The Valley Gazette is Barry’s Bay’s number one trusted news source. We cover news spanning from Algonquin Park to Eganville and Maynooth, and everywhere in-between. The paper is operated by a team of local employees who care deeply for the communities the paper serves.

The independently owned and operated newspaper published its first issue on May 20, 2010. It was a 28-page publication and was published by a team of four staff. The first edition looked very different from how the paper looks like today, as it contained only four coloured pages. The remaining pages were in black and white.

With its humble beginnings, the Gazette was put together in Michel Lavigne’s (Publisher and Owner) former one bedroom home located on the corner of Opeongo Line and Sandhill Drive.

The building was sufficient at first to create the paper, which at that time, was printed bi-weekly. The paper became a weekly staple in the community and transformed into a full-colour weekly publication.

The business continues operating in the house near Sandhill Drive for just over two years. In July 2012, the paper relocated to the former Sears building in downtown Barry’s Bay.

A website was established that same year, (www.thevalleygazette.ca), along with social media sites (Facebook and Twitter), which connected staff with the readers.

The Valley Gazette’s current office now resides at 41 Bay Street in Barry’s Bay.

As the paper expanded and content improved with each issue, local businesses got on board and began supporting the paper with full force.

All of the ads were, and continue to be, designed locally. This unique opportunity gives local business owners a chance to decide what message they want to send to their consumers.

As subscriptions began to come in and the community banded around their local newspaper, outside organizations also began to take notice.

In 2011, the paper won the Small Business of the Year award from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Gazette also has a wall full of Ontario Community Newspaper Better Newspaper Awards, ranging from general excellence and best vertical product to best news series.

From breaking news to fun events, the paper has been there to cover the stories that matter in our community. As the community continually evolves, we at the Gazette also continue to grow, finding new and exciting ways to serve our readers.

The Gazette depends on the community for NEWS TIPS, STORIES and IDEAS. To submit your ideas, phone Michel at 613-756-0256 or email michel@thevalleygazette.ca.

To place an ADVERTISEMENT, contact Michel at 613-756-0256 or email michel@thevalleygazette.ca.