City wants to hear what residents think about Barrie’s tap water
The City of Barrie is inviting residents to once again take a brief survey and share their
feedback on the quality of the City’s drinking water. Resident feedback plays a key role in
helping Water Operations assess customer satisfaction and identify areas for continued
improvement.
The survey was first conducted in 2023, and by asking the same questions in this follow up
survey, the City will be able to monitor changes and measure progress over time.
The deadline to complete the survey is October 24, 2025. To learn more and share your
feedback, visit barrie.ca/WaterDistribution.
Battery recycling bags available for pickup at select facilities
Ahead of Battery Collection Week – taking place November 3 to 7 – battery recycling bags are available for pickup at select City facilities. Due to current uncertainty in the postal service, battery bags will not be mailed this year.
Place battery bags on top of your cart during Battery Collection Week. You can also use clear, sealable bags or unused, previously provided City bags.
Battery recycling bags are available for pickup until November 7. For the full list of pickup
locations and program details, visit barrie.ca/BatteryCollectionWeek.
Small Business Week – October 19-25
Celebrate Small Business Week and get support to launch or grow your business at the Small Business Centre (Sandbox Centre, 24 Maple Ave, 2nd floor).
Special Small Business Week events include:
- Starting Your Business Basics (virtual) – Oct 20, 2-3 p.m.
- AI Search Optimization (virtual) – Oct 22, 12-1 p.m.
- The Resilient Workplace – Oct 23, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Sandbox Centre (tickets must be
purchased for this event)
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.
Family Fright Fest returns October 25!
Barrie’s annual Halloween celebration is back for its 5th year! Join the fun on Saturday,
October 25, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lampman Lane Park & Community Centre (59 Lampman Lane). Family Fright Fest transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland with a haunted house, inflatables, crafts, food trucks, costume contest, vendor market, escape room challenge, and more.
The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages:
- 4-5 p.m.: Sensory-friendly (quiet, no scares, lights on)
- 8-9 p.m.: Recommended for ages 10+
For full event details, visit barrie.ca/FrightFest.
Enter the Mayor’s Christmas card contest!
Each year, the Mayor and his office look 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 Friday, November 28 at 4:30 p.m.
For full contest details, visit barrie.ca/MayorsCardContest.
Major construction projects begin this fall in Barrie’s south end
Construction is starting this fall to support growth in Barrie’s south end. With $53.4 million in funding support from the Government of Ontario, these projects will improve roads and
servicing to keep pace with new housing and development.
Projects beginning this fall include:
- Expansion of