Today, Metroland Media announced it will be restructuring its operations and seeking protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. As part of this plan, most of Metroland’s 71 community newspapers will move to a digital-only model, which will include Barrie’s only remaining printed newspaper, The Barrie Advance.
“The Barrie Advance has been a staple in Barrie for over 35 years,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Its journalists wrote with purpose and strove to share Barrie stories everyday—bringing local news to citizens’ doorsteps.”
“Not having access to a print newspaper will have a very significant impact on getting essential information to residents who can’t use or may not have access to digital channels,” Mayor Nuttall continued. “This huge loss to our city will be felt beyond those who worked there, to those who rely on this outlet as their source of news. As a community, we need to find a way to keep a local printed newspaper in Barrie. For many this is their only means to stay connected and to get access to a credible source of local news.”