Question 1

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. South Barrie Clinic takes walk-in patients during all open hours, and the pharmacist can usually see you the same day. Booking ahead just means a shorter wait.

Question 2

What can a pharmacist treat without a doctor?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 July 2026, Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for 28 minor ailments, including urinary tract infections, pink eye, cold sores, hives, tick bites, head lice and eczema. The assessment is billed to OHIP, so it costs you nothing.

Question 3

Is prescription delivery really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Barrie Peoples Pharmacy delivers prescriptions to homes across Barrie at no charge. It is meant for people who cannot easily get in: no car, limited mobility, illness, or caring for someone who cannot be left. Call (705) 722-4556 to confirm your address is in the delivery area.

Question 4

Which number should I call?

Accepted Answer

Call the pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 for prescriptions, refills, transfers, delivery, vaccines or a minor ailment. Call the clinic on (705) 722-3013 for doctor appointments, family practice, medical questions or the addiction program. If you call the wrong one, we will transfer you.

Question 5

Are you open on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Barrie Peoples Pharmacy and South Barrie Clinic are open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekend walk-in appointments are available and the pharmacist assesses minor ailments on both days.

Question 6

Is addiction treatment confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Treatment at South Barrie Clinic is protected by the same medical confidentiality as any other healthcare in Ontario. Nothing is shared with your employer, your family or anyone else without your consent, except in the narrow circumstances the law requires.

Question 7

Where is Barrie Peoples Pharmacy located?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy and South Barrie Clinic is at 320 Yonge St., Barrie, Ontario, L4N 4C8, in the south end of the city. There is free parking on site, so you will not be looking for a meter or a garage. The pharmacy, walk-in clinic, family practice and addiction treatment program all share the same building.

Question 8

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy and South Barrie Clinic are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Both keep the same hours, so if one is open the other is too.

Question 9

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is free parking on site at 320 Yonge St. No meters, no garage and no permit needed. If you have mobility needs, call ahead on (705) 722-4556 and we will make sure things are straightforward when you arrive.

Question 10

What is the difference between the pharmacy and the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy dispenses medication and provides pharmacist services such as minor ailment prescribing, vaccinations and medication reviews. South Barrie Clinic is a medical clinic where you see a physician, both as a walk-in and as a registered family practice patient. They share the building at 320 Yonge St. and have separate lines: the pharmacy on (705) 722-4556, the clinic on (705) 722-3013.

Question 11

Do I need to be a regular patient to use your services?

Accepted Answer

No. Both accept walk-ins with no registration required. You can walk into the clinic having never been here, transfer your prescriptions at any time, or see the pharmacist for a minor ailment as a first-time visitor. Registering as a family practice patient is a separate step: call (705) 722-3013 to ask about it.

Question 12

Can I email instead of calling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, email info@barriepeoplespharmacy.ca for non-urgent questions. Please do not use email for anything time-sensitive or medically urgent, since it is not monitored continuously and is not a secure way to send health information. Call (705) 722-4556 for anything that needs an answer today.

Question 13

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy serves south Barrie and the surrounding area, including Painswick, Holly, Allandale, Innisfil, Stroud and Alcona, with patients coming from across Simcoe County. Free prescription delivery is available: call (705) 722-4556 to check your address.

Question 14

Can someone else pick up my prescription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A family member, friend or caregiver can collect your prescription from Barrie Peoples Pharmacy. Ask them to bring your name and date of birth. Certain controlled medications carry additional requirements, so call (705) 722-4556 first if that applies to you.

Question 15

Do I need my health card every time?

Accepted Answer

Bring your Ontario health card to every clinic visit, minor ailment assessment and vaccination, since these are billed to OHIP and cannot be processed without it. For ordinary prescription pickups you generally do not need it, though your drug plan card is useful if your coverage has changed.

Question 16

Do I need an appointment at South Barrie Clinic?

Accepted Answer

No. South Barrie Clinic takes walk-in patients during all open hours, with no appointment and no phone call needed. You can also book a time online if you would rather not wait. Walk-in suits sudden illness and injuries; booking ahead suits check-ups, follow-ups and anything you want unhurried time for.

Question 17

What are your walk-in hours?

Accepted Answer

South Barrie Clinic accepts walk-in patients Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 320 Yonge St., Barrie. Arriving earlier in the day generally means a shorter wait. Call (705) 722-3013 to ask how busy it is before you set off.

Question 18

How long is the wait?

Accepted Answer

Wait times at South Barrie Clinic vary with the day and how many patients are ahead of you. Calling (705) 722-3013 before you leave gives you a realistic sense of it, and booking online usually means less waiting. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than Saturday afternoons.

