City Of Barrie, Author at CompassNews

This Week in Barrie: Week of May 11

City Of Barrie — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:24:01 +0000

Licence 2 Ride for Barrie Youth: Your Summer Pass to Transit, Fitness, and Fun!

Applications are open for the City’s Licence 2 Ride (L2R) program, which is available for Barrie youth aged 12 to 17. The program includes free unlimited summer rides on Barrie Transit and free, select drop-in access at Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, Allandale Recreation Centre, and East Bayfield Community Centre.

Find out more and apply at barrie.ca/Licence2Ride.

City of Barrie celebrates FIFA World Cup with Regional Esports Tournament

The Game On! World Cup Esports Tournament will unite top qualifying players aged 14 to 24 from across Simcoe County for a FIFA / EA Sports FC showdown—featuring online play and a live, on-stage final experience. The event is presented in partnership with Bradford West Gwillimbury, Collingwood, Innisfil, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township and is hosted virtually by online interactive gaming entertainment company, We Got Game.

For more information and to register by May 22 visit barrie.ca/GameOnWorldCup.

Considering a run for office? Attend an information session

Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election are now open. The City is hosting two information sessions for anyone thinking about running for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee, or registering as a third-party advertiser. Each session covers different topics, so attending both is encouraged. Sessions will take place in Council Chambers at City Hall (70 Collier Street), with options to attend in person or via Zoom.

Session One: May 11, 6–8 p.m.

Session Two: May 28, 6–8 p.m.

For full details visit barrie.ca/election.

Save time with the City’s Recycling Depot!

The Recycling Depot is located at the lower gate area of the City’s landfill site (272 Ferndale Drive North). This facility helps reduce wait times and make dropping off select materials more efficient.

Drop off these items at the depot for free:

NEW:

Yard waste, residential only (maximum 4 bags)
Tires on or off the rim
Organics (items that go in the organics cart)
Blue and grey box recycling
Scrap metal
Textiles
Electronics – anything with a cord or a battery
Broken recycling or organics bins
Light bulbs
Batteries
Saturdays only: household hazardous waste (like paint or chemicals)

The depot is open seasonally Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

Learn more about the Recycling Depot at barrie.ca/Landfill.

City invites local businesses to complete this year’s Business & Employer Data Survey

City of Barrie staff are now conducting the annual Business & Employer Data Survey through door-to-door visits in Barrie’s commercial and industrial areas. The survey helps update the City’s online business directory and informs economic development and planning efforts.

Businesses can also complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30, 2026. For more information and to view the 2025 summary report, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.

Explore opportunities at the Construction Job Fair on May 21

Invest Barrie and the Barrie Construction Association are hosting a Construction Job Fair on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive). This free event connects job seekers with local employers who are actively hiring. No pre-registration is required—just bring copies of your resume and be ready for possible on-the-spot interviews.

Learn more and view the list of participating employers at investbarrie.ca/ConstructionJobFair.

Share your vision on the future of downtown waterfront parks

Pictured: Heritage Park Concept 1 — Revealed Geogology

The City is redeveloping Heritage Park (Phase 1) and Sam Cancilla Park and is inviting the community to share input on the designs. Residents can review the proposed concepts and take the online survey until Sunday, May 24, 2026 at BuildingBarrie.ca/DowntownWaterfrontParks, for the chance to win a prize. You can also drop in to one of the pop-up engagement events to learn more about the project.

For more information on the project, including details about the pop-up events, visit BuildingBarrie.ca/DowntownWaterfrontParks. (Pictured: Heritage Park Concept 1 — Revealed Geogology).

It’s pothole season and repairs are underway!

Spring is here and City of Barrie crews are busy filling potholes. So far this year, crews have filled over 2,200 potholes and hundreds more are getting filled every day. In 2025, over 12,900 potholes were repaired.

To report a pothole, please provide specific location details using one of the following channels:

Visit ServiceBarrie.ca
Call Service Barrie at 705-726-4242
E-mail Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
Use the City’s mobile app

Pothole complaints are addressed on a priority and scheduling basis. By reporting potholes, you help ensure that they are repaired in a timely manner. Visit barrie.ca/potholes for more information.

Temporary traffic calming measures could be coming to your neighbourhood!

Traffic calming uses physical measures designed to reduce speeding and encourage safe driving in neighbourhoods. Each spring and summer, seasonal, temporary traffic calming measures —such as speed cushions, flexible bollards, and planters—are installed, then removed in the fall.

