Have Your Say on the Future of Barrie’s Parks! 
The City of Barrie is creating a new Parks Strategic Plan and wants to hear from residents about the future of local parks and outdoor recreation spaces. As Barrie grows toward a projected population of 298,000 by 2051, the plan will guide how parkland is planned, used, and managed to support a healthy, active community. Residents can get involved by completing an online survey (open until March 22, 2026, with a chance to win a prize), attending a pop-up engagement event, or using an online mapping tool to share park-specific feedback.
Learn more and participate at BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan.
Curbside Collection Reminders: Avoid Overfilling and Keep Carts Clear of Plows 
Did you know? Overfilling or tightly packing material can cause items to get stuck inside the cart during collection. Ensure lids are closed, and materials can fall freely from the cart. If your garbage cart was not emptied completely, it may be because materials were packed too tightly and could not release during collection. To ensure collection of the garbage cart on your next garbage collection day, remove any lodged items from the cart, break materials into smaller pieces and place items loosely back into the cart. If an item cannot be broken down, oversized garbage can be brought to the landfill (disposal fees may apply). Don’t forget! Please keep carts out of the path of snow removal equipment, to help keep collection smooth this winter.
For more waste collection tips, visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCarts.
Summer Company invites young entrepreneurs to launch their own 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 micro-grant, 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, 2026.
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.
Registration opens this week 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. In addition to registered 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.
Register for programs online via play.barrie.ca or in person at a recreation centre.
Nature in Winter is this Saturday! 
Celebrate the magic of the season at Nature in Winter, a family friendly, free event this Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a mix of fun and educational activities both outdoors in Sunnidale Park and indoors at the Dorian Parker Centre (227 Sunnidale Road). Meet native Ontario wildlife ambassadors with Speaking of Wildlife, explore bird‑watching kits and kids’ nature activities with the Barrie Public Library, and learn about birds and other wildlife with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Join Beth Foster for a guided forest‑bathing experience at 12:30 p.m. (registration required) and help artist Monica Loney create the interactive public art installation Weaving Circles. With something for every age and interest, it’s a great way to embrace winter and connect with nature!
For more information visit barrie.ca/NatureinWinter.
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.
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
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.
