Registration for fall recreation programs opens August 25
This fall, discover something new with the City of Barrie! Get active in fitness. Build confidence in the pool. Develop skills on the ice. Explore your creativity through the arts or discover your family’s new favourite weekly activity. Registration for fall recreation and culture programs opens August 25 for residents and September 1 for non-residents. With hundreds of programs for all ages and abilities, popular spots fill quickly. Register early, to save your spot! Explore fall programs at play.barrie.ca and starting August 18, 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.
Enjoy cool 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.
Nominations open for 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards
The City of Barrie is accepting nominations for the 8th annual Mayor’s Innovation Awards, which recognize businesses, individuals, and community groups that demonstrate creativity, leadership, adaptability, and innovation. Award categories include Pivot Point, Creative Collaboration, Research & Innovation Contribution, Youth Innovator, Shift Disturber, and Municipal Innovation. Nominations are open to Barrie businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals of all sizes and sectors. Winners will be selected by independent judging panels and announced at an awards ceremony in spring 2027. Nominations for this year’s awards will be accepted until November 18, 2026.
Visit investbarrie.ca/InnovationAwards to learn more and submit nominations.Â
Heading to the beach? Reminder no tents or sunshades
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.
Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election close on August 21
Thinking about running in the 2026 Municipal Election? Nominations are open for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Board Trustee until Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. Prospective candidates are required to attend in person to file their nomination at the Legislative Services Branch, 1st Floor of City Hall at 70 Collier Street in Barrie.
Those interested can access required forms and review the 2026 Barrie Candidates’ Information Guide at barrie.ca/election.
Waterfront parking permits extended through 2028
Barrie residents can continue to enjoy free parking at select waterfront locations with a digital waterfront parking permit, now valid until December 31, 2028. Permits are linked directly to your licence plate, eliminating the need for a physical permit. Residents who already have a permit do not need to take any action.
Those who have not yet applied can get their permit online at barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking.
Local businesses invited to complete annual Business & Employer Data Survey
The City of Barrie is conducting its annual Business & Employer Data Survey to gather up-to-date information on local businesses and employment trends. City staff will be visiting businesses in commercial and industrial areas throughout the city, and businesses can also complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30, 2026. Survey results help keep the City’s online business directory and support economic development and planning initiatives.
For more information and to view the 2025 summary report, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.
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.
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.
