Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team

01/14/2026

Not sure where to go when you're feeling unwell? If you're without a family doctor, you have options. 💙

For injuries and illnesses that aren't life-threatening, such as minor sprains, cold and flu symptoms, or infections, urgent care and walk-in clinics across Barrie and the area offer timely, in-person care without the long wait in the Emergency Department.

Local urgent care and walk-in clinics include:
✨ Allandale Walk-In Clinic
✨ Angus Walk-In Clinic
✨ Barrie Harmony Clinic
✨ Big Bay Medical Walk-In Clinic
✨ Blake St. Walk-In Clinic
✨ Grove St. Walk-In Clinic
✨ Huronia Urgent Care Clinic
✨ Wellington Walk-In Clinic
✨ Queens Health Centre (Thornton)
✨ QuickPill Walk-In and Pharmacy
✨ South Barrie Walk-In Clinic

Some clinics require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Hours and services vary by location, so it's helpful to call ahead or check their website.

Choosing the right care option helps ensure Emergency Departments can focus on life-threatening emergencies while you still receive prompt attention.

📌 Save this post for quick access when you need care, and visit our website with clinic details, hours and more options at https://baoht.ca/where-to-go-if-you-feel-unwell/

01/12/2026

Icy walkways and slippery conditions are more than an inconvenience during winter. They can pose real risks, especially for older adults and those with mobility challenges.

A fall can have lasting effects on independence, confidence and overall health. 💙

Taking proactive steps now can help you or a loved one stay safe and steady throughout the season:

✨ Wear proper footwear with a strong grip and traction
✨ Take small, deliberate steps on slippery surfaces
✨ Use handrails whenever they're available
✨ Keep walkways, stairs and entrances clear of snow and ice
✨ Consider using ice cleats or walking aids for added stability

Small precautions can make a meaningful difference in preventing falls and maintaining independence this winter. If you or someone you care for needs additional support, resources are available across our community.

🌿 Explore seniors' resources at baoht.ca/find-services/i-need-long-term-care-and-seniors-support/

01/08/2026

Winter months are a time when stress, pressure or loneliness can feel more intense.

Whether you're looking for crisis support, counselling options, youth services or community programs, our region offers many trusted resources that you can access throughout the season. ❄️

Reaching out is a sign of strength, and help is always within reach. From same-day mental health support to long-term counselling and peer programs, there are services designed to meet you where you are.

If you're unsure where to start, Health811 can connect you with a registered nurse who can provide guidance and help you navigate local options. Call 811 anytime.

You can explore a full list of local mental health and addictions services here:
🔗 baoht.ca/find-services/i-need-mental-health-and-addictions-support/

01/06/2026

Ready to start your journey toward better health? The Barrie and Community Family Health Team is hosting a free "Quick Start to a Healthier You" information session led by a Registered Dietitian. 💙

What you'll learn:
✨ Foundations of nutrition and healthy eating
✨ Proper portion sizes and meal balance
✨ Lifestyle factors that influence body weight (sleep, stress, movement, hydration)
✨ Goal-setting strategies to reduce chronic disease risk
✨ How to make sustainable, positive lifestyle changes

This session is designed to help you understand what your body needs to achieve and maintain a healthy weight while building lasting habits for overall wellness.

📞 Register by calling 705-721-0370 ext. 2907 or visit barriefht.ca/quick-start-to-a-healthier-you-1/

01/05/2026

❄️ Winter's arrival can bring added challenges when you're managing chronic conditions. Colder weather, reduced mobility, and the demands of the season can make daily self-care feel harder than usual.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and support is available. 💙 Swipe through for ways to protect your health and comfort this winter.

Small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference in how you feel throughout the winter months. We're here to help you access the care and resources you need, close to home.

💙 Explore support and services https://baoht.ca/

01/02/2026

Need care for cough, cold, or flu‑like symptoms this weekend? 🤧

The ⭐ new ⭐ Weekend Cold & Flu Clinic is open at RVH Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.–5 p.m in partnership with the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team.

Book an arrival time to be seen by local family doctors in our Pink Zone— open to everyone, regardless of your primary care status.
➡ https://redcap.rvh.on.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=CW9LTWE3ETMMHCY8
Select Weekend (Cold and Flu Only)

Patients - please arrive at the Atrium Entrance 15 minutes before your booked time and follow signs to the Pink Zone for triage and registration.

🔖 Save this or share with someone who might need it!

P.S. If you need non‑urgent care during the week visit 🔗 baoht.ca/unwell

12/31/2025

Here for You No Matter the Weather
 
Severe winter weather continues to impact our region, and we know these conditions can be challenging for everyone. We are grateful to our municipal partners and first responders who are working tirelessly to keep roads and our community safe.
 
