This Week in Barrie: Week of September 21

Get ready to vote! 

Keep an eye out for your Voter Information Letter (VIL). Eligible electors who are registered on the voters list for the 2026 municipal election will receive a VIL in the mail in late September. The letter includes your unique voting PIN and instructions on how to vote for Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee from October 16 to Election Day on October 26. Not registered yet? Visit barrie.ca/election to check your voter status, update your information or register to vote. Voting is available online, by phone or with support at a Voter Assistance Centre.

If you do not receive your VIL and PIN by October 13, visit a Voter Assistance Centre, the Election Help Desk at City Hall (70 Collier Street), or call 705-728-VOTE (8683).

Culture Days & Doors Open Barrie

Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in Barrie this fall! Culture Days 2026 runs to 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. 

It’s National Forest Week!

Join the City of Barrie in celebrating the importance of our urban forests. From September 21 to 26, enjoy tree walks, seedling giveaways, and fun educational activities throughout the week. National Forest Week is celebrated across Canada and is a great opportunity to learn more about our forests and the vital role trees play in our community.

Visit barrie.ca/UrbanForestry for a full list of Forest Week activities.

Barrie recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 with the opportunity for community members to gather, learn and reflect.  Events are being offered in a collaborative effort between the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Primary Care Team of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC), the City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Library.    

For details visit barrie.ca/NDTR.   

Affected services:  

• City Hall will be closed   

• Transit will run on a regular weekday schedule.  

• No registered programming at recreation facilities – drop ins only 

City invites submissions for Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy design

The City of Barrie is seeking creative submissions for the trophy design of the 8th annual Mayor’s Innovation Awards. The selected artist will receive $1,000, and their design will be fabricated by the Georgian College Makerspace. Interested applicants must submit up to three concept images, a one-page artist statement or video, and examples of previous work by October 20, 2026.

Learn more and access the submission form at investbarrie.ca/InnovationAwards.

Get your tickets to How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies

City of Barrie Theatres presents How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). Hear not one, but two Frankie Vallis in a showstopping concert revue that goes behind the scenes of the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys. Discover how two small-town Canadian kids grew up to play the legendary Frankie Valli. Enjoy hits like Sherry, Walk Like a Man, and Big Girls Don’t Cry.

For tickets, visit barrie.ca/TheatreTickets.

Last chance for local businesses to take part in the Business & Employer Data Survey 

The City of Barrie is conducting the annual Business & Employer Data Survey. The survey helps update the City’s online business directory and informs economic development and planning efforts. Businesses can complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30.

To learn more about this initiative, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.

Trade Accelerator Program for local businesses

Invest Barrie is launching a Trade Accelerator Program this fall, delivered in collaboration with the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the Province of Ontario, the City of Orillia, and the County of Simcoe. Registration is now open. Participating businesses from Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County will receive structured training and mentorship focused on export readiness, market expansion, and international business development.

Learn more and get details on how to apply at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.

Don’t miss the International Day of Older Persons open house

Join us for the International Day of Older Persons open house on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at Parkview Community Centre (189 Blake Street).   

The event will feature:  

• Free activities (dance, art exhibit, table tennis) for 55+ 

• Tours of the Parkview 55+ Centre 

• Free refreshments 

• Vendor fair featuring local agencies and government services  

• Prizes and giveaways 

 For more information and to register visit barrie.ca/seniors or call 705-737-0755.

Reminder: Final tax due date coming up

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