To learn more and see the full list of 2026 locations, visit barrie.ca/SeasonalTrafficCalming.

Call for artists: Cabinets to Canvas traffic cabinet wraps

The City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Art Committee are inviting Ontario-based artists to submit designs for the Cabinets to Canvas program (formerly Artist Designed Traffic Cabinet Wraps). Part of the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program,, the initiative transforms traffic cabinets with vibrant, community-inspired artwork. Submit your proposal by Friday, May 22, 2026. Artists are also invited to a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 12, from 6–7 p.m. (registration required).

Learn more, review eligibility, and apply at barrie.ca/GraffitiAbatementArtwork.

Do you have your waterfront digital parking permit?

Resident waterfront digital parking permits have been extended to December 31, 2028. A waterfront parking permit, free for Barrie residents, allows you to park for free at select waterfront locations. Each digital permit is tied to a specific licence plate, so you do not need to bring anything with you or display anything when parking in select areas along Barrie’s beautiful waterfront.

Don’t have a permit yet? Visit barrie.ca/Waterfront Parking.

Spring street sweeping is underway!

The annual spring street sweeping program cleans all City streets of sand deposited during winter road maintenance, and other debris. Spring sweeping always starts in the Source Water Protection Areas of the city (zones 1-9).

Visit barrie.ca/StreetSweeping for progress updates to learn where we’re headed next and view the map to determine your zone.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of May 11 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of May 4

City Of Barrie — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:23:52 +0000

Thinking About Running for Office? Join an Information Session

Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election are now open. The City is hosting two sessions for anyone considering running for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee, or registering as a third–party advertiser. Each session covers different topics, so attending both is recommended. The sessions will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall (70 Collier Street), with the option to attend in person or via Zoom.

Session One: May 11, 6 – 8 p.m.

Session Two: May 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

To learn more and for full details visit barrie.ca/election.

Licence 2 Ride for Barrie Youth: Your Summer Pass to Free Transit and Recreation

Find out more and apply at barrie.ca/Licence2Ride.

Have your say on the future of downtown waterfront parks

Pictured: Heritage Park Concept 1 — Revealed Geogology

The City is redeveloping Heritage Park (Phase 1) and Sam Cancilla Park and is inviting the community to share input on the designs.

Residents can review the proposed concepts and take the online survey until Sunday, May 24, 2026 at BuildingBarrie.ca/DowntownWaterfrontParks, for the chance to win a prize.

Celebrate Drinking Water Week

May 3–9 is Drinking Water Week! The City of Barrie is celebrating by highlighting the essential role tap water plays in our daily lives, the infrastructure that delivers it to homes and businesses, and the dedicated water professionals who ensure its safety and reliability. To mark the week, Water Operations staff will offer free public tours of the Surface Water Treatment Plant (20 Royal Parkside Drive) on Wednesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each tour will last approximately one hour. Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Visit barrie.ca/WaterTreatment.

Help keep textiles out of the landfill during Curbside Textile Collection Week (May 4-8)

Donating your clothing, linens, towels, stuffed toys, and shoes is easy during Textile Collection Week! First, confirm your textile collection day (it’s a different day than your regular curbside waste collection day). On your textile collection day, place your items curbside in a bag (preferably a clear bag, but if you don’t have a clear bag, you can use any type of waterproof plastic bag) and put a label on the bag that says “textiles”. The bags will be picked up by Recycling Rewards trucks before 5pm.

Confirm your collection day and learn more at barrie.ca/TextileCollectionWeek.

Temporary traffic calming measures may be coming to your neighbourhood!

Traffic calming uses physical measures to reduce speeding and encourage safer driving in neighbourhoods. Seasonal, temporary traffic calming measures—like speed cushions, flexible bollards, or planters—are installed in the spring and summer and removed in the fall.

To learn more and view a list of the 2026 locations for the traffic calming measures, visit barrie.ca/SeasonalTrafficCalming.

It’s Compost Awareness Week!

Did you know? May 3 to 9 is International Compost Awareness Week! Visit our Compost Awareness Week pop-up event to learn how your leaf and yard waste helps build healthier soils right here in our community. Drop by our outreach table at the Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Dr.) on May 5, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:30am and dig into the full compost story—from curbside collection to finished compost available for public purchase.

Learn more about the City’s composting process at barrie.ca/composting.

