This Week in Barrie: Week of February 16

City seeks artists for 2026 Brightening Barriers program

The City and the Barrie Public Art Committee are seeking artist proposals for the upcoming Brightening Barriers program. Up to six works will be selected and displayed in summer 2026. This year’s theme, Rhythms of the City, invites artists to explore the movement and energy of Barrie. Applications are due Friday, March 13, 2026. A virtual information session will be held on Tuesday, February 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. for prospective artists. For more information and application instructions, visit barrie.ca/BrighteningBarriers. Some Really Canadian Geese by artist Alex Kostecka-Silva was on display at Flying Monkeys in 2025.

Celebrate Lunar New Year Safely

This week, families across Barrie are preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. As celebrations get underway, the City of Barrie is reminding residents to follow the Regulatory Matters Bylaw and related regulations, and important Fireworks Safety guidelines to ensure festivities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Unless otherwise authorized, fireworks are only permitted in Barrie on the actual statutory holidays of Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year’s Day, and for the recognized duration of the holidays known as Lunar New Year and Diwali.

Residents are also reminded that, under the Noise By-law, the detonation of fireworks is prohibited after 11 p.m. Help keep our community safe while supporting meaningful and respectful celebrations.

Help protect Barrie’s drinking water: Use winter salt wisely!

Using winter salt wisely helps protect our drinking water and keeps our roads and sidewalks safe. Try to clear snow early to stop ice from forming; with the snow out of the way, it’s easier to know if you need salt. In extreme cold (below -10 °C), salt becomes less effective, so using sand or non-clumping cat litter can help improve traction. 

The City follows a Salt Optimization Strategy and a Winter Operations Plan that prioritizes plowing to remove snow and ice before applying salt. Crews assess road conditions, weather forecasts, and available supplies to determine the most appropriate treatment. Learn more about how using salt wisely can protect Barrie’s drinking water at barrie.ca/SourceWaterProtection.

Registration opens February 24 for spring recreation programs

The City will open registration for spring programs for residents on Tuesday, February 24 at 8 a.m. Non-resident registration opens on Tuesday, March 3. Starting February 17, customers can browse offerings via play.barrie.ca and save them to their spring recreation “Wish List” to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens.

In addition to in-person programs, the City offers recPASS memberships that include access to all drop-ins, including fitness, skating, open gym, kids programs, and swimming, as well as unlimited access to the City’s fitness centres at East Bayfield Community Centre, Allandale Recreation Centre, and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre. 

The City also provides a fee assistance program, called recACCESS, that offers support to low-income families and individuals in Barrie by providing qualifying participants with a recPASS membership and youth credits that can be applied to the registration fee for qualifying programs and activities. 

Have your say on the Bayfield Street Community Design Plan

The City is seeking public input on a Community Design Plan (CDP) to guide the transformation of Bayfield Street and surrounding areas into vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhoods. The Bayfield CDP will set out a shared community vision and development framework to guide the anticipated growth and redevelopment along Bayfield Street, from Sophia Street to the northern City limit.  

Have your say! The Bayfield Street Community Design Plan online survey is open until February 26, 2026. Share your ideas at BuildingBarrie.ca/BayfieldCDP.

Reminder: Property tax bill due dates 

Interim 2026 tax bill installment due dates are February 27 and April 30, 2026. Interim tax bills are issued each January. All payments must be received by the City on or before the due date to avoid late payment fees of 1.25% per month. If your taxes are paid through a mortgage company or a pre-authorized payment plan, you will not receive an interim tax bill. 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