Free, family-friendly activities in Barrie parks all summer
The City is offering free, drop-in activities in parks across the community throughout the summer to get residents engaged in active play and nature. Enjoy the Summer Fun Trailer, Community Connect at Lampman Garden, Neighbourhood Nights, Nature Play Days, Park Takeovers, and the Sandy Shores Kitchen and Café–featuring hands-on activities, nature experiences, and sensory play for children and families.
For details, dates, times, and the full schedule, visit barrie.ca/SummerFunEvents.
Calling all local businesses: Complete this year’s Business & Employer Data Survey
City of Barrie staff are conducting the annual Business & Employer Data Survey through door-to-door visits in Barrie’s commercial and industrial areas. The survey helps update the City’s online business directory and informs economic development and planning efforts. Businesses can also complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30, 2026.
For more information and to view the 2025 summary report, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.
Road Closure Notice: Huronia & Lockhart Rd Intersection
A full closure of the Huronia Road and Lockhart Road intersection will be in place from July 2 to September 30, 2026, to allow for major culvert installations, intersection improvements, road reconstruction, and deep sanitary sewer work along Huronia Road. Through traffic will be detoured, with signed routes in place, while access to businesses and residents within the closure will be maintained at all times. This work is part of planned transportation improvements identified in the City’s Multi-Modal Active Transportation Master Plan to support growth to 2031.
Visit barrie.ca/roadwork for more information and project updates.
Enjoy Barrie beaches this summer!
Beaches are open and lifeguards are on duty daily from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (weather-permitting) at Johnson’s and Centennial beaches for the summer season. When lifeguards are on duty, signs are posted, and buoy lines mark the designated swimming areas supervised. As in previous years, there is no supervision at any other waterfront locations.
The Personal Floatation Device (PFD) loan program allows visitors to borrow PFDs for free at Centennial and Johnson’s beaches. The PFD loan service is an effective way to increase usage and promotes public education surrounding the value of properly fitted PFDs. Approximately 90% of drowning victims are found not wearing a lifejacket or PFD.
For more information visit barrie.ca/beaches.
Reminder: No tents or sunshades at the beach
Tents or sunshades are not permitted at waterfront beaches or parks unless they are supported by no more than one pole and have no more than one wall or side. This helps keep sightlines clear and beaches safe for everyone.
For more details, visit barrie.ca/beaches.
Free summer concert with Kim Mitchell on July 11
Kick off summer in style with a free outdoor concert featuring multi-platinum, JUNO Award-winning Canadian rock legend Kim Mitchell at Meridian Place on July 11. Make a day of it downtown—start with the Downtown Barrie Butter Tart Festival, then cap off the evening with live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Meridian Place.
For event details, visit barrie.ca/events.
Nominations open for Barrie Arts Awards
Nominations for this year’s Arts Awards are open until Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the arts sector. Winners will be honoured at the annual gala on November 10, 2026.
To submit a nomination or learn more about the Barrie Arts Awards, visit barrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
Celebrate summer at Barrie Youth Event
Calling Barrie youth under 19! Mark your calendar for a summer celebration and join the Barrie Youth Council for free food, music, games, and community connection. Â The event is Friday, July 24, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre at 205 Lakeshore Drive. Organized by the City of Barrie Youth Council.
Visit barrie.ca/YouthCouncil.
Make sure you’re on the Voters’ List!
With Election Day set for October 26, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re on the 2026 Municipal Election voters’ list. Doing so means you’ll receive your voter information letter ahead of time, helping you cast your ballot with confidence for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Board Trustee(s).
Visit registertovoteon.ca for details.
Do you have your waterfront digital parking permit?
Resident waterfront digital parking permits have been extended to December 31, 2028. A waterfront parking permit, free for Barrie residents, allows you to park for free at select waterfront locations. Each digital permit is tied to a specific licence plate, so you do not need to bring anything with you or display anything when parking in select areas along Barrie’s beautiful waterfront.
If you already have a waterfront digital parking permit, no action is required. Don’t have a permit yet? Visit barrie.ca/Waterfront Parking.
Reminder: Property tax bill due dates
Final 2026 tax bill instalment due dates are June 30 and September 29, 2026. Final tax bills are issued each May. All payments must be received by the City on or before the due date to avoid late payment fees of 1.25% per month. Simplify your payments—join the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan and never worry about missing a due date!
Visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes for more information.
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.
