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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Presented by The City of Barrie

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

Troy Charter, the city’s interim general manager of transit services, told council’s transit committee on Thursday that it would happen in May. 

“Every effort is being made to accelerate the work that is required,” said Charter. “We’re trying to accelerate as much as we can to restore the service for our customers.” 

The current issues with Line 1 were first identified in January, when providers Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom found spalling on the Line’s vehicles’ Cartridge Bearing Assemblies (CBAs).

Since then, long wait times and overcrowding on key light rail platforms across Ottawa have been ongoing. Delays to full service were further pushed back when RTG and Alstom discovered additional safety concerns while replacing the CBAs.

Charter said he understands the timelines offered for return to service “may be disappointing for our customers,” but OC Transpo’s commitment is “always to support the safe operation of our service.”

“We do anticipate that our customers will see the effects of gradual improvements to capacity on Line 1 in the coming weeks, and our work on Line 1 will ensure that we’re ready to keep customers moving during the summer festival season.”

Coun. Tim Tierney (Beacon Hill-Cyrville) highlighted the link between Line 1 and the East End expansion of the Line, which continues to be delayed. 

“Obviously Line 1 is critical, but there’s a lot in the east end, there is a real linkage, so we need a commitment when we’re going to get an update specific to the east end,” said Tierney.

“If we don’t have trains running by September in the east end, that has massive impacts on the entire system.” 

Charter confirmed that a detailed update would be provided at the next Transit Committee meeting in May.

“We want to give you that detailed information about trial running, what it means for our customers, what they can expect, and the timelines associated with that.” 

Coun. Marty Carr (Alta Vista) shared Tierney’s concerns, and wondered who was paying for the various additional measures being undertaken to address the safety issues discovered by Alstom and RTG.

“RTG and Alstom are wholly responsible for the design manufacture of the vehicles and the system, so those are costs for them to bear,” said Charter. 

Carr noted that operational costs to the service, in terms of the required extra operators and busses, still fell on the city. 

The next Transit Committee is expected to take place on May 14. 

The post OC Transpo predicts Line 1 capacity to be fully restored by end of May appeared first on CompassNews.

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

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.

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

The Ottawa Police Service is seeking witnesses to a serious collision involving a cyclist in the 2000 block of Haig Drive that occurred at approximately 6:17 a.m., on March 26th. At this time, it is believed that the cyclist may have fallen off their bicycle before being struck by an oncoming vehicle. The cyclist was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may not have spoken to officers on scene or who may have dash camera footage in the area around the time of the incident, and encourage anyone with information is asked to contact the OPS Collision Investigations Unit.

In a followup to a story from last week’s edition regarding the hit-and-run collision involving a school crossing guard, the Ottawa Police Service reported that a 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with this investigation. The Ottawa Police Service also expressed their condolences, stating “The Ottawa Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Peter Clark, who tragically lost his life while serving as a school crossing guard. Crossing guards play a vital role in protecting children and families, standing in all conditions to ensure students can travel to and from school safely. Mr. Clark’s commitment to that responsibility reflects a service to the community that deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with the school community and all those affected.” The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be shared when available.

The post This week from the Ottawa police blotter – April 1 appeared first on CompassNews.

The construction of sidewalks along Arundel Avenue, Braemar Street, Jeffery Avenue, and Kilbarry Crescent in the Manor Park neighbourhood has been a contentious topic, with one local opposition group gathering together under the slogan “Don’t pave paradise.” According to a survey undertaken by Coun. King, 52 per cent of respondents were in opposition to the sidewalks, while 40 per cent were in support.

But the voices against the proposed motion were numerous at Monday’s committee meeting. Among those voices was Rob Attrell, a board member of Bike Ottawa, who was also representing community organizations such as Ecology Ottawa, CAFES Ottawa, the Ottawa Disability Coalition, Walkable Ottawa, and the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment — among others.

“Debates like this that divide a neighbourhood threaten to set a dangerous precedent for the entire city,” said Attrell. “When a community group challenges the Official Plan, trying to opt out of minimum safety and accessibility standards, it should be based on more than a desire to maintain the status quo.”

He added that the construction of sidewalks now, during a time when roads are scheduled for other maintenance, is cost-efficient. “If the city skips putting these sidewalks in now, you’re all voting to lock in known safety deficiencies for decades.”

Safety and accessibility were two recurring themes brought up by delegations who came to Monday’s meeting to oppose the proposed motion. Opponents also expressed concerns over this setting a precedent in other neighbourhoods.

“Don’t allow communities to opt-out of the evidence-based plans based on vibes,” said Attrell. “If the ‘no sidewalks’ group succeeds in delaying or canceling these plans, you can be sure that other areas are going to be lining up to be excluded, probably for their own unique reasons.”

Coun. Glen Gower (Stitsville) noted that the policy to install sidewalks in Ottawa is “based on a foundation of some pretty solid policy.”

