Barrie recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, 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.
Reminder – affected City services on September 30:
- City Hall will be closed
- Landfill site will be closed
- Transit will run on a regular weekday schedule
- No registered programming at recreation facilities – open for drop ins only
Be ready to vote in the 2026 Municipal Election
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).
Don’t miss 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.
Celebrate Culture Days
Culture Days 2026 continues to October 4, offering a free, interactive lineup of behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities across the city. 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.
Participate in Textile Collection Week: October 5-9
Help keep reusable items out of the landfill by participating in Textile Collection Week. Simply place items (clothing, linens, towels, stuffed toys and shoes) in a labelled bag that says “textiles” (preferably a clear bag, but if you don’t have a clear bag, you can use any type of waterproof plastic bag) and set them at the curb by 7 a.m. on your designated textile collection day the week of October 5. Please note this is not the same as your regular waste collection day.
To find your textile collection day, review acceptable items, or learn more, visit recyclingrewards.com/barrie or call 1-866-927-3873.
Industry Hiring Event & Career Expo on October 21
Looking to hire? Get connected with students, recent graduates, alumni, and community job seekers interested in careers across manufacturing, engineering, technology, software and IT, skilled trades, digital media, creative industries, professional services, government, non-profit organizations, and innovation-focused sectors at the Industry Hiring Event & Career Expo. The Expo takes place on October 21, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Five Points Theatre.
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/events and reserve your booth today!
City seeks trophy design submissions for Mayor’s Innovation Awards
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.
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.
Help protect Lake Simcoe and Barrie’s drinking water
In Barrie, our drinking water comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water. Have a pool or a hot tub? When emptying it this fall, drain the water across your lawn on a dry, sunny day so that it soaks into the ground and avoids flowing to the storm sewer. Avoid adding chemicals to your pool or hot tub for two weeks before draining.
Learn about more ways you can help protect the city’s drinking water at barrie.ca/SourceWaterProtection.
Free Trade Accelerator Program available to help local businesses expand to international markets
Are you ready to explore new markets and grow your business internationally? Applications are now open for Barrie’s cohort of Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), beginning October 29. Through expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and customized export planning, TAP helps businesses develop the strategy, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in global markets. Thanks to support from the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this program is available at no cost to participants.
Learn more and get application details at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.
International Day of Older Persons open house
Join us for the International Day of Older Persons open house this Thursday, October 1, 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.
Family Fright Fest returns October 24!
Barrie’s annual Halloween celebration is back for its 6th year! Join the fun on Saturday, October 24, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Lampman Lane Park & Community Centre (59 Lampman Lane). Family Fright Fest transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland with a haunted house, inflatables, crafts, food trucks, costume contest, vendor market, and more. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
For full event details, visit barrie.ca/FrightFest.
Final tax due date is Tuesday, September 29
The final 2026 tax bill instalment due date is September 29, 2026. 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.
