Registration for fall recreation programs opens August 25
Mark your calendar and get ready to sign up for your favourite fall recreation programs! Registration for Barrie residents opens Tuesday, August 25 at 8 a.m., with non-resident registration opening Tuesday, September 1. Starting August 18, browse available programs at play.barrie.ca and add your favourites to your “Wish List” for quick and easy registration when enrollment opens.
The City also offers fee assistance to help eligible Barrie residents access recreation programs and stay active in the community.
Don’t miss family fun at Barrie Fire’s Hot Summer Nights event
Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) will host another free Hot Summer Nights event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Madelaine Park (90 Madelaine Drive) on Thursday, August 27. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and cool off under the spray from BFES trucks. Participate in free family-friendly activities, learn about lifesaving fire safety tips, and take tours of the fire trucks.
Visit barrie.ca/HotSummerNights for event details.
Beach day reminder: Know before you go
To help keep beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone, tents and most sunshades are not permitted at Barrie’s waterfront beaches and parks. Permitted shade structures must have no more than one pole and one wall or side, ensuring clear sightlines throughout the area.
Learn more about beach rules and amenities at barrie.ca/beaches.
New ward boundaries for the 2026 Municipal Election
The City of Barrie has finalized new ward boundaries following a comprehensive review completed in 2025. The updated boundaries will be used for the 2026 Municipal Election and the next term of Council. Residents whose ward boundaries have changed will vote in their new ward during this fall’s election, while current ward representation will remain in place until the newly elected Council is sworn in.
Anyone considering running for Council is encouraged to review the updated ward map, as the new boundaries may affect the area they wish to represent. Learn more and access interactive and printable ward maps at barrie.ca/election.
Waterfront digital parking permit valid through 2028Â
Barrie residents can park for free at select waterfront locations with a digital waterfront parking permit, now valid through December 31, 2028. Permits are tied directly to your licence plate, so there’s no need to display anything in your vehicle. Already have a permit? You’re all set—no further action is required.
If you don’t have one yet, apply today at barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking.
Reminder: Property tax bill final due date
The final 2026 tax bill instalment due date is September 29, 2026. Final tax bills are issued each May. All payments must be received by the City on or before the due date to avoid late payment fees of 1.25% per month. Simplify your payments—join the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan and never worry about missing a due date!
Visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes for more information.
What’s great for your lawn is not always great for our water!
In Barrie, our drinking water from the tap comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water. When it comes to lawn care, you can help protect our drinking water by using compost instead of fertilizer—or, if you do fertilize, use it sparingly, especially near water or before heavy rain. Safe drinking water starts with you!
Learn about more about simple actions you can take to protect our drinking water at barrie.ca/Source Water Protection.
Calling all local businesses: Complete this year’s Business & Employer Data Survey
City of Barrie staff are 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.
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.