City seeking art for Cabinets to Canvas: traffic cabinet wrap program

The City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Art Committee are seeking art from Ontario-based artists for the Cabinets to Canvas program (formerly known as the Artist Designed Traffic Cabinet Wraps Project). This initiative is part of the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program, and aims to beautify the city by wrapping traffic cabinets with unique, community-inspired designs. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, May 22, 2026. Prospective artists are invited to attend a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6 to 7pm, to learn more about the program and ask questions (registration for the session is required).

For program details, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and to register for the virtual information session, visit barrie.ca/GraffitiAbatementArtwork.

Do you have your waterfront digital parking permit?

Don’t have a permit yet? Visit barrie.ca/Waterfront Parking.

Spring street sweeping is underway!

Visit barrie.ca/StreetSweeping for progress updates to learn where we’re headed next and view the map to determine your zone.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of May 4 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of April 27

City Of Barrie — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:14:12 +0000

Thinking About Running for Office? Attend Our Information Sessions

The City is hosting two sessions to help prospective candidates and third-party advertisers prepare for the 2026 Municipal Election. If you’re interested in running in the 2026 Municipal Election for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee—or considering registering as a third-party advertiser, you’re encouraged to attend both sessions, as each offers different information. This session takes place in the City of Barrie Council Chambers, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 70 Collier Street. You can attend in person or participate virtually via Zoom.

Session One: May 11, 6 – 8 p.m.

Session Two: May 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

To learn more and for full details visit barrie.ca/election.

Curbside Textile Collection Week: May 4 – 8

Help keep clothes and other items out of the landfill by participating in the curbside collection of textiles (clothing, linens, towels, stuffed toys and shoes) from May 4 to 8.

To confirm your textile collection day (it’s a different day than your regular curbside collection day) and learn more, visit barrie.ca/TextileCollectionWeek.

Spring street sweeping is underway!

This year’s spring street sweeping has started! The annual spring street sweeping program cleans all City streets of sand deposited during winter road maintenance, and other debris. Sweeping is typically completed within approximately 10 to 14 weeks.

Visit barrie.ca/streetsweeping for progress updates.

See a pothole? Let us know

Last year, the City repaired over 12,900 potholes! Help us identify this year’s problem areas to ensure potholes are repaired in a timely manner. Pothole complaints are addressed on a priority and scheduling basis. To report one, please provide location details via one of the channels below. Include as much detail as possible (a landmark or nearest address) so crews can locate and fill the pothole as quickly as possible.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
Phone: 705-726-4242
Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
Mobile App

For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.

Let’s Make Quality Compost – Together!

Did you know? Your yard waste is turned into compost for City parks and for sale to residents. To keep it clean:

Remove plastic pots, bags, toys
No food waste, pet waste, tools, or treated wood

For more information about how the City turns your yard waste into compost, visit barrie.ca/composting.

Two-factor Authentication Coming to the Online Water Billing Portal

Beginning April 30, Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) will be required to sign in to the online water billing portal. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification step in addition to your password. This helps protect your personal information, helps prevent unauthorized access, and keeps citizen data safe.

For details visit barrie.ca/WaterBilling.

Help Shape the Future of Centennial Park

The City is inviting residents to share their input on design proposals for a new Centennial Park Food and Activity Hub, a project intended to celebrate local food culture, improve public access to the waterfront, and create new opportunities for community activity and events in this important park. Two preliminary design concepts have been developed, and each explores different ways to organize the space around three core waterfront experiences: dance, dine, and play.

Residents are encouraged to visit BuildingBarrie.ca/CentennialParkHub to review both design concepts and complete the online survey by Friday, May 1, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.

Join Us for a Building Services Open House This Spring

Thinking about a home renovation, addition, or building a deck? Drop in to a Building Services Open House! The remaining sessions run 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and Thursday, June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration. This is an opportunity to learn about building permits and building inspections from City staff and pick up building project resources related to home renovation projects.

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

City of Barrie presents Game On! World Cup Online Esports Tournament

The City of Barrie is celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a regional online gaming competition. The Game On! World Cup Esports Tournament will unite top qualifying players aged 14 to 24 from across Simcoe County for a FIFA / EA Sports FC showdown—featuring online play and a live, on-stage final experience.

The event is presented in partnership with Bradford West Gwillimbury, Collingwood, Innisfil, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township and is hosted virtually by online interactive gaming entertainment company, We Got Game.

