This Week in Barrie: Week of February 9

Recognizing Black History Month

Black History Month events bring awareness to the impact and significant contributions that Black Canadians have brought to the cultural landscape of our country and community. We are proud to support Black History Month initiatives and programming taking place in the community throughout the month of February. For more information visit barrie.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.

Celebrate Family Day at City Hall

Join the City of Barrie for Family Day festivities on Monday, February 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at this year’s new location—Barrie City Hall (70 Collier Street). Take part in the DJ party skate, crafts, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, an inclusion zone, and a variety of family-friendly games and other exciting activities. While you’re downtown, explore local shops and restaurants and make a day of it. Learn more at barrie.ca/FamilyDay. 

For even more indoor fun, enjoy free swims, skates, and Family Zumba at select community centres. All centres will be open regular operating hours on Family Day. 

Check the full schedule at barrie.ca/RecDropIns

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. 

Need a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

Residents in Barrie and surrounding areas who do not have a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. With new family doctors and nurse practitioners now accepting patients locally, registering ensures your information is up to date and ready to be matched when spots become available.

Health Care Connect is free, simple to use, and the fastest way to get attached to primary care in our community. Learn more or register today at baoht.ca/hcc.

Public invited to share feedback on 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.

Apply now! Barrie Fire Ignite! Fire Academy

Calling all future female firefighters! Apply now to join the Ignite! Barrie Fire Academy from May 29–31. This FREE, 3-day, hands-on experience gives young women aged 14 to 18 an inside look at careers in the fire service featuring a wide range of roles, including firefighting, emergency response, communications, fire prevention, and fire investigations. Apply by March 27 so you don’t miss this exciting opportunity! 

Visit barrie.ca/IgniteFireAcademy.

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