Latest news with #Barrie
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Four-legged, tail-wagging member of the Barrie Police retires after 11 years of service
A long-serving member of the Barrie Police Service is retiring, and to say that he has served and protected his community, is an understatement. Serge, who is a German Shepherd, has been the partner of Barrie Police Constable Matt Abofs since 2014. (Barrie Police) A four-legged, tail-wagging,' long-serving member of the Barrie Police Service is retiring after 11 years. Serge, who is a German Shepherd, has been partnered with Barrie Police Const. Matt Abofs since 2014 and was named after the ceremonial uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). 'To say that he has served and protected his community is an understatement,' said Barrie Police on Wednesday. His special name: Serge, reflected on the memory, service, and sacrifice of three RCMP officers who were murdered in New Brunswick on June 4, 2014. Over the last decade, Const. Abofs and his canine friend have attended 775 operational deployments ranging from tracking and searches for controlled drugs to evidence. Serge A long-serving member of the Barrie Police Service is retiring, and to say that he has served and protected his community, is an understatement. Serge, who is a German Shepherd, has been the partner of Barrie Police Constable Matt Abofs since 2014. (Barrie Police) While searching for missing people, police say Serge was responsible for helping solve 316 incidents. In 2019, the German Shepherd was awarded a Life Saving Award for one of those finds. Serge has been involved in evidence searches that have led to finding drugs, firearms, and DNA-related evidence. He has helped out with countless building and vehicle searches that helped return property to victims of crime. 'Police service dogs are trusted and valued members of our service,' said Chief Rich Johnston. 'After 11 years of supporting our officers and helping keep our community safe, Serge will now be able to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.' Const. Abofs continues to serve in the Barrie Police Canine Unit with his other canine partner, General Purpose Dog Radar, who is a Belgian Malinois. Serge plans on enjoying his retirement by continuing to spend it with his long-time friend and offical owner Const. Abofs.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Pedestrian struck in Barrie
Police are at Innisfil Street after a pedestrian was struck by a car. PHOTO: CTV NEWS/BARRIE A pedestrian was struck by a car in downtown Barrie Wednesday. Barrie Police Service received a call at around 8:30 a.m. notifying them of the incident. 'Police are currently on scene investigating. (A) minor injury is reported,' said Peter Leon, communications coordinator with Barrie police. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area of Marshall and Innisfil streets in the city's centre core. This article will be updated when more information becomes available.
CTV News
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Brightening Barrie with artsy barriers
Brightening Barrie with artsy barriers Barrie's artists have shown how to beautify necessary barriers with art, running until September 26.
CTV News
a day ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Early-morning crash slows commute
In this file photo, crews work to repair the guardrail along Highway 400 in Barrie, Ont., after a collision on Thurs., June 12, 2025. A transport truck and pickup truck crashed on Highway 11 southbound at around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Ontario Provincial Police spokesperson said the collision occurred just south of Penetanguishene Road and just before the Highway 400 merge. 'A transport truck hit the guard rails,' said the OPP spokesperson. No injuries were reported and all lanes were reopened by 7:30 a.m.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Two long-term care homes in Barrie undergoing major expansion and upgrades
Construction is officially underway across two long-term care homes in Barrie. The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens and the Village of Innis Landing long-term care home is the dynamic duo undergoing a construction funding subsidy top-up. Both care homes are part of the government's commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term beds in Ontario. 'As Ontario continues to grow, our government is making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,' said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. 'Today's (Monday) announcement is great news for Barrie and will ensure that 337 residents will get the care they need, in modern and safe homes.' The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens is upgrading 62 of its existing beds and adding two new beds, reaching a total of 145 beds in the home. The province says it has plans to fulfill all nursing call systems, improve fire detection and suppression systems and introduce new monitoring features to ensure resident safety. The home located at 234 Cook Street will also house a café and community hub space, with mechanical lifts added to resident rooms. The Village of Innis Landing project will see the redevelopment of the Coleman Care Centre. The new home is adding 80 beds for a total of 192 beds. The province says the care home situated on 800 Yonge Street will include expansive common spaces to support a variety of care and recreational programming, along with various opportunities for residents to engage with each other and visitors. 'Today's announcement ensures that our seniors will be able to age with dignity and the care they need, in the community they love. By upgrading these existing facilities, residents will be able to choose care in places they know and trust while still receiving the qualify of care they have come to expect, said Doug Downey MPP, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte.
