Barrie celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
The City of Barrie is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by recognizing the crucial role public safety telecommunicators play in emergency response and public safety. April 12 to 18 is officially dedicated to honouring the professionals who answer 911 calls, dispatch emergency responders, and provide vital information to those on the front lines of emergencies. Residents are encouraged to share a quick note of thanks for the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The messages will be shared with all of Barrie’s public safety telecommunicators.
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Centennial Park
The City is inviting residents to share their input on design proposals for a new Centennial Park Food and Activity Hub, a project intended to celebrate local food culture, improve public access to the waterfront, and create new opportunities for community activity and events in this important park. Two preliminary design concepts have been developed, and each explores different ways to organize the space around three core waterfront experiences: dance, dine, and play.
Residents are encouraged to visit BuildingBarrie.ca/CentennialParkHub to review both design concepts and complete the online survey by Friday, May 1, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.
The Recycling Depot is now open!
The depot is located at the lower gate area of the City’s landfill site at 272 Ferndale Drive North. This facility helps reduce wait times and makes dropping off recyclable materials, tires, electronics, scrap metal and household hazardous waste materials more efficient.
The depot is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more at barrie.ca/landfill.
Reminder: Please repackage any disintegrated yard waste bags
If your yard waste has been left at the curb over the winter, it will need to be repackaged and set back out in an intact container to be collected. Paper yard waste bags that have broken down under the snow can’t be picked up.
To ensure collection, please place yard waste in one of the following containers:
- a garbage can up to 120 L with exterior handles;
- an old green bin (not a current organics cart); or
- an intact paper leaf and yard waste bag.
For more information on proper yard waste packaging, visit barrie.ca/YardWasteCollection.
Spot a Pothole? Let Us Know
Last year, City crews repaired more than 12,900 potholes—and they’re out there tackling more this spring. With fluctuating temperatures, new potholes can appear quickly, and your reports play a key role in helping us find and fix them fast. Pothole repairs are scheduled based on urgency and location. When reporting one, please include the exact spot, along with a nearby address or landmark.
Report a pothole using any of the following:
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- Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
- Phone: 705-726-4242
- Email: [email protected]
- Mobile App
For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.
Reminder: 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.
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 microgrant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government. 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.
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, 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.
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.
