Spot a pothole? Let us know and we’ll fix it 
Last year, the City repaired over 12,900 potholes! Help us identify this year’s problem areas to ensure potholes are repaired in a timely manner. Potholes usually occur in the spring as the temperatures change. Pothole complaints are addressed on a priority and scheduling basis. To report one, please provide location details via one of the channels below. Include as much detail as possible (a landmark or nearest address) so crews can locate and fill the pothole as quickly as possible.
- ServiceBarrie.ca
- Phone: 705-726-4242
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Mobile app
- Facebook or X
Visit barrie.ca/potholes for more information.
Barrie’s 2025 Heritage Award winners honoured at City Council 
The 2025 Heritage Awards were presented at the March 4 City Council Meeting. These awards are presented annually by the City’s Heritage Committee to buildings, individuals, and groups who have contributed to preserving Barrie’s community heritage and who share awareness of historical conservation. The winners are as follows: in the residential property category: 62 Shirley Ave. (owner Darlene Botman), pictured. In the community, group, or individual category: Barrie Curling Club (Manager, Renee Dadswell), and Roxanne Shank (President of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council). In the commercial property category: 80 Dunlop St. E. (Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café, owners Lise Ravalli and Cait Patrick).
For more information, including a list of the previous year’s award winners, visit barrie.ca/HeritageAwards.
Barrie Airshow Soars to Top 100 as Family Fright Fest Earns Innovation Honour 
The City of Barrie is celebrating two recent honours from Festivals and Events Ontario. The Barrie Airshow has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events, recognizing its role as a signature waterfront celebration that brings the community together, attracts visitors from across Canada, and showcases Barrie’s connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force and CFB Borden. This free, family friendly event returns June 13 and 14, 2026. Family Fright Fest was also recognized, earning an Innovation Award for its inclusive, sensory friendly programming designed to provide a calm and accessible experience for all attendees. The Barrie Airshow joins four other signature Barrie events: Canada Day On The Move, Game On! After Dark, Downtown Countdown, and Winterfest previously named to the list of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events.
March Break fun at the Five Points Theatre 
Join us during March Break for fun at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). There will be a variety of indoor activities and events for all ages throughout the week including musical movies, video game racing, a Mini Midway, an interactive animal experience featuring Zoo to You and Yuk Yuks Comedy Night. For details and pricing visit barrie.ca/theatres.
Have Your Say on the Future of Barrie’s Parks! 
The City of Barrie is creating a new Parks Strategic Plan and wants to hear from residents about the future of local parks and outdoor recreation spaces. Residents can get involved by completing an online survey (open until March 22, 2026, with a chance to win a prize) or using an online mapping tool to share park-specific feedback.
Learn more and participate at BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan.
Summer Company invites young entrepreneurs to launch their own business 
Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. Participants receive up to $3,000 in a microgrant, mentorship, and access to valuable training and networking opportunities through support and funding from the Province of Ontario. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.
Spring rec programming and summer camp registration 
Registration for spring recreation programs is open! Summer camp registration will open at 8 a.m. on March 24, and March 31 for non-residents. Visit play.barrie.ca to browse and register for programs.
Second property tax installment due April 30
The second installment of the interim 2026 property tax bill is due on April 30. 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.
City of Barrie supports the #ITSTARTS campaign 
The City is once again proclaiming March as #ITSTARTS month. #ITSTARTS is a public awareness campaign led by the County of Simcoe that is designed to take a step towards addressing racism and discrimination while embracing acceptance, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Visit simcoe.ca/ItStarts and barrie.ca/inclusivity to learn more.
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.