Online municipal qualifiers May 29 to June 1, 2026
In-person regional finals June 26, 2026, at Five Points Theatre in Barrie (1 Dunlop St. West)

For more information and to register by May 22 visit barrie.ca/GameOnWorldCup.

Reminder: Property tax installment due April 30

The second installment of the interim 2026 property tax bill is due on April 30. Interim tax bills are issued each January. If your taxes are paid through a mortgage company or a pre-authorized payment plan, you will not receive an interim tax bill. The final bill is issued each May and typically arrives in mailboxes by early June. Never miss a due date – enroll in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan for hassle-free payments.

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of April 27 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of April 20

City Of Barrie — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:53:15 +0000

Thinking about running in the 2026 Municipal Election?

Nominations for Mayor, Councillor, and School Board Trustee open May 1, 2026.

If you’re considering putting your name forward, the City is hosting Candidate & Third Party Advertiser Information Sessions on May 11 and 28. These sessions cover eligibility, nomination requirements, and what to expect during the campaign period.

The nomination period for the 2026 Municipal Election closes at 2 p.m. on August 21. To learn more and for full details visit barrie.ca/election.

Skilled Trades Fair April 23

Barrie residents are invited to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades at the Simcoe County Skilled Trades Fair, taking place on Thursday, April 23 at Georgian College’s Midland Campus (649 Prospect Blvd.). The fair is designed for students, parents, job seekers, and anyone curious about high-demand trades pathways. Attendees can connect directly with employers and industry professionals through hands-on exhibits, service provider booths, and a job fair.

9 a.m. to1:30 p.m. | Student Hands on Experiences with the Trades (Open to Students in Grades 9-12) *Students must sign up through their school
3 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Community & Job Seekers (Free Admission & Open to the Public)

The event also features panel discussions with career experts, offering insight into training, employment opportunities, and the future of skilled trades.

For full event details, visit https://workinsimcoecounty.ca/skilledtradesfair/.

Spring street sweeping begins soon

This year’s spring street sweeping is scheduled to begin in late April, weather permitting. The annual spring street sweeping program cleans all City streets of sand deposited during winter road maintenance, and other debris. Sweeping is typically completed within approximately 10 to 14 weeks.

Visit barrie.ca/streetsweeping for progress updates.

Mayor’s Innovation Awards Recognize Barrie’s Top Trailblazers

The winners of the 7th annual Mayor’s Innovation Awards were recently announced at an awards ceremony at the Five Points Theatre. The Awards recognize the most innovative solutions from Barrie businesses, individuals, and community groups. The City received over 80 nominations, which were evaluated by 18 judges from various industries and business backgrounds on criteria like creativity, innovation, and the nominee’s wider contributions to Barrie’s evolution.

Read about the winners and runners-up of the 2025 Mayor’s Innovation Awards, by category, at investbarrie.ca/InnovationAwards and watch the winners’ videos.

The Mayor’s Innovation Awards are sponsored by Adams Hamilton, Ain Whithead LLP, Marquee Benefits Inc., Innovative Automation, reIGNITE Conference, and the Sandbox Centre.

Help Shape the Future of Centennial Park

Residents are encouraged to visit BuildingBarrie.ca/CentennialParkHub to review both design concepts and complete the online survey by Friday, May 1, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.

City of Barrie presents Game On! World Cup Online Esports Tournament

Online municipal qualifiers May 29 to June 1, 2026
In-person regional finals June 26, 2026, at Five Points Theatre in Barrie (1 Dunlop St. West)

For more information and to register starting April 23 visit barrie.ca/GameOnWorldCup.

Join the City Nature Challenge Barrie Kick Off! (RSVP)

The City Nature Challenge Barrie Kickoff happens Friday, April 24, 2026 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Sunnidale Park. This event invites everyone to step outside, explore nearby green spaces, and start documenting local wildlife. Aimed for families, participants get a quick intro to the Challenge, simple tips for spotting and photographing species, and guidance on using iNaturalist to upload observations that help our city’s biodiversity count grow. Play a few games along the way while we capture wild species in the park. Open for all ages and abilities.

Pre-registration is required, visit the City Nature Challenge Barrie Kickoff or the barrie.ca/events page for more information.

Reminder: Yard waste collection is underway!

Yard waste is collected every-other-week, alternating with your garbage week. Place yard waste curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day (4:30 a.m. in the downtown BIA). Reminder: your garbage and organics carts need space to be collected! Leave at least 2 ft between carts and your yard waste and recycling boxes. For more information, visit barrie.ca/YardWasteCollection.