“In new neighbourhoods in our community in Stitsville, there’s sidewalks installed not in every street, but in most streets, because we know that’s the right thing to do, for accessibility reasons, for equity reasons,” he said.

Coun. King concluded the debate by clarifying that he supports sidewalks and pedestrian safety.

“Supporting sidewalks and questioning their placement here are not contradictory positions,” he said. “This is not about ideology, it’s about getting the location, the sequencing, and the prioritization, and the timing right.”

Ultimately, the motion was defeated in a 7–5 vote against deferral.

The post Manor Park neighbourhood to get sidewalks, in spite of local opposition appeared first on CompassNews.

The teams finished second and third, all but ensuring they would face off if they won their first round playoff series.

They did that in style.

The second-seed Barrie Colts eliminated Niagara in five games. The third-place Ottawa 67’s swept Kingston in four.

And with first-place Brantford cruising past their competition, the Colts and 67’s will play in the second-round of the playoffs, with Game 1 in Barrie set to go Thursday night.

The winner of the best-of-seven series will play either Brantford or fifth-seed North Bay in the conference championship, with a spot in the OHL title on the line.

The winner of the OHL championship will play in the Memorial Cup.

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Council’s public works and infrastructure committee on Monday agreed to advance a staff recommendation for a new transportation plan for the central Ottawa neighbourhood.

This includes a 12 to 15 month pilot project to create rush-hour bus-only lanes on a stretch of Bank Street from Highway 417 to the Rideau Canal. The proposal also calls for four segments of permanent bus-only lanes near Lansdowne Park.

The target start date is summer 2027.

Staff originally proposed the pilot would run 15 months, but Coun. Shawn Menard — whose ward includes the Glebe — asked for it to be trimmed to a year.

City council will ultimately decide on the length of the pilot when the proposal is brought forward for final approval.

Setting up bus-only lanes will cost $250,000, and the broader strategy — which will include what city staff call pedestrian and cycling improvements — will total $2.5 million.

Menard called the pilot a “long-time coming,” and praised staff for comprehensive consultations with businesses and residents in the Glebe.

“I think we’re in a much better spot now than we were before, and [I’m] very interested to be around, hopefully, when these results come out, and to see that proven data utilized in a good way for this streetscape.”

Transit advocates who spoke at the committee meeting on Monday largely supported the plan, saying buses running through the Glebe are often slowed by traffic along Bank

But Ajay Ramachandran of advocacy group Better Transit Ottawa called on the city to go further than having bus-only lanes in peak directions in the morning and afternoon. He warned that bus delays in one part of the city create a “cascade” effect elsewhere.

“If there are bus lanes only in the peak direction, the buses in the peak direction will still be canceled or delayed because of the non-peak direction buses,” he said.

Still, Ramachandran said it was “exciting to finally see this proposal getting close to being implemented,” and urged council to fast-track the plan to “give riders the relief they deserve during our bus reliability crisis.”

Darrell Cox, executive director of the Glebe Business Improvement Area, said his members opposed removing on-street parking spots for the bus-only lanes.

City staff said the permanent segments would eliminate 17 on-street parking spots, and the pilot project would restrict 146 spots in peak periods in the morning and afternoon.

Cox warned that most trips to Glebe businesses are made by car and making it more challenging to park could turn away customers. While there are spots available in nearby parking garages, he said the BIA’s research shows that customers overwhelmingly prefer on-street parking.

“Ensuring that the Glebe remains easy to reach is not a matter of convenience. It is matter of economic necessity,” Cox said, adding that some 80 members of the BIA signed an email petition opposing the project.

“At the end of the day, if access becomes too difficult, customers will not adapt. They will leave. If we get this wrong, we won’t just lose parking spaces, we lose businesses.”

Responding to a question from the committee, Cox said there are roughly 290 businesses located between Holmwood Avenue and the Queensway, but suspected more would sign the petition if BIA members went door-to-door.

A motion from Barrhaven East Coun. Wilson Lo to make the pilot conditional on the approval of two-thirds of businesses along the strip was handily defeated. Only Lo and Orléans East-Cumberland Coun. Matt Luloff voted in favour.

Coun. Laine Johnson, who supported the pilot, said she believed the goal is “to try and unlock the potential for this site for as many people as possible.”

“Right now, different users are being shut out or avoiding it for… a whole host of reasons, and right now, the city is making an investment to try and figure out how to maximize the potential for this site,” she said.

Johnson said proposals like bus-only lanes in the Glebe are needed to ensure that city investments in transit bear fruit, likening it to buying a pricey Peloton bike but only using it to hang your clothes on.

“I think as the city we do need to start being a little less apologetic about putting transit first,” she said.

Johnson also commended staff for promising to set up a website to update residents on developments on the pilot, and asked for regular updates during the length of the project.

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