Barrie in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Willard Kinzie
First Mayor of the City of Barrie
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
1. Willard Kinzie Marker
Willard had a vision for the Waterfront Heritage Trail and a passion for celebrating and sharing the rich history of our City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 44° 23.173′ N, 79° 41.413′ W. Marker is in Barrie, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Lakeshore Drive just south of Simcoe Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located along the Waterfront Heritage Trail, between the City of Barrie Marina and the Lakeshore Drive parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie ON L4N 6T4, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hewitt Bernard 1825-1893 (here, next to this marker); "Spirit Catcher" (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Five Points (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Memorial Square (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Railway Watercraft (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Nine Mile Portage (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Birth of Barrie (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Wharfs & Boatworks (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barrie.
Related markers.
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Also see . . .
1. Willard L. Kinzie (1919-2018) (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Kinzie was raised in a farm neighbourhood, between Cambridge, Ontario and Kitchener, Ontario, during the Great Depression. In 1945 Kinzie purchased a small, one-route dairy in the Guelph area, which he sold in 1947. That same year he moved to Barrie and purchased Lakeview Dairy on Dunlop Street East which he continued to run until 1975. After serving as an Alderman, Willard was elected as mayor of the then town and served at the time that it reincorporated as a city. He played a central role in many of the issues affecting Barrie, such as various annexation reviews and the development of the waterfront.(Submitted on May 30, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Willard Lewis Kinzie (Barry Today).
Excerpt: In 1952, Willard was elected as an alderman and in 1957 he became Mayor of the Town of Barrie. As a result of his relentless drive, Barrie became a city in 1959 and he was honored to serve as the citys first mayor an accomplishment he remained proud of for the rest of his life. One of his proudest achievements was the development of Barries Waterfront(Submitted on May 30, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Trail. Starting in his late 80s, he worked with his usual energy and enthusiasm to spearhead the design, funding and approvals necessary to create a 6 km trail around the lakeshore. A bronze replica of his hand is posted at the trails end to give a high five to those who finish the path.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 20242. Willard Kinzie MarkerLooking east; the City of Barrie Marina is in the right background.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
