List of certified candidates for 2026 Municipal Election now available
The certified list of candidates for Barrie’s 2026 Municipal Election is now available at barrie.ca/electioncandidates. Residents can vote online or by phone from October 16 at 10 a.m. to October 26 at 8 p.m. Voter information letters, including voting PINs and instructions, will be mailed in late September. Residents who have not received their letter by October 13 should contact the City at 705-728-8683 (VOTE) or [email protected]. Voter Assistance Centres will also be available on October 22, 23, 24 and 26.
Learn more at barrie.ca/election.
New ward boundaries are coming 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.
Learn more and access interactive and printable ward maps at barrie.ca/election.
New Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub welcomes students September 8Â
The City of Barrie and Lakehead University recently celebrated the completion of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub in downtown Barrie. Bringing a university presence to the city represents a transformative investment in talent, education, and economic growth in Barrie. The STEM Hub will enable students to learn locally for in-demand careers and supply industry with skilled talent. The first Barrie STEM Hub class begins on September 8, 2026.Â
For more information, visit barrie.ca/STEMHub or lakeheadu.ca/barrie.
Stay active this fall with recreation programs
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.
Registration is open for residents and non-resident registration opens 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.
Nominations open for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation AwardsÂ
The City of Barrie is 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.Â
Culture Days & Doors Open Barrie 
Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in Barrie this fall! Culture Days 2026 runs September 18 until October 4, offering a free, interactive lineup of behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities across the city. As part of the festivities, Doors Open Barrie returns on Saturday, September 26, with unique sites open for public tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event gives residents the opportunity to discover new and interesting places in their own backyard and get a glimpse of what makes Barrie such a special place to live, work, and play.
Discover all events and participating sites at barrie.ca/CultureDays.Â
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 apply for 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 SoonÂ
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.
