The City of Barrie celebrates the completion of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub
The City of Barrie and Lakehead University recently celebrated the completion of the new Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub, a major investment in education and economic growth in downtown Barrie. The Barrie STEM Hub is a multi-site facility with two locations: 24 Maple Avenue and 5 Ross Street. The STEM Hub will provide hands-on education in engineering, mechatronics, and computer science at the undergraduate and graduate levels, enabling students to learn locally for in-demand careers and supplying industry with skilled talent. Lakehead University will welcome the inaugural Barrie STEM Hub class on September 8, 2026.
For more information, visit barrie.ca/STEMHub or lakeheadu.ca/barrie.
Secure Your Spot: Fall Recreation Registration Opens August 25
The City of Barrie offers hundreds of programs for all ages and abilities, including fitness classes, swimming lessons, skating programs, arts activities, and family-friendly recreation opportunities.
Resident registration opens August 25, followed by non-resident registration on September 1. Popular programs fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged at play.barrie.ca. Eligible Barrie residents can also apply for fee assistance through the RecACCESS program, which helps make recreation programs more affordable.
Don’t miss Barrie Fire’s Hot Summer Nights event
Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) will host another free Hot Summer Nights event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Madelaine Park (90 Madelaine Drive) this Thursday, August 27. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and cool off under the spray from BFES trucks. Participate in free family-friendly activities, learn about lifesaving fire safety tips, and take tours of the fire trucks.
Visit barrie.ca/HotSummerNights for event details.
There’s still time to enjoy free, family-friendly activities in Barrie parks
The City is still offering free, drop-in activities in parks across the community for the final weeks of 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.
Celebrate innovation: 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards nominations open
The City of Barrie is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards. Celebrating its eighth year, the awards recognize businesses, individuals, and community groups that demonstrate creativity, leadership, adaptability, and innovation. Award categories include Pivot Point, Creative Collaboration, Research & Innovation Contribution, Youth Innovator, Shift Disturber, and Municipal Innovation. Barrie businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to apply. Nominations close November 18, 2026. Winners will be selected by independent judging panels and recognized at an awards ceremony in spring 2027.
Visit investbarrie.ca/InnovationAwards to learn more and submit nominations.
Know Your Ward: Boundary Changes for the 2026 Municipal Election
The City of Barrie has finalized new ward boundaries following a comprehensive review completed in 2025. The updated boundaries will be used for the 2026 Municipal Election and the next term of Council. Residents whose ward boundaries have changed will vote in their new ward during this fall’s election, while current ward representation will remain in place until the newly elected Council is sworn in.
Anyone considering running for Council is encouraged to review the updated ward map, as the new boundaries may affect the area they wish to represent. Learn more and access interactive and printable ward maps at barrie.ca/election.
Waterfront Parking Permits Now Valid Through 2028
Barrie residents can continue to park for free at select waterfront locations with a digital waterfront parking permit, now valid until December 31, 2028. The permit is linked directly to your licence plate, making parking quick and convenient with no physical permit required.
If you already have a waterfront parking permit, no action is needed. Residents who have not yet applied can get their permit online at barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking.
Local businesses invited to complete annual Business & Employer Data Survey
The City of Barrie is conducting its annual Business & Employer Data Survey to gather up-to-date information on local businesses and employment trends. City staff will be visiting businesses in commercial and industrial areas throughout the city, and businesses can also complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30, 2026. Survey results help keep the City’s online business directory and support economic development and planning initiatives.
For more information and to view the 2025 summary report, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.
Property Tax Deadline Reminder: Final Instalment Due Soon
The final 2026 tax bill instalment due date is 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.
