Voting is underway – Cast your vote in the Municipal Election today
Eligible electors can now cast their vote in the 2026 Municipal Election for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Board Trustee. Vote online or by phone using the unique PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter (VIL) by 8 p.m. on Monday, October 26. If you have not received your VIL or need further assistance, visit any of Barrie’s six voter assistance centres.
For further details and assistance centre locations, please visit barrie.ca/election.
Free Halloween fun awaits 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.
City recognizes Waste Reduction Week with free community events
The City of Barrie is recognizing Circular Economy Month and Waste Reduction Week (October 19 to 25) by helping residents learn how to reduce waste and make informed disposal decisions. Join the City and the Barrie Public Library for a free STEAM Challenge on October 21, where participants can explore what happens to garbage, recycling, and organics after collection. Residents can also visit the Barrie Farmers’ Market on October 24 to “Ask a Waste Expert” about waste sorting, disposal options, and ways to reduce waste at home. City staff will also be at the Barrie Colts game on October 22, offering interactive games and tips to help attendees test their waste-sorting knowledge.
Learn more at barrie.ca/CircularEconomy and barrie.ca/ReThinkWaste.
Thank you for your patience during yard waste season!
In late October, curbside yard waste volumes increase, and trucks may need extra trips to the landfill. Collection might take a little longer on some days, but all yard waste will be picked up by end of day Friday.
For more information, visit barrie.ca/composting.
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.
Nominations open 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 are open until November 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Artists invited to exhibit at City Hall Gallery
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].
Local businesses invited to explore global opportunities
Ready to grow your business beyond Canada? Applications are now open for Barrie’s Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), beginning October 29. The free program helps businesses expand into international markets through expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and customized export planning. Eligible participants can apply at no cost.
Learn more and get application details at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.
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.
