts 17th Annual Fall Home & Renovation Show!

Weblink Weekends! Missed your favourite show? Surf the Channel!

Allandale Station restoration project underway

TATW: The perfect time to explore Barrie and its history

Get your tickets! The arts season is underway in Barrie

Barrie to build state-of-the-art theatre facility downtown

TATW: HUGE list of things to do this weekend in Simcoe County

Where to get immunizations in Barrie and area

Teens use the big screen to help save Lake Simcoe

Weblink Weekends! Incredibly basic, incredibly useful

If you were thinking of visiting Barrie Hill Farms ...

TATW: A pretty quiet weekend around Simcoe County

Barrie Home & Life

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