City commemorates Remembrance Day
The City of Barrie and the Royal Canadian Legion invite the public to participate in the Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony on November 11 at 10 a.m. Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. followed by the laying of wreaths. Veterans and one companion can ride Barrie Transit free on Remembrance Day with proof of service.
Also, residents can check out the downtown and waterfront Remembrance Day flags that display photos of area veterans, as well as an online story map honouring local heroes. For more information, visit barrie.ca/RemembranceDay.
It’s Battery Collection Week!
During Battery Collection Week, November 2 to 6, batteries are accepted for curbside collection at residential properties. Bag up your used batteries and place the bag on top of your garbage or organics cart on your regular collection day. Use the battery recycling bag that was mailed to your house, or any clear, sealable bag. Make sure the bag is visible to collectors.
Visit barrie.ca/BatteryCollectionWeek for details, including information on the types of batteries that are accepted curbside.
Budget phone poll happening this week
The City is currently conducting a statistically valid phone survey, conducted by Oraclepoll Research, to gather resident feedback for the 2027 Business Plan & Budget. Starting November 3, randomly selected residents may receive a call on their landline or cell phone to participate. The survey takes about five to seven minutes, responses are confidential, and no personal, banking, or payment information will be requested.
Feedback will be shared with Council as part of the budget process. Learn more at barrie.ca/budget.
Pumpkins go in the organics cart!
Looking to get rid of your pumpkins after Halloween? Your organics cart can help!
Remove any candles or decorations before placing them in the cart, and if a pumpkin is too large, break it into smaller pieces or place it near the cart. You can also put in any spoiled fruit and vegetables from your summer garden.
For more information on what goes in your organics cart, visit barrie.ca/OrganicsCollection.
Reminder: Fireworks safety
Without a business licence for fireworks/pyrotechnic display and/or an applicable Special Event Permit, fireworks are only permitted on Victoria Day, Canada Day and New Year’s Day, and for the duration of the Lunar New Year and Diwali. The Noise By-law prohibits fireworks after 11 p.m.
Some fireworks safety reminders:
-Buy fireworks from reputable sources and follow instructions.
-Keep fireworks and sparklers stored safely and out of children’s reach. Only adults should handle and light fireworks.
-Secure fireworks in sand before lighting; keep a hose and bucket of water nearby.
-Soak used fireworks and sparklers in water before disposal.
Find more safety tips at barrie.ca/FireworksSafety.
New program helps local food and beverage entrepreneurs grow
The Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia has partnered with Foodpreneur Advantage to offer a free program designed to help food and beverage entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses. Through a series of webinars and expert guidance, participants will gain practical knowledge on regulatory compliance, food safety, branding, pricing, sales, packaging and market readiness.Upcoming webinars run from October 29 to December 3.
Learn more and register for the webinars at investbarrie.ca/events.
2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards: Nominate now or design the trophy!
The 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards recognize businesses, individuals and community groups that have demonstrated innovation, adaptability, creativity and leadership over the past year. If you know someone making a positive impact in our community, now is the time to nominate them.
Artists and graphic designers working in the digital field are also encouraged to submit a concept for the Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy.
Nominations and trophy design entries are open until November 18 at 11:59 p.m.
November 1 to 7 is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week is November 1 to 7, 2026, and Barrie Fire and Emergency Service is taking the opportunity to remind residents about carbon monoxide alarm requirements. The Ontario Fire Code requires additional carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
The regulations require:
- A carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to every sleeping area in your home; and
- A carbon monoxide alarm on every storey that does not contain a sleeping area (for example, a main floor or basement).
For more information on carbon monoxide alarms, visit barrie.ca/FireSafetyEquipment.
Enter the Mayor’s Christmas card contest!
Each year, the Office of the Mayor looks forward to receiving submissions from creative Barrie residents. The contest is open to Barrie residents, and artwork should depict a City of Barrie scene or event. An award of $600 will be made to the winning entrant. Official entry forms are available online and at Service Barrie. Submit finished artwork with a completed entry form in person at Service Barrie by Monday, November 30 at 4:30 p.m.
For full contest details, visit barrie.ca/CardContest.
Call for Artists: Exhibit at City Hall Gallery
Local artists, collectives, organizations and clubs are invited to submit exhibition proposals for Barrie’s City Hall First Floor Gallery. The gallery showcases local artwork through two-month exhibitions and provides selected artists with paid opportunities to display their work throughout 2027. Applications must include an artist statement, images of the proposed artwork, and supporting exhibition information.
Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on November 19. For submission requirements and details, visit barrie.ca/FirstFloorGallery or email [email protected].
Get involved! Apply to serve on a committee or board
The City is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on statutory committees and boards during the 2027–2030 Council term. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 6, 2026, at 4:30pm.
Learn more and apply at barrie.ca/Committees.
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.
