City recognizes Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18
The City of Barrie is recognizing Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on Tuesday,
March 18. Transit operators and workers play a vital role in ensuring passengers arrive safely to their destinations, each and every day.
When using Barrie Transit on Tuesday, riders are encouraged to say an extra “thank you” to
their transit operator for getting them where they need to go, safely and efficiently.
Barrie Transit service operates under a contract with MVT Canadian Bus Inc. The company
employs approximately 200 staff to operate Barrie Transit’s fleet of 44 conventional buses and 21 specialized buses.
For more information about Barrie Transit and to view the video for Transit Operator and
Worker Appreciation Day, visit barrie.ca/Transit.
Help shape the future of Barrie’s ward boundaries
The City of Barrie is reviewing its ward boundaries, and your input matters! Attend a public consultation session on March 18 or 20 at Barrie City Hall to share your thoughts on how the city’s wards should be structured.
Your feedback will help ensure fair and effective representation as Barrie continues to grow.
Public Consultation Sessions:
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 2:00 to 3:30 PM & 6:00 to 7:30 PM
- Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Location:
- Barrie City Hall Rotunda | 1st Floor, 70 Collier Street
Learn more and have your say at buildingbarrie.ca/WardsReview.
Help shape the future of Barrie’s North Shore Trail!
The City of Barrie is exploring improvements to the North Shore Trail, and we want your input!
Take the North Shore Trail Access Improvements Project Survey to help shape new pathways and shoreline access points near Kempenfelt Park, St. Vincent Park, and Nelson Square.
Enter to Win!
Complete the survey by March 24, 2025, for a chance to win one of two prize packs, featuring items like a Roots toque, picnic blanket, and a Downtown Barrie gift card!
Learn more and complete the survey at buildingbarrie.ca/NorthShoreTrailImprovements.
City of Barrie supports #ITSTARTS campaign
Join the #ITSTARTS campaign this March and take a stand for acceptance, inclusion, and
diversity in our community! The City of Barrie, in partnership with the Barrie Public Library, is proud to support this initiative led by the County of Simcoe.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share your message – Download an #ITSTARTS card, write how you promote
inclusion, and post it on social media using #ITSTARTS. - Attend events – The Barrie Public Library is hosting interactive displays and an
informative reading selection to celebrate diversity and equality. - Learn more – Explore books, resources, and local initiatives that foster inclusion near
you!
Take the pledge and help create a welcoming community for all!
More info at simcoe.ca/ItStarts and barrie.ca/Inclusivity.
Second property tax installment due April 30, 2025
The second instalment of the Interim 2025 property tax bill is due on April 30, 2025.
Interim tax bills are issued each January. If your taxes are paid through a mortgage company or a pre- authorized payment plan, you will not receive an interim tax bill. The final bill is issued each May and typically arrives in mailboxes by early June.
Never miss a due date – enroll in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan for hassle-free payments.
For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.
Automated Cart Collection begins September 8, 2025
Carts are rolling to the curb on September 8! A small 120L organics cart with a gravity lock and a large 240L garbage cart will be delivered to all residential properties at no charge this summer.
Property owners have the option to substitute the large garbage cart for a smaller 120L
garbage cart, and owners of properties with two to five residential units can also request
additional sets of carts (no charge). Requests can be made via the Cart Selection Tool until March 31 at barrie.ca/CurbsideCollectionChanges.
To help decide what size garbage cart you prefer, garbage and organics carts are on display at the following City facilities until March 31:
- City Hall (Service Barrie, 1st floor), 70 Collier Street
- Allandale Recreation Centre, 190 Bayview Drive
- East Bayfield Community Centre, 80 Livingstone St E
- Peggy Hill Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Ave
- Parkview Centre, 189 Blake St
- Barrie Public Library Downtown Branch, 60 Worsley St
- Barrie Public Library Painswick Branch, 48 Dean Ave
- Barrie Landfill & Environmental Centre, 272 Ferndale Drive North
Under the provincial Blue Box Regulation, residential recycling is not managed by the City of Barrie. There will be no changes to how recycling materials are collected – blue and grey box collection will continue as usual. Circular Materials remains responsible for managing
residential recycling.
Questions? We’re here to help. Visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCollectionChanges.
Four City of Barrie events named to Top 100 Festivals list in Ontario
Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) has announced its 2025 list of the Top 100 Festivals & Events in the province, and four City of Barrie events have been recognized. Downtown
Countdown, Canada Day on the Move, and Game On! After Dark join Winterfest on this
year’s list, celebrating some of the best festivals and events across Ontario.
These events attract thousands of visitors each year, contributing to Barrie’s tourism and local economy.
About the Recognized Events:
- The City’s annual Winterfest has been recognized numerous times over the years as
one of FEO’s Top 100 Festivals and Events. The event celebrates all things in winter
with outdoor activities and entertainment. - The Downtown Countdown event has been the place to ring in the New Year since 1998
with family-friendly activities, live music, fireworks and more. - The city’s traditional Canada Day celebrations were expanded to Canada Day On The
Move with travelling Canada Day activities at three local parks in addition to the
downtown. - Game On! After Dark is the City’s gaming event hosted at 5 Points Theatre, where
players can relive the nostalgia of retro video games, go head-to-head in a video game
tournament, and much more.
Festivals and Events Ontario was established in 1987 as an association devoted to the growth and stability of the festival and event industry in Ontario.
Read the full media release at barrie.ca.
Barrie Transit Route 2 extension now in effect
Starting March 9, Route 2 has been extended to service the Pringle and Sproule
neighbourhoods as a replacement for Transit ON Demand Zone G.
Route 2 will maintain the same service hours as Zone G and operate with a peak frequency of every 30 minutes between Park Place and downtown.
To learn more about Barrie Transit and the upcoming changes to Route 2, visit
barrie.ca/NewTransitNetwork.
Presented by The City of Barrie
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of The City of Barrie and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of iPolitics.