Help Us Make Great Compost!

Did you know? Your yard waste is turned into compost for City parks and for sale to residents. To keep it clean:

Remove plastic pots, bags, toys
No food waste, pet waste, tools, or treated wood

For more information about how the City turns your yard waste into compost, visit barrie.ca/composting.

Reminder: Property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of April 20 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of April 13

City Of Barrie — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:57:23 +0000

Barrie celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The City of Barrie is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by recognizing the crucial role public safety telecommunicators play in emergency response and public safety. April 12 to 18 is officially dedicated to honouring the professionals who answer 911 calls, dispatch emergency responders, and provide vital information to those on the front lines of emergencies. Residents are encouraged to share a quick note of thanks for the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The messages will be shared with all of Barrie’s public safety telecommunicators.

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Centennial Park

Residents are encouraged to visit BuildingBarrie.ca/CentennialParkHub to review both design concepts and complete the online survey by Friday, May 1, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.

The Recycling Depot is now open!

The depot is located at the lower gate area of the City’s landfill site at 272 Ferndale Drive North. This facility helps reduce wait times and makes dropping off recyclable materials, tires, electronics, scrap metal and household hazardous waste materials more efficient.

The depot is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more at barrie.ca/landfill.

Reminder: Please repackage any disintegrated yard waste bags

If your yard waste has been left at the curb over the winter, it will need to be repackaged and set back out in an intact container to be collected. Paper yard waste bags that have broken down under the snow can’t be picked up.

To ensure collection, please place yard waste in one of the following containers:

a garbage can up to 120 L with exterior handles;
an old green bin (not a current organics cart); or
an intact paper leaf and yard waste bag.

For more information on proper yard waste packaging, visit barrie.ca/YardWasteCollection.

Spot a Pothole? Let Us Know

Last year, City crews repaired more than 12,900 potholes—and they’re out there tackling more this spring. With fluctuating temperatures, new potholes can appear quickly, and your reports play a key role in helping us find and fix them fast. Pothole repairs are scheduled based on urgency and location. When reporting one, please include the exact spot, along with a nearby address or landmark.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

- Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
- Phone: 705-726-4242
- Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
- Mobile App

For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.

Reminder: Property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer Business

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 microgrant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Attend a Building Services Open House this spring!

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of April 13 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of April 6

City Of Barrie — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:25:06 +0000

Register now for Clean and Green Barrie

City of Barrie residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and help beautify local neighbourhoods by joining Clean and Green Barrie, the city-wide spring cleanup initiative that kicks off on Earth Day. Registered participants receive cleanup supplies and instructions for bag drop-off and collection.

School Participation Days: Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24
Community & Business Cleanup Days: Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, April 26

Registration is required by Monday, April 13.

Learn more and register at barrie.ca/CleanAndGreen.

Yard waste collection resumes this week!

Yard waste collection resumes the week of Monday, April 6, with collection every other week, alternating with your garbage week. Place yard waste curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day (4:30 a.m. in the downtown BIA). Reminder: your garbage and organics carts need space to be collected! Leave at least 2 ft between carts and your yard waste and recycling boxes.

For more information about yard waste and to confirm your collection schedule, visit barrie.ca/YardWasteCollection.

Recycling depot opens for the season Saturday, April 11

The depot is located at the lower gate area of the City’s landfill site at 272 Ferndale Drive, North. This facility helps reduce wait times and make dropping off recyclable materials, tires, electronics, scrap metal and household hazardous waste materials more efficient.

The depot is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more at barrie.ca/landfill.

See a Pothole? Report It and We’ll Take Care of It

Last year, the City repaired more than 12,900 potholes—and now we’re tackling this year’s problem areas. As temperatures fluctuate in the spring, new potholes can form. Your reports help us identify this year’s trouble spots so repairs can happen quickly. Pothole requests are handled based on priority and scheduling. When reporting one, please share the exact location, along with details like a nearby address or landmark. This ensures crews can find and fix the issue faster.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

- Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
- Phone: 705-726-4242
- Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
- Mobile App
- Facebook or X

For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.

Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?

Residents in Barrie and surrounding areas who do not have a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. With new family doctors and nurse practitioners now accepting patients locally, registering ensures your information is up to date and ready to be matched when spots become available. Health Care Connect is free, simple to use, and the fastest way to get attached to primary care in our community.

