This Week in Barrie: Week of October 12

Voting starts for the Municipal Election on October 16

Voting in the 2026 Municipal Election begins October 16 and continues through Election Day on October 26. Eligible electors registered on the voters list will receive a Voter Information Letter (VIL) in the mail with a unique voting PIN and instructions on how to vote for Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee. 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 have not received 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).

Join the Halloween fun at Family Fright Fest

Family Fright Fest is back on October 24! From 3 to 9 p.m., Lampman Lane Park & Community Centre will be transformed into a Halloween destination featuring a haunted house, inflatables, crafts, food trucks, a costume contest, local vendors, and more.

There’s something for every age to enjoy. For full event details, visit barrie.ca/FrightFest.

Thanksgiving Day affected services and service reminders

The following City of Barrie services will be affected on the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Monday, October 12: 

• There will be no Barrie Transit service on Monday, October 12 
• Recreation/Community Centres will be closed on Monday, October 12. 
• City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 12 

Residents are also reminded of the following:

There will be no change to the waste collection schedule on Monday, October 12; curbside collection will occur as regularly scheduled. Visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCollection for more information on curbside collection services and to look up your collection schedule. 

Downtown parking (on-street and lots) is free on statutory holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Waterfront parking, and parking in the hybrid and marina lots, is enforced 24/7/365. A digital waterfront permit is required to park for free at specific waterfront areas. Visit barrie.ca/parking for details.

Remember: Pumpkins go in the organics cart

Closing your garden for the season? Pumpkins and other garden fruit and vegetables belong in your organics cart, not yard waste. Although both programs create compost, the materials are collected and processed differently.

For more information on what goes in your organics cart, visit barrie.ca/OrganicsCollection.

Have fun and stay active this fall with a Barrie recPASS

Get the most for your recreation dollars by buying a Barrie recPASS for you and your family! The recPASS includes access to ALL fitness, swimming, skating, open gym and kids’ drop-in programs plus UNLIMITED access to our fitness centres at the Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, & Peggy Hill Team Community Centre.

Passes can be purchased online or in person at a recreation centre.

Looking for work? Attend the Industry Career Expo on October 21

Connect with employers hiring across manufacturing, engineering, technology, skilled trades, digital media, business and innovation at the Industry Hiring Event & Career Expo: Explore Careers Where Manufacturing, Technology and Digital Creativity Collide. The event takes place on October 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). Hosted in partnership by Lakehead University, Georgian College, and Invest Barrie, this collaborative workforce development initiative brings together employers, post-secondary institutions, and the community to strengthen the future workforce of Barrie and Simcoe County.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/events.

Nominate an innovator for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards

Do you know a business, individual or community group that has shown strength, creativity, adaptation or innovation this past year? Nominate them for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards. Each year, these awards recognize the innovative approaches and sheer determination that contributes to a resilient foundation for our city.

Local artists and graphic designers working in the digital field are also invited to submit a concept for the Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy. Nominations close on November 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Artists sought for City Hall gallery exhibitions

Local artists, collectives, organizations and clubs are invited to submit exhibition proposals for Barrie’s City Hall First Floor Gallery. The gallery showcases local artwork through two-month exhibitions and provides selected artists with paid opportunities to display their work throughout 2027. Applications must include an artist statement, images of the proposed artwork, and supporting exhibition information. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on November 19.

For submission requirements and details, visit barrie.ca/FirstFloorGallery or email [email protected].

Free program helps local businesses reach global markets

Looking to grow your business beyond Canada? Applications are now open for Barrie’s Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) cohort, which begins October 29. Designed to help businesses expand into international markets, the program includes expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and customized export planning to support long-term growth.

Funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the program is available to eligible participants at no cost. Learn more and get application details at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.

Presented by The City of Barrie