City exploring e-scooter use: Share your feedback
The City is exploring whether to permit the use of electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in Barrie through participation in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) pilot program. E-scooters are currently not allowed to operate in Barrie on City property or within the public right-of-way (i.e. City streets, sidewalks or trails). The provincial pilot program allows participating municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.
No decisions have been made yet. Feedback from the public will help form a report to City
Council that may include recommendations on whether to opt in to the provincial pilot program.
To learn more and share your feedback, visit BuildingBarrie.ca/ExploringEscooters.
Nominations open for Barrie Arts Awards
Nominations for the 2025 Barrie Arts Awards are open until August 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the arts sector. Winners will be honoured at the annual gala on Tuesday, November 18.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
- Artist Beyond Barriers
- Business Champion
- Contribution to the Community
- Emerging Artist
- Excellence in the Arts
- Most Promising Youth
To submit a nomination or learn more about the Barrie Arts Awards, visit investbarrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
Reminder: No tents or sunshades at the beach
Tents or sunshades are not permitted at beaches and waterfront parks unless they are supported by no more than one pole and have no more than one wall or side. This helps keep sight-lines clear and beaches safe for everyone.
For more details, visit barrie.ca/beaches.
Reminder: plastic and diapers are not accepted in the organics program
The City is seeing an increase in plastic being put in the organics waste stream collected
curbside. Residents are reminded that in Barrie, diapers and personal hygiene products belong in the garbage. Plastic of any kind is not accepted in the organics program.
For residents who use container liners, they are asked to only use certified compostable bags, not plastic bags, to line their organics container. Newspaper or paper bags are also acceptable liner options. Even plastic bags labelled as “biodegradable”, “degradable” or “oxo” degradable do not break down in the municipal composting process and are not accepted in Barrie’s organics program.
To learn more about the organics waste program in Barrie, visit barrie.ca/OrganicsCollection.
Waterfront parking reminders
A digital waterfront parking permit is required for residents to park for free at specific waterfront areas. Permits are valid until December 31, 2026. If you don’t have one, visit barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking for detailed instructions on how to apply.
From June 15 to September 15, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., “No Parking Except by Permit” applies in spillover waterfront parking areas within approximately 500 metres of select waterfront locations. Only the digital waterfront parking permit is accepted in these areas during this time.
Signage is in place at restricted areas. For a full list or map, visit barrie.ca/parking.
Parking help pop-ups at select summer events: Transit & Parking staff will be at various downtown and waterfront parking lots this summer to answer questions and help residents and visitors learn about parking rules and Barrie Transit options.
Applications are open for the City’s Busking Program 
The City of Barrie is accepting applications for the 2025 Busking Program, providing artists of all ages an opportunity to show off their talent and entertain visitors to the downtown and waterfront.
Busker permits are required for all performances on City property where tips are accepted. Applying for and obtaining a permit is free, and any performing artists are welcome to apply.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, into the fall season. To learn more about the program and apply, visit barrie.ca/busking.
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.