Question 19

Do you take OHIP at the walk-in clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, South Barrie Clinic bills OHIP for insured services. Bring your valid Ontario health card to every visit. Some services are not covered, such as certain notes, forms and travel-related medicine, and those are charged to you. Ask at reception before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Question 20

What can a walk-in doctor treat?

Accepted Answer

South Barrie Clinic treats infections, injuries, rashes, sudden pain, respiratory illness, urinary symptoms and the everyday problems that cannot wait a week, plus check-ups, chronic disease reviews and preventive care. For a medical emergency, call 911 rather than coming to the clinic.

Question 21

Should I go to the walk-in clinic or the emergency room?

Accepted Answer

Go to the emergency department or call 911 for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of stroke, severe allergic reactions or major injuries. South Barrie Clinic handles non-emergency problems. If you are unsure, call (705) 722-3013 or Health Connect Ontario at 811 and describe what is happening.

Question 22

Can I get my prescription filled at the same visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Barrie Peoples Pharmacy is in the same building, so a prescription written by the doctor can be filled before you leave, or delivered to your home at no charge. If there is a question about a dose or an interaction, the pharmacist can raise it with the prescriber directly rather than by fax.

Question 23

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Barrie Clinic sees patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Several of the conditions our pharmacist can treat, such as diaper rash, head lice, impetigo and pinworms, are common in children and can often be handled at the pharmacy counter without a doctor appointment.

Question 24

Are you accepting new patients for family practice?

Accepted Answer

South Barrie Clinic provides ongoing family medicine at 320 Yonge St., Barrie, alongside its walk-in service. Call (705) 722-3013 to ask about registering as a patient and what the current wait looks like.

Question 25

What is the difference between the walk-in clinic and the family practice?

Accepted Answer

The walk-in clinic treats whatever is wrong today, no appointment, first come first served. The family practice is ongoing care: a regular doctor who knows your history, handles prescription renewals, manages long-term conditions and tracks your referrals. Both operate from 320 Yonge St., so you can use the walk-in while you are registering.

Question 26

Why do I need a family doctor if I can just use a walk-in?

Accepted Answer

A walk-in clinic is well suited to a sore throat or a sprain, but it cannot follow things over time. Blood pressure creeping up, a medication that stopped suiting you, a symptom that only means something alongside one you mentioned last year: these need someone holding the whole picture. South Barrie Clinic offers both.

Question 27

Can my whole family register together?

Accepted Answer

South Barrie Clinic provides family medicine across every age group, from infants to seniors, so one team can look after everyone in a household. Call (705) 722-3013 to ask about registering your family. Having one practice hold everyone records makes a real difference for anything hereditary or infectious.

Question 28

Can I get prescription renewals without an appointment?

Accepted Answer

As a registered family practice patient, routine renewals can generally be handled without a full appointment each time. Barrie Peoples Pharmacy is in the same building, so a renewal can go straight to the dispensary and then be delivered to your home at no charge. Call (705) 722-3013 to ask how renewals work for your medications.

Question 29

Do you handle specialist referrals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Barrie Clinic makes specialist referrals and, for registered family practice patients, follows up on what comes back rather than leaving you to chase it. Cardiology and infectious diseases specialists also work on site at 320 Yonge St., so some referrals do not require travelling across town at all.

Question 30

Do you do annual physicals and check-ups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Barrie Clinic provides routine check-ups, preventive screening and wellness visits as part of its family practice. These are better booked than walked in, since they need unhurried time. Call (705) 722-3013 or book online.

Question 31

Can you manage my diabetes or blood pressure long-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Barrie Clinic manages chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions and asthma on an ongoing basis. Because the pharmacy is in the same building, your treatment plan and your medications get reviewed together rather than by two people who never speak.

Question 32

What minor ailments can a pharmacist treat in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 July 2026, Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for 28 minor ailments, up from 19. The nine added in July 2026 are calluses and corns, dandruff, dry eye, head lice, jock itch, mild tension headache, nasal congestion, ringworm, and warts other than on the face or genitals. The full list is on this page.

Question 33

Does it cost anything to see the pharmacist for a minor ailment?

Accepted Answer

No. The assessment is free for anyone with a valid Ontario health card. OHIP pays the pharmacy directly, $19 for an in-person assessment and $15 virtual, and you pay nothing whether or not a prescription is written. If the pharmacist does prescribe something, you pay the usual cost of the medication and dispensing fee unless you have drug coverage.

