Barrie
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Barrie, debt help, Ontario
Barrie, a scenic city by Lake Simcoe, offers recreational activities, parks, and cultural attractions but faces significant financial challenges. Rising housing costs outpace local incomes, stressing first-time buyers. Limited local job opportunities prompt commuting to larger cities, increasing financial strain. With escalating costs for essentials, residents struggle with debt relief while managing their daily expenses.

Computer illustration of Barrie, Canada
City: Barrie
Province/Territory: Ontario (ON), Canada
Est. Population: 154,676
Overview
This city, located on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, is a hub of recreational activities and natural beauty, attracting both residents and visitors. Known for its picturesque waterfront, it offers numerous parks, beaches, and trails, making it popular for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The community has a rich history, showcasing a blend of contemporary attractions and historical sites, such as the city hall, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the year. With a variety of festivals, arts, and sports, the location provides a lively atmosphere that fosters community engagement and a strong sense of identity.
Financial Challenges
Residents face a variety of financial challenges that can be particularly taxing. A notable issue is the booming property market, which has seen significant price hikes in recent years. While this surge mirrors trends in nearby metropolitan areas, it presents a unique challenge as incomes have not kept pace with these rising housing costs. This disparity makes it tough for first-time buyers and young families to enter the housing market, often forcing them to seek more affordable options farther afield. Imagine trying to save for a down payment while your rent climbs steadily—it’s like being on a treadmill going uphill.
Additionally, many work locally but face a limited job market, particularly for higher-paying positions, prompting some to commute to larger cities for better opportunities. This daily shuffle incurs additional commuting costs and impacts work-life balance, creating a financial and personal strain. Toss in the rising costs for necessities such as utilities and groceries, and residents often find their dollars stretched thin. The juggling act of balancing these expenses while trying to save for the future is a challenge, to say the least, akin to spinning plates and hoping nothing crashes down.
Debt Relief Solutions Available
Financial Planning
Financial planning means making a smart plan for your money. It helps you budget, set goals, and save for the future. With a plan in place, you can feel more in control of your money and avoid falling into debt again.
Find out more about Financial PlanningDebt Management Plan
A Debt Management Plan, or DMP, helps you pay back what you owe in one simple monthly payment. A credit expert talks to your creditors to lower your interest and make the debt easier to handle.
Find out more about Debt ManagementDebt Consolidation
Debt consolidation means putting all your debts—like credit cards and loans—into one new loan. This new loan usually has a lower interest rate, which can help you save money and pay off your debt faster.
Find out more about Debt ConsolidationDebt Settlement
Debt settlement means offering less than the full amount you owe to clear your debt. Creditors may accept it because they get paid quickly. A debt settlement company usually helps with this process.
Find out more about Debt SettlementConsumer Proposal
A consumer proposal is a legal deal between you and the people you owe. You agree to pay back part of your debt in smaller monthly payments. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee helps make the plan and talks to your creditors for you.
Find out more about Consumer ProposalsBankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal way to clear most of your debts if you can’t pay them back. It gives you a fresh start, but it can also hurt your credit score for several years.
Find out more about BankruptcyElimiate up to 80% of Your Debt
High cost of gas, high cost of groceries, high lending rates, low salary - being in debt is not your fault! See if you qualify for government debt programs and get out of debt today!
Areas / Neighbourhoods
Downtown Barrie
A vibrant and bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Home to the waterfront, it offers scenic views of Lake Simcoe and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.East End
This neighbourhood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of parks. It offers a mix of residential homes and amenities, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals.West End
A more suburban area of Barrie, the West End features larger homes and spacious lots. It is close to shopping areas, schools, and recreational facilities, making it appealing for those seeking a quieter environment.Innisfil Heights
Situated near the border of Innisfil, this area offers a mix of new development and established homes. It’s popular among those looking for a more rural atmosphere while remaining close to the city.Bayfield
Located near Barrie’s picturesque waterfront, this area is characterized by historic homes, charming shops, and a vibrant community. It attracts those who appreciate a mix of heritage and modern living.Shanty Bay
A unique neighbourhood that boasts stunning waterfront properties along Lake Simcoe. Known for its beautiful views and recreational opportunities, it’s perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle centered around the water.Allandale
A historically significant area, Allandale is home to beautiful parks and heritage buildings. This neighbourhood is ideal for those who appreciate a sense of history combined with easy access to modern conveniences.Kempenfelt Bay
Named after the bay it surrounds, this area features upscale homes and is known for its beautiful lakeside views. It offers a more upscale living experience with proximity to Barrie’s downtown area.Ardagh Bluffs
This largely residential neighbourhood is surrounded by nature trails and parks, offering a natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The area caters to families and individuals seeking a tranquil living space close to nature.Bristol-London
A diverse neighbourhood with a mix of retail options and residential housing. It offers convenient access to schools and recreational facilities, making it popular among families and young residents.
Top Questions
- What are the best things to do in Barrie, Ontario?
- What is the cost of living in Barrie compared to other cities in Ontario?
- What outdoor activities are available in Barrie year-round?
- What schools and educational institutions are located in Barrie?
- How is the job market in Barrie and what are the major employers?
- What are the housing options like in Barrie, including rentals and real estate?
- What events and festivals are held in Barrie throughout the year?
If you have a question about debt see our debt related question or ask your own debt related question.

Computer illustration of Barrie, Canada
Debt Data
This table includes estimates on the number of residents who are experiencing financial stress situations. You are not alone.
Item | Description | Estimated |
---|---|---|
Living paycheck to paycheck | Number of residents who are living paycheck to paycheck | 72,698 |
Living in poverty | Number of residents who are living in poverty | 17,169 |
Debt defaulted | Number of residents who have defaulted on a debt payment | 1,686 |
Insolvencies | Number of residents who filed for insolvency | 387 |
Consumer proposal | Number of residents who filed for a consumer proposal | 294 |
Personal bankruptcy | Number of residents who filed for personal bankruptcy | 93 |
The estimates above are based on the following ratios living paycheck to paycheck rate (47%), poverty rate (11.1%), delinquency rate (1.09%), insolvency rate (0.25%), consumer proposal rate (0.19%), personal bankruptcy rate (.06%) from the following sources leger360.com, statcan.gc.ca, consumer.equifax.ca and is, d-isde.canada.ca.
Cost of Living
This table provides a breakdown of various average cost-of-living expenses in Barrie, Canada to help understand the financial requirements for different living situations.
Item | Description | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Housing (1BR) | Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment | $2,400 |
Housing (2BR) | Monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment | $3,000 |
Average Home Price | Average price to purchase a home | $885,000 |
Utilities | Monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage | $145 |
Food (Single) | Monthly grocery cost for a single person | $350 |
Food (Family) | Monthly grocery cost for a family of four | $1,000 |
Healthcare (Rx) | Monthly cost for prescription medications | $35 |
Healthcare (Dental) | Monthly cost for dental care | $200 |
Healthcare (Vision) | Monthly cost for vision care | $225 |
Transportation (Public) | Monthly cost for public transit | $2,400 |
Transportation (Car) | Monthly cost for car ownership | $650 |
Childcare (Daycare) | Monthly cost for daycare | $1,250 |
Childcare (After-School) | Monthly cost for after-school programs | $400 |
The cost of living data is based on provincial averages and may differ between cities, towns, and rural areas.
Eliminate up to 80% of Your Debt
High cost of gas, high cost of groceries, high lending rates, low salary - being in debt is not your fault! See if you qualify for government debt programs and get out of debt today!