Learn more or register today at baoht.ca/hcc.

Reminder: Property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer Business

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 microgrant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government—and they keep any profits earned. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Planning for a Home Renovation or Backyard Project?

Come out to one of our Building Services Open Houses on May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), or June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration. This is an opportunity to learn about building permits and building inspections from City staff and pick up building project resources related to home renovation projects.

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of April 6 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of March 30

City Of Barrie — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:09:47 +0000

Barrie Airshow returns June 13 and 14

The Barrie Airshow presented by Pratt Homes returns to Kempenfelt Bay on June 13 and 14 with fan‑favourites including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF‑18 Tactical Demonstration Team, the Canadian Armed Forces Skyhawks Parachute Team, and the Northern Stars Aeroteam, with additional aviation performers to be announced. New for 2026, Barrie’s first‑ever twilight airshow on Saturday evening with a fireworks finale. A free screening of Top Gun: Maverick at Meridian Place will kick off the weekend on Friday night, June 12. The weekend also includes the Downtown Barrie BIA’s first Open Air Dunlop of the season, CFB Borden’s ground displays, family programming, vendors and aviation-themed organizations.

Follow new, dedicated social media channels on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates @BarrieAirshow or visit barrie.ca/airshow.

Register now for Clean and Green Barrie

Roll up your sleeves and help beautify local neighbourhoods by joining a city-wide, spring clean-up initiative, Clean and Green Barrie! Registration is now open for this community-driven event, that kicks off on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, and goes to Sunday, April 26.

School Participation Days: Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24
Community & Business Cleanup Days: Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, April 26

Registration is required by Monday, April 13.

Learn more and register at barrie.ca/CleanAndGreen.

On-street parking restrictions end April 1

The City’s Overnight Parking By-law will be lifted on April 1, 2026, allowing on-street parking again between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. within the Downtown Business Improvement Area and from 12:01 a.m. to 7 a.m. on other City streets. These seasonal restrictions, in place from December 1 through March 31, help ensure snow clearing and emergency vehicle access. Please note that overnight on-street parking remains prohibited during a declared Winter Maintenance Event.

Stay informed by checking the City’s website, social media channels, and mobile app for updates.

Yard waste collection resumes April 6

Yard waste collection returns starting the week of April 6. Yard waste is collected every-other-week, alternating with your garbage week. Place yard waste curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day (4:30 a.m. in the downtown BIA). Reminder: your garbage and organics carts need space to be collected! Leave at least 2 ft between carts and your yard waste and recycling boxes.

For more information about yard waste and to confirm your collection schedule, visit barrie.ca/YardWasteCollection.

Easter weekend affected services and reminders

The following City of Barrie services will be affected by the Easter holiday:

Recreation/Community Centres will be closed on Friday, April 3. The centres will offer registered and drop-in programming during the weekend and on Monday, April 6. Visit barrie.ca/RecDropins for drop-in schedules.
City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 3, and on Monday, April 6.
There will be no Barrie Transit service on Friday, April 3 and no service on Sunday, April 5. On Monday, April 6, there will be regular weekday service. Riders are encouraged to visit MyRideBarrie.ca to plan their trips.
The Landfill will be closed on Friday, April 3 for the holiday. Also closed Sunday, April 5 and Monday, April 6 (regular closure dates).

Residents are also reminded of the following:

There will be no change to curbside waste collection for the Easter holiday in Barrie. Collection during the week of this holiday will occur as regularly scheduled. Residents are also reminded that yard waste collection resumes April 6. Yard waste is collected every-other-week, alternating with your garbage week. Check your waste collection schedule at barrie.ca/CollectionSchedule.

Downtown parking (on-street and lots) is free on statutory holidays. Waterfront parking is enforced 24/7/365. The Spirit Catcher, Lakeshore Drive, and North Marina parking lots are “hybrid” parking lots and rates in the hybrid lots are consistent with waterfront parking rates and enforced 24/7/365.

View the Municipal Parking Map to see parking areas and rates, and barrie.ca/parking for more parking information.

Visit a Building Services Open House this spring!

Thinking about a home renovation, addition, or building a deck? Drop in to a Building Services Open House! The sessions run from 6-8 p.m. on the following Thursdays: April 2 (East Bayfield Community Centre), May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration. This is an opportunity to learn about building permits and building inspections from City staff and pick up building project resources related to home renovation projects.