RVH remains fully operational as your regional health and trauma centre.  Care is continuing as usual, made possible by the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of Team RVH, who are here to support everyone who needs us.

To ensure safe, reliable care during this time, we have activated our contingency plans to maintain normal operations and support our staff, including accommodations and alternate transportation.  
 
We encourage everyone to travel with care, use available supports, and take extra precautions when moving around.
 
Thank you to Team RVH for your continued commitment, and to our patients and community for your patience and understanding.

Please continue to monitor local road conditions, look out for one another, and stay safe.

12/30/2025

Update ‼️ The city of Barrie has cancelled the celebrations downtown due to the weather 🚨

✨ Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to ring in the New Year here in Barrie? 🎆

The community is coming together for an evening filled with music, activities, fireworks and celebration. A welcoming way to start 2026 close to home. 💙

Enjoy:
🎶 Live music
🎨 Inflatables, facepainting, busker performances and more
🎇 Fantastic fireworks show finale at 9 p.m.
🤝 A safe, inclusive event for all ages

It’s an excellent chance to celebrate with your loved ones in the heart of our community.

For full event details, timing, and accessibility information, visit the City of Barrie website below:
👉 https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/community-events/barrie-nye-celebration

12/30/2025

New this season! A weekend clinic at RVH for cold and flu care. 🤧
 
As flu cases climb, RVH and the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT) Primary Care Network are partnering to open a Weekend Cold & Flu Clinic to help people access care when it is sometimes the hardest to find.
 
The clinic will start December 27 and run through March. Local primary care physicians will assess and treat cough, cold, and flu-like symptoms on Saturdays and Sundays in a separate area of the Emergency Department. 
 
You can book an arrival time in advance, which helps reduce the stress of not knowing how long you’ll have to wait. This new service, open to anyone regardless of whether they have a family doctor or not, brings partners together to improve access to non-urgent care while helping keep Emergency available for urgent needs.
 
🗓 Saturdays & Sundays | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 RVH Emergency Department 
Proceed to the ED main entrance for triage and registration 30 minutes prior to your booking arrival time
 
➡ Booking opens Friday, December 26
To book an arrival time, visit the RVH Emergency Department e-booking portal and select Weekend (Cold and Flu Only)
https://redcap.rvh.on.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=CW9LTWE3ETMMHCY8

Need non-urgent care on weekdays?
🔗 baoht.ca/unwell is a helpful resource showing where to get care when you are feeling unwell, making it easier to find the right option this flu season.
 
🔖 Save this or share it with someone who may need it! 🤒

12/29/2025

Update at RVH.

Please Note: RVH Emergency is experiencing very high patient volumes today.

Our team is working hard to care for everyone who needs us, but wait times may be longer than usual as we prioritize the most urgent and life-threatening cases first. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

⏱ Check current Emergency wait times:
https://bi.rvh.on.ca:444/SEQ_PublicFacing/

If your condition is not an emergency, you may receive care faster at:
• A walk-in clinic
• Your primary care provider
• The Regional Virtual Urgent Care Clinic
• Your local pharmacist

You can also book an arrival time for RVH’s Minor Ailment Patient Pathway (MAPP) for minor illnesses and injuries such as:
• Cold, flu, and other respiratory symptoms
• Minor limb injuries
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
https://redcap.rvh.on.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=CW9LTWE3ETMMHCY8

Choosing the right care option helps us care for those who need us most. Thank you for helping everyone get the right care, at the right place and time.

Find more care options at www.baoht.ca

12/22/2025

💙 Working together for a healthier community.

As we begin to close out 2025, we want to take a moment to thank our partners for your continued collaboration, trust, and commitment throughout the year. Together, we have made meaningful progress in strengthening care and support across our communities.

This year brought both challenges and successes, and each step forward was made possible through shared purpose and partnership. Your dedication to co-creating accessible, coordinated and people-focused care continues to make a real difference for the individuals, families and caregivers we serve.

As the holiday season approaches, we hope you find time for rest, connection and reflection. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.

Thank you for being part of our shared journey.

Wishing you a healthy, peaceful holiday season and a strong start to the new year.

12/18/2025

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming.
Taking small, intentional steps can help support your physical and mental well-being throughout the season. 💙

Here are a few ways to care for yourself:
✨ Listen to your body and take breaks
✨ Check in with friends, family or community supports
✨ Set gentle boundaries
✨ Create moments of rest and relaxation
✨ Reach out if you need help

Caring for yourself makes it easier to care for the people you love, and we’re here to support you with resources across Barrie and Simcoe County.

💙 Learn more about local health and community support at https://baoht.ca/