Question 34

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for specific conditions on the minor ailments list. A pharmacist at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy can prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, bacterial pink eye and impetigo, where their assessment supports it. They cannot prescribe antibiotics for conditions outside that list: for anything else, you will be directed to the walk-in clinic in the same building.

Question 35

Can I get UTI treatment without seeing a doctor in Barrie?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pharmacist at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy, 320 Yonge St., can assess and treat an uncomplicated urinary tract infection without a doctor appointment, and the assessment is covered by OHIP. Walk in during open hours with your health card. If your symptoms suggest a kidney infection or something more complicated, the pharmacist will refer you to the clinic or emergency care instead.

Question 36

Do I need an appointment to see the pharmacist?

Accepted Answer

No. Walk into Barrie Peoples Pharmacy during open hours and a pharmacist will assess you. Booking a time online just means less waiting. Most minor ailment visits take under 20 minutes from walking in to walking out with a prescription in hand.

Question 37

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring your Ontario health card, a list of any medications you take including over-the-counter products and supplements, and details of any allergies. If your problem is a rash, a bite or anything visible, leave it uncovered so the pharmacist can look at it properly. Bring the affected child with you if the appointment is for them.

Question 38

I was bitten by a tick. Can the pharmacy help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and quickly. Pharmacists at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy can assess a tick bite and prescribe preventive treatment against Lyme disease, covered by OHIP. This is time-sensitive: preventive treatment works best when started soon after the bite, so do not wait for a doctor appointment. Call (705) 722-4556 or walk in today.

Question 39

Can a pharmacist treat my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several of the 28 minor ailments are common in children: diaper rash, head lice, impetigo, pinworms, ringworm and pink eye among them. Bring the child and their health card to Barrie Peoples Pharmacy. The pharmacist assesses them in person, the same as an adult, and the visit is covered by OHIP.

Question 40

What if the pharmacist cannot treat what I have?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacist will tell you what they think is going on and direct you to the right place, usually South Barrie Clinic in the same building, sometimes the emergency department. Ontario rules require pharmacists to refer on when they spot red flags suggesting something more serious. You are not charged for an assessment that ends in a referral.

Question 41

Is there a limit to how often I can use this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ontario sets an annual claim maximum for each condition, so there is a cap on how many times a pharmacist can bill an assessment for the same ailment in a year. In practice this rarely affects anyone. If a condition keeps coming back, that is usually a sign it needs a doctor assessment rather than another pharmacy visit.

Question 42

Are more conditions being added?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ontario expanded the list from 19 to 28 conditions on 1 July 2026, and the government has signalled roughly five more coming in early 2027. Call Barrie Peoples Pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 to ask about anything not on the current list, since the answer changes over time.

Question 43

What is the difference between seeing the pharmacist and seeing the doctor?

Accepted Answer

For anything on the 28-condition list, the pharmacist is usually faster: no appointment, under 20 minutes, and OHIP-covered. See the doctor at South Barrie Clinic for anything outside that list, anything that has persisted or worsened, anything needing lab work or a physical examination, and any ongoing condition. Both are at 320 Yonge St.

Question 44

Which vaccines can a pharmacist give in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Since 1 July 2026, Ontario pharmacists can administer six additional vaccines: tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, RSV, shingles and pneumococcal, on top of the influenza, COVID-19 and travel vaccines they already provided. Call Barrie Peoples Pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 to confirm which we currently stock and whether yours is publicly funded.

Question 45

Do I need an appointment for a flu shot?

Accepted Answer

No. Walk into Barrie Peoples Pharmacy at 320 Yonge St. during open hours for your flu shot, and bring your Ontario health card. Most people are in and out within 20 minutes, including the 15-minute observation period afterwards that is standard practice for any vaccination.

Question 46

Is the flu shot free in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The seasonal influenza vaccine is free for anyone who lives, works or attends school in Ontario, with no fee at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy. Bring your health card. Some other vaccines are publicly funded only for certain age groups or risk categories, so ask which applies to you before you come in.

Question 47

When should I get my flu shot?

Accepted Answer

October or early November is the best timing, before flu activity builds through the winter. Getting one later is still worthwhile, since the season typically runs into spring. Walk in any day we are open.

Question 48

Can I get the shingles vaccine at the pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 July 2026, Ontario pharmacists can administer the shingles vaccine. Call Barrie Peoples Pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 to check availability and cost: shingles vaccine is publicly funded only for certain age groups, so many patients pay for it or claim it through a private plan.

