Last chance! 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. Residents can get involved by completing an online survey (open until March 22, 2026, with a chance to win a prize) or using an online mapping tool to share park-specific feedback.
Learn more and participate at BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan.
See a Pothole? Report It and We’ll Take Care of It
Last year, the City repaired more than 12,900 potholes—and we’re gearing up to do it again. As temperatures fluctuate in the spring, new potholes can form. Your reports help us identify this year’s trouble spots so repairs can happen quickly. Pothole requests are handled based on priority and scheduling. When reporting one, please share the exact location, along with details like a nearby address or landmark. This ensures crews can find and fix the issue faster.
Report a pothole using any of the following:
- Online: ServiceBarrie.ca
- Phone: 705-726-4242
- Email: [email protected]
- Mobile App
- Facebook or X
For more details, visit barrie.ca/potholes.
City recognizes Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18 
The City of Barrie is recognizing Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 18. Transit operators and workers ensure that passengers arrive safely at their destinations every day. For more information about Barrie Transit visit barrie.ca/Transit.
Barrie’s 2025 Heritage Award Winners Honoured
The 2025 Heritage Awards were presented at the March 4 City Council meeting. Each year, the City’s Heritage Committee recognizes buildings, individuals, and groups that help preserve Barrie’s heritage.
2025 winners:
- Residential Property: 62 Shirley Ave. (Owner: Darlene Botman)
- Community/Group/Individual: Barrie Curling Club (Manager: Renee Dadswell) and Roxanne Shank (President, Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council)
- Commercial Property: 80 Dunlop St. E. – Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café (Owners: Lise Ravalli & Cait Patrick)
Learn more at barrie.ca/HeritageAwards.
Get Renovation Ready: Attend a Building Services Open House This Spring 
The City is holding a series of open houses for homeowners and contractors planning on building and renovating in Barrie. Attendees can learn how to apply for a permit, what to expect during the plan review process, and how to prepare for building inspections. City staff will be available to answer project-specific questions and many project resources will be available for pickup. Sessions run 6–8 p.m. on: April 2 (East Bayfield Community Centre), May 7 (Allandale Recreation Centre), and June 4 (Peggy Hill Team Community Centre). Open houses are free and require no registration.
Calling Young Entrepreneurs: Apply Now to Launch Your Summer 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 microgrant, 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.
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.
Summer camp registration opens March 24 
Registration for summer camps starts Tuesday, March 24. Non-resident registration opens on Tuesday, March 31. Starting Tuesday, March 17, customers can browse programs and save them to their “Wish List”, to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens. Registration for spring recreation programs is ongoing with lots of activities to enjoy!
Browse and register for recreation programming opportunities including spring rec programs and summer camps at play.barrie.ca or register in person at Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive), East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone Street East) or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Avenue).
Second property tax installment due April 30
The second installment of the interim 2026 property tax bill is due on April 30. Interim tax bills are issued each January. If your taxes are paid through a mortgage company or a pre-authorized payment plan, you will not receive an interim tax bill. The final bill is issued each May and typically arrives in mailboxes by early June. Never miss a due date – enroll in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan for hassle-free payments.
For details, visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes.
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.
