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People are fighting to stop demolition of Ontario diner around for over 60 years

Keena Alwahaidi

created: July 19, 2025, 4 a.m. | updated: July 21, 2025, 2:27 p.m.

The Midway Diner in Barrie, Ontario, has been an iconic landmark for generations, but this retro landmark, which has served breakfast staples since the 1960s, is now facing the threat of demolition. The campaign calls on Barrie's City Council, as well as heritage conservation authorities and community leaders, to take action to stop the demolition. Before the restaurant, it housed McGowan's General Store and was later reopened by different owners as a diner in 1962. Today, the diner is a local favourite serving pancakes, soups, sandwiches and other diner specialties, named for its location midway between south and north Barrie. When and if the diner meets its demise, Jones said he'll have to relocate the diner elsewhere, bringing all his equipment, chairs and tables with him.

1 week, 3 days ago: blogTO