Question 49

Can I get the RSV vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Ontario pharmacists have been able to administer RSV vaccine since 1 July 2026. RSV vaccination is generally aimed at older adults and other higher-risk groups. Call (705) 722-4556 to ask whether you are eligible for publicly funded RSV vaccine and whether we have it in stock.

Question 50

Can I get several vaccines at once?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Many vaccines can safely be given at the same visit, though it depends on which ones. Tell the pharmacist everything you are due for and they will advise what can be combined and what should be spaced out. Bring your immunization record if you have one.

Question 51

How do I transfer my prescriptions to your pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Call Barrie Peoples Pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 with your name, date of birth and the name of your current pharmacy. We contact them and move everything across, including remaining repeats. You do not need to call your old pharmacy, collect paperwork or explain your reasons to anyone.

Question 52

How long does a prescription transfer take?

Accepted Answer

About two minutes of your time, and the transfer itself is usually completed the same day or the next business day, depending on how quickly your previous pharmacy responds. We confirm when it is done and tell you when your next refill is ready.

Question 53

Can I transfer just one prescription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can move a single medication or your entire file. Some people transfer only a compound or a blister-packed prescription and keep the rest where they are. Tell us which when you call (705) 722-4556.

Question 54

Do I need to tell my old pharmacy I am leaving?

Accepted Answer

No. Barrie Peoples Pharmacy handles the entire transfer, including contacting your previous pharmacy. You do not need to phone them, give a reason or collect anything. It is a routine process between pharmacies and nothing about it is awkward.

Question 55

How long does it take to fill a prescription?

Accepted Answer

Most standard prescriptions are ready within 15 to 20 minutes. Compounded preparations take longer, usually a few days, and anything requiring a call to your prescriber depends on how quickly they respond. Call ahead on (705) 722-4556 and we will have it waiting.

Question 56

What if I am out of refills?

Accepted Answer

Tell us and we will contact your doctor for you, rather than sending you to chase your prescriber yourself. Give us a few days notice where you can, since prescribers do not always respond immediately.

Question 57

Can I get a same-day emergency supply if I have run out?

Accepted Answer

Ontario pharmacists can provide an emergency supply of a regular medication in certain circumstances, so you are not left without it. Call (705) 722-4556 as soon as you realize, tell us what you take, and we will do what the rules allow. Do not wait until you have been without it for days.

Question 58

Do you carry my medication?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy stocks the commonly prescribed medications and can order most others in, usually within a day or two. Call (705) 722-4556 before coming in if you take something unusual, so we can confirm we have it or order it ahead of your visit.

Question 59

Can you sync all my prescriptions to the same date?

Accepted Answer

Ask us. Aligning refills so everything comes due on one date means one trip or one delivery instead of several, and it works particularly well alongside blister packing. Call (705) 722-4556 to set it up.

Question 60

Do you accept my drug plan?

Accepted Answer

Barrie Peoples Pharmacy accepts the Ontario Drug Benefit, the Trillium Drug Program and most private and employer drug plans, billed directly so you pay only your portion at the counter. Bring your plan card on your first visit. Call (705) 722-4556 if you are unsure whether yours is accepted.

Question 61

Will the pharmacist assessment cost me anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Minor ailment assessments are billed directly to OHIP, which pays the pharmacy $19 in person or $15 virtually. You pay nothing for the assessment whether or not you leave with a prescription. If a prescription is written, you pay for the medication as normal unless you have coverage.

Question 62

What is the Trillium Drug Program?

Accepted Answer

Trillium is an Ontario program that helps people whose prescription costs are high relative to their household income, including those with no private coverage. You pay a deductible based on income, after which the program covers eligible medications. Ask a pharmacist on (705) 722-4556 whether it is worth applying: many people who qualify never do.

Question 63

I am over 65. Are my prescriptions covered?

Accepted Answer

Ontario residents aged 65 and over are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit program for eligible medications, paying a small deductible and co-payment depending on income. Bring your Ontario health card and we will bill ODB directly. Ask us about the low-income seniors co-payment if standard deductibles are a strain.

Question 64

Are my children prescriptions free?

Accepted Answer

Ontario residents aged 24 and under without private drug coverage are eligible for OHIP+, which covers eligible prescription medications at no cost. Bring your child health card. If they have private coverage through a parent plan, that plan is billed first.

Questions and costs

Common questions

Location, hours and getting in touch

Walk-in clinic

Family practice

Minor ailments

Vaccines and flu shots

Prescriptions, refills and transfers

Costs, coverage and insurance

Addiction treatment

Blister packs, compounding and reviews

Diabetes, asthma, quitting smoking and compression