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

Young entrepreneurs, apply for Summer Company!

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 microgrant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government—and they keep any profits earned. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?

Learn more or register today at baoht.ca/hcc.

Reminder: Property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of March 30 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of March 23

City Of Barrie — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:08:52 +0000

Summer camp registration opens for residents this week!

Resident registration for summer camps starts Tuesday, March 24. Non-resident registration opens on Tuesday, March 31. Registration for spring recreation programs is ongoing with lots of activities to enjoy! Browse and register for recreation programming opportunities including spring rec programs and summer camps at play.barrie.ca or register in person at Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive), East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone Street East) or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Avenue).

Attend a Building Services Open House this spring!

Thinking about a home renovation, addition, or building a deck? Drop in to a Building Services Open House! The remaining sessions run 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 (East Bayfield Community Centre), Thursday, May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and Thursday, June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration. This is an opportunity to learn about building permits and building inspections from City staff and pick up building project resources related to home renovation projects.

Learn more about building in Barrie at barrie.ca/building.

Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer Business

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 micro-grant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government—and they keep any profits earned. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?

Learn more or register today at baoht.ca/hcc.

Help keep our roads safe: report potholes

Spring is here, and as temperatures rise, city crews will be busy filling potholes. These common spring hazards typically form when frost develops and snow is melting. You can help ensure potholes are repaired quickly by reporting them! To report a pothole, please provide as much detail as possible, such as the location and nearest address or landmark, so crews can find and fill the pothole as efficiently as possible.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
Phone: 705-726-4242
Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
Mobile App
Facebook or X

For more information on road maintenance, visit barrie.ca/RoadMaintenance.

Apply Now: Heritage Conservation Grant Program

The City of Barrie is inviting property owners to apply for the Conservation of Built Heritage Grant Program, which helps fund restoration and renovation projects for heritage properties. Funding covers up to 60% of eligible costs, up to $10,000. Eligible work includes restoration, necessary upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and other conservation projects on heritage-listed or designated properties. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026. Learn more and see eligibility requirements at barrie.ca/HeritageCIP.

For any questions about the program, reach out to heritage@barrie.ca or call 705-739-4220 x4416.

Second property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of March 23 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of March 13

City Of Barrie — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:04:02 +0000

Last chance! Have Your Say on the Future of Barrie’s Parks!

The City of Barrie is creating a new Parks Strategic Plan and wants to hear from residents about the future of local parks and outdoor recreation spaces. Residents can get involved by completing an online survey (open until March 22, 2026, with a chance to win a prize) or using an online mapping tool to share park-specific feedback.

Learn more and participate at BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan.

See a Pothole? Report It and We’ll Take Care of It

Last year, the City repaired more than 12,900 potholes—and we’re gearing up to do it again. As temperatures fluctuate in the spring, new potholes can form. Your reports help us identify this year’s trouble spots so repairs can happen quickly. Pothole requests are handled based on priority and scheduling. When reporting one, please share the exact location, along with details like a nearby address or landmark. This ensures crews can find and fix the issue faster.

Report a pothole using any of the following:

Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
Phone: 705-726-4242
Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
Mobile App
Facebook or X

For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.

City recognizes Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18

The City of Barrie is recognizing Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 18. Transit operators and workers ensure that passengers arrive safely at their destinations every day. For more information about Barrie Transit visit barrie.ca/Transit.

Pictured from left to right: Councillor Clare Riepma, Roxanne Shank (award winner), Samantha Loney (Heritage Barrie Committee Member), Councillor Ann-Marie Kungl

Barrie’s 2025 Heritage Award Winners Honoured

The 2025 Heritage Awards were presented at the March 4 City Council meeting. Each year, the City’s Heritage Committee recognizes buildings, individuals, and groups that help preserve Barrie’s heritage.

2025 winners:

Residential Property: 62 Shirley Ave. (Owner: Darlene Botman)
Community/Group/Individual: Barrie Curling Club (Manager: Renee Dadswell) and Roxanne Shank (President, Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council)
Commercial Property: 80 Dunlop St. E. – Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café (Owners: Lise Ravalli & Cait Patrick)

Learn more at barrie.ca/HeritageAwards.

Get Renovation Ready: Attend a Building Services Open House This Spring

The City is holding a series of open houses for homeowners and contractors planning on building and renovating in Barrie. Attendees can learn how to apply for a permit, what to expect during the plan review process, and how to prepare for building inspections. City staff will be available to answer project-specific questions and many project resources will be available for pickup. Sessions run 6–8 p.m. on: April 2 (East Bayfield Community Centre), May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration.

Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer Business

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into real summer ventures. Participants receive a $3,000 microgrant, mentorship, and training through support from the Ontario Government—and they keep any profits earned. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Summer camp registration opens March 24

Registration for summer camps starts Tuesday, March 24. Non-resident registration opens on Tuesday, March 31. Starting Tuesday, March 17, customers can browse programs and save them to their “Wish List”, to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens. Registration for spring recreation programs is ongoing with lots of activities to enjoy!

Browse and register for recreation programming opportunities including spring rec programs and summer camps at play.barrie.ca or register in person at Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive), East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone Street East) or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Avenue).

Second property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of March 13 appeared first on CompassNews.

This Week in Barrie: Week of March 9

City Of Barrie — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:07:46 +0000

Spot a pothole? Let us know and we’ll fix it

Last year, the City repaired over 12,900 potholes! Help us identify this year’s problem areas to ensure potholes are repaired in a timely manner. Potholes usually occur in the spring as the temperatures change. Pothole complaints are addressed on a priority and scheduling basis. To report one, please provide location details via one of the channels below. Include as much detail as possible (a landmark or nearest address) so crews can locate and fill the pothole as quickly as possible.

ServiceBarrie.ca
Phone: 705-726-4242
E-mail: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
Mobile app
Facebook or X

Visit barrie.ca/potholes for more information.

Barrie’s 2025 Heritage Award winners honoured at City Council

The 2025 Heritage Awards were presented at the March 4 City Council Meeting. These awards are presented annually by the City’s Heritage Committee to buildings, individuals, and groups who have contributed to preserving Barrie’s community heritage and who share awareness of historical conservation. The winners are as follows: in the residential property category: 62 Shirley Ave. (owner Darlene Botman), pictured. In the community, group, or individual category: Barrie Curling Club (Manager, Renee Dadswell), and Roxanne Shank (President of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council). In the commercial property category: 80 Dunlop St. E. (Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café, owners Lise Ravalli and Cait Patrick).

For more information, including a list of the previous year’s award winners, visit barrie.ca/HeritageAwards.

Barrie Airshow Soars to Top 100 as Family Fright Fest Earns Innovation Honour

The City of Barrie is celebrating two recent honours from Festivals and Events Ontario. The Barrie Airshow has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events, recognizing its role as a signature waterfront celebration that brings the community together, attracts visitors from across Canada, and showcases Barrie’s connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force and CFB Borden. This free, family friendly event returns June 13 and 14, 2026. Family Fright Fest was also recognized, earning an Innovation Award for its inclusive, sensory friendly programming designed to provide a calm and accessible experience for all attendees. The Barrie Airshow joins four other signature Barrie events: Canada Day On The Move, Game On! After Dark, Downtown Countdown, and Winterfest previously named to the list of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events.

March Break fun at the Five Points Theatre

Join us during March Break for fun at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). There will be a variety of indoor activities and events for all ages throughout the week including musical movies, video game racing, a Mini Midway, an interactive animal experience featuring Zoo to You and Yuk Yuks Comedy Night. For details and pricing visit barrie.ca/theatres.

Have Your Say on the Future of Barrie’s Parks!

Learn more and participate at BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan.

Summer Company invites young entrepreneurs to launch their own business

Local students aged 15–29 are invited to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. Participants receive up to $3,000 in a microgrant, mentorship, and access to valuable training and networking opportunities through support and funding from the Province of Ontario. Eligible applicants must be returning to school in fall 2026, live in Ontario, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be ready to commit 280–420 hours to running their business over the summer. Applications are open until April 30.

Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.

Spring rec programming and summer camp registration

Registration for spring recreation programs is open! Summer camp registration will open at 8 a.m. on March 24, and March 31 for non-residents. Visit play.barrie.ca to browse and register for programs.

Second property tax installment due April 30

For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.

City of Barrie supports the #ITSTARTS campaign

The City is once again proclaiming March as #ITSTARTS month. #ITSTARTS is a public awareness campaign led by the County of Simcoe that is designed to take a step towards addressing racism and discrimination while embracing acceptance, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Visit simcoe.ca/ItStarts and barrie.ca/inclusivity to learn more.

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.

The post This Week in Barrie: Week of March 9 appeared first on CompassNews.