Calling Local Artists!
The First Floor Gallery, created to profile the incredible artwork of local artists, opened in January 2015. This exhibition space is located at City Hall, between the Service Barrie and Legislative Services counters. The space is open to the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
The First Floor Gallery provides the City an opportunity to serve the arts sector by profiling the works of local artists and beautifying a public area within City Hall, while providing artists with paid exhibition opportunities.
November & December 2026 Exhibit
Hindsight
J.T. McVeigh’s photography exhibition, Hindsight, invites viewers to look back through time and catch a glimpse of Barrie’s evolving history. With some images captured more than 40 years ago, the collection offers a unique perspective on the people, places, and moments that have shaped the city.
J.T. began his photojournalism career at the Barrie Banner before moving to the Barrie Examiner in 1980.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice he received early in his career came from a speaker at a photography conference: “People see enough bad news. When you can, try to give them a reason to smile.”
Throughout his career, J.T. documented everything from the demolition of Barrie’s old City Hall and the Medonte train wreck to political figures and tragic events. Yet, amid the serious headlines, he always made a point of seeking out moments of levity in the city he loved.
Hindsight offers a look back at Barrie through his lens, capturing not only the events that made headlines but also the everyday moments that made the city what it is today.
J.T McVeigh’s Bio
After studying film and television at Seneca College, J.T. McVeigh started his photojournalism career at the Barrie Banner in 1978. After two years, he traded dark rooms for the daily Barrie Examiner.
J.T. was given the opportunity to explore Central Ontario through his lens for the next 34 years. He shared his love of photography with his students at Georgian College.
Winner of countless Ontario Newspaper Awards, and a National Newspaper Award, J.T. was laid off in 2013 as the paper downsized. However, he soon found himself editor of the Collingwood Enterprise where he closed out his career when the local papers closed in 2017.
J.T. is married to writer Cheryl Browne, has four lovely children and at last count, six grandchildren.
