Hot Summer Nights returns with cool family fun
Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) will host two free Hot Summer Nights this summer – the first at Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Road) on Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the second on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Madelaine Park (90 Madelaine Drive). Everyone is welcome to join the fun and cool off under the spray from BFES trucks. Participate in family-friendly activities, learn about lifesaving fire safety tips, and take tours of the fire trucks.
Visit barrie.ca/HotSummerNights for event details.
New ward boundaries for upcoming Municipal Election
Following a comprehensive ward boundary review completed in 2025, the City of Barrie has finalized updated ward boundaries that will take effect for the 2026 Municipal Election and the next term of Council. Residents whose ward boundaries have changed will cast their ballots in their new ward during the fall municipal election. Until the new Council is sworn in, residents will continue to be represented by their current ward councillor. Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the updated ward map, as the changes may affect the areas they plan to represent.
More information, including interactive and printable ward maps are available at barrie.ca/election.
Civic Holiday weekend affected services and reminders
The following City of Barrie services will be affected on the Civic Holiday, Monday, August 3:
- City Hall will be closed.
- Recreation/Community Centres will be closed.
- Barrie Transit will run on a Sunday service schedule on Monday, August 3. Barrie Transit is offering free Kempenfest shuttle service from July 31 to August 3.
- The Tiffin Boat Launch will be closed July 31 to August 3 due to Kempenfest (the upper section will be open for accessible parking by permit only). A public boat launch is available at the City’s marina (limited trailer parking).
Service reminders:
- Curbside Collection: There will be no change to the waste collection schedule on Monday, August 3; curbside collection will occur as regularly scheduled. Visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCollection for more information on curbside collection services and to look up your collection schedule.
- Parking: Downtown parking (on-street and lots) is enforced on the Civic Holiday. Waterfront parking, and parking in the hybrid and marina lots, is enforced 24/7/365. To park free in select waterfront areas, vehicles must be registered with a digital waterfront parking permit. Residents and visitors are advised that some waterfront parking lots will be closed on various days throughout the holiday weekend to accommodate Kempenfest; visit barrie.ca/parking for the Kempenfest parking map and other parking information.
- Fireworks: Fireworks are not permitted on the Civic Holiday or surrounding days, as per the Regulatory Matters By-law.
- Beaches: Residents and visitors are reminded that tents and sunshades are not allowed at waterfront beaches and parks unless they have no more than one pole and one wall or side, to allow for clear sightlines and safety. Visit barrie.ca/beaches for more beach use guidelines.
Fuel up at the marina to help protect drinking water
Planning a day on the lake? Before you head out, remember to fuel up your boat at a marina. Marinas are equipped with tools to help contain and manage fuel spills, reducing the risk of contaminants entering the water. In Barrie, our drinking water from the tap comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources from contamination helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water. Safe drinking water starts with you!
Learn about more about simple actions you can take to protect our drinking water at barrie.ca/SourceWaterProtection.
Tree Watering Bag pick-up days on August 1
Residents who received a new boulevard tree in 2025 or 2026 as part of the City’s replanting efforts following last year’s ice storm can pick up a free tree watering bag to help their tree thrive. The City will distribute watering bags at Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Road) on Saturday, August 1from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You can contact Service Barrie if you can’t make it to the pick-up event. For more information, visit barrie.ca/StreetTrees.
Residents must provide their address to confirm eligibility, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while quantities last.
Reminder: No tents or sunshades at the beach
Tents or sunshades are not permitted at waterfront beaches or parks unless they are supported by no more than one pole and have no more than one wall or side. This helps keep sightlines clear and beaches safe for everyone.
For more details, visit barrie.ca/beaches.
Barrie Arts Awards: Nominations open
Celebrate the individuals and organizations that enrich Barrie’s arts community by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Barrie Arts Awards. Nominations are open until Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to the local arts sector, with recipients being honoured at the annual gala on November 10, 2026.
To submit a nomination or learn more, visit barrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
Have your waterfront parking permit?
Barrie residents can park for free at select waterfront locations with a digital waterfront parking permit, now valid through December 31, 2028. Permits are tied directly to your licence plate, so there’s no need to display anything in your vehicle. Already have a permit? You’re all set—no further action is required.
If you don’t have one yet, apply today at barrie.ca/WaterfrontParking.
City resurfacing more than 18 km of roads in 2026
The City of Barrie is investing in safer, smoother roads through its annual Pavement Management Program, with approximately 18.4 kilometres of roadway scheduled for resurfacing in 2026. Road resurfacing helps address surface issues such as cracking and deterioration, extending the life of existing infrastructure and reducing the need for more costly repairs in the future. Several projects are already complete or nearing completion, including sections of Bayfield Street, Clapperton Street, Collier Street and Ross Street downtown, as well as Bayview Drive between Mapleview Drive and Lockhart Road. Additional resurfacing work will continue throughout the construction season in neighbourhoods across Barrie, including the Cundles area, downtown, Letitia Heights and south Barrie.
Residents can find project updates and schedules at barrie.ca/roadwork.
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.
