Skip the driveway, visit the car wash
Driveways are not the best place for washing cars. The soaps and detergents can make their way into the ground or the lake. In Barrie, our drinking water from the tap comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water. Instead, take your car to a car wash. Car washes are required to treat their wastewater before releasing it into the sewer. Safe drinking water starts with you!
Learn about more about simple actions you can take to protect our drinking water at barrie.ca/SourceWaterProtection.
Hot Summer Nights returns with cool family fun
Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) will host two free Hot Summer Nights this summer – the first at Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Road) on Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the second on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Madelaine Park (90 Madelaine Drive). Everyone is welcome to join the fun and cool off under the spray from BFES trucks. Participate in family-friendly activities, learn about lifesaving fire safety tips, and take tours of the fire trucks.
Visit barrie.ca/HotSummerNights for event details.
New ward boundaries for upcoming Municipal Election
The City of Barrie has finalized new ward boundaries following a comprehensive review completed in 2025. The updated boundaries will be in effect for the 2026 Municipal Election and the upcoming term of Council. Residents whose ward boundaries have changed will vote in their new ward during the municipal election this fall. Current ward representation will remain unchanged until the newly elected Council is sworn in. Individuals considering a run for Council are encouraged to review the updated ward map, as the changes may affect the areas they wish to represent.
For more information, including interactive and printable ward maps, visit barrie.ca/election.
Fall recreation registration opens August 25
Set a reminder to enrol in your favourite registered recreation programs for the fall! Registration for residents opens on Tuesday, August 25, at 8 a.m. Registration for non-residents will open Tuesday, September 1. Starting August 18, you can browse offerings at play.barrie.ca and save them to your “Wish List” to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens.
The City also offers fee assistance to help eligible Barrie residents access recreation programs.
Beach day reminder: Know before you go
To help keep beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone, tents and most sunshades are not permitted at Barrie’s waterfront beaches and parks. Permitted shade structures must have no more than one pole and one wall or side, ensuring clear sightlines throughout the area.
Learn more about beach rules and amenities at barrie.ca/beaches.
Last chance: Barrie Arts Awards nominations
Celebrate the individuals and organizations that enrich Barrie’s arts community by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Barrie Arts Awards. Nominations are open until Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to the local arts sector, with recipients being honoured at the annual gala on November 10, 2026.
To submit a nomination or learn more, visit barrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
Waterfront digital parking permit valid through 2028Â
Barrie residents can park for free at select waterfront locations with a digital waterfront parking permit, now valid through December 31, 2028. Permits are tied directly to your licence plate, so there’s no need to display anything in your vehicle. Already have a permit? You’re all set—no further action is required.
If you don’t have one yet, apply today at barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking.
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.
