Today is your last chance to vote in the 2026 Municipal Election!
Eligible electors can 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 by 8 p.m. today, Monday, October 26.
For further details and assistance centre locations, please visit barrie.ca/election.
New program supports local food and beverage entrepreneurs
The Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia has partnered with Foodpreneur Advantage to offer a free program designed to help food and beverage entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses. Through a series of webinars and expert guidance, participants will gain practical knowledge on regulatory compliance, food safety, branding, pricing, sales, packaging and market readiness.Upcoming webinars run from October 29 to December 3.
Learn more and register for the webinars at investbarrie.ca/events.
Celebrate Barrie’s innovators: Nominate someone for a 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Award
The 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards recognize businesses, individuals and community groups that have demonstrated innovation, adaptability, creativity and leadership over the past year. If you know someone making a positive impact in our community, now is the time to nominate them.
Artists and graphic designers working in the digital field are also encouraged to submit a concept for the Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy.
Nominations and trophy design entries are open until November 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Pumpkins go in the organics cart!
Looking to get rid of your pumpkins after Halloween? Your organics cart can help!
Remove any candles or decorations before placing them in the cart, and if a pumpkin is too large, break it into smaller pieces or place it near the cart. You can also put in any spoiled fruit and vegetables from your summer garden.
For more information on what goes in your organics cart, visit barrie.ca/OrganicsCollection.
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.
Battery Collection Week is coming up November 2 to 6!
Each November during Battery Collection Week—the first full week of November—batteries are accepted for curbside collection at residential properties. Bag up your used batteries and place the bag on top of your garbage or organics cart on your regular collection day, next week. Use the battery recycling bag that was mailed to your house, or any clear, sealable bag. Make sure the bag is visible to collectors.
Visit barrie.ca/BatteryCollectionWeek for details, including information on the types of batteries that are accepted curbside.
November 1 to 7 is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week is November 1 to 7, 2026, and Barrie Fire and Emergency Service is taking the opportunity to remind residents about carbon monoxide alarm requirements. The Ontario Fire Code requires additional carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
The regulations require:
- A carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to every sleeping area in your home; and
- A carbon monoxide alarm on every storey that does not contain a sleeping area (for example, a main floor or basement).
For more information on carbon monoxide alarms, visit barrie.ca/FireSafetyEquipment.
Enter the Mayor’s Christmas card contest!
Each year, the Office of the Mayor looks forward to receiving submissions from creative Barrie residents. The contest is open to Barrie residents, and artwork should depict a City of Barrie scene or event. An award of $600 will be made to the winning entrant. Official entry forms are available online and at Service Barrie. Submit finished artwork with a completed entry form in person at Service Barrie by Monday, November 30 at 4:30 p.m.
For full contest details, visit barrie.ca/CardContest.
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.
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.
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.
