This Week in Barrie: Week of March 23

Summer camp registration opens for residents this week!

Resident registration for summer camps starts Tuesday, March 24. Non-resident registration opens on Tuesday, March 31. Registration for spring recreation programs is ongoing with lots of activities to enjoy! Browse and register for recreation programming opportunities including spring rec programs and summer camps at play.barrie.ca or register in person at Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive), East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone Street East) or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Avenue).

Attend a Building Services Open House this spring!

Thinking about a home renovation, addition, or building a deck? Drop in to a Building Services Open House!  The remaining sessions run 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 (East Bayfield Community Centre), Thursday, May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and Thursday, June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration. This is an opportunity to learn about building permits and building inspections from City staff and pick up building project resources related to home renovation projects. 

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer 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 real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 micro-grant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government—and they keep any profits earned. 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. 

Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?

Residents in Barrie and surrounding areas who do not have a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. With new family doctors and nurse practitioners now accepting patients locally, registering ensures your information is up to date and ready to be matched when spots become available. Health Care Connect is free, simple to use, and the fastest way to get attached to primary care in our community.

Learn more or register today at baoht.ca/hcc.

Help keep our roads safe: report potholes

Spring is here, and as temperatures rise, city crews will be busy filling potholes. These common spring hazards typically form when frost develops and snow is melting. You can help ensure potholes are repaired quickly by reporting them! To report a pothole, please provide as much detail as possible, such as the location and nearest address or landmark, so crews can find and fill the pothole as efficiently as possible.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

• Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
• Phone: 705-726-4242
• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile App
• Facebook or X

For more information on road maintenance, visit barrie.ca/RoadMaintenance.

Apply Now: Heritage Conservation Grant Program

The City of Barrie is inviting property owners to apply for the Conservation of Built Heritage Grant Program, which helps fund restoration and renovation projects for heritage properties. Funding covers up to 60% of eligible costs, up to $10,000. Eligible work includes restoration, necessary upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and other conservation projects on heritage-listed or designated properties. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026. Learn more and see eligibility requirements at barrie.ca/HeritageCIP.

For any questions about the program, reach out to [email protected] or call 705-739-4220 x4416.

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.

Presented by The City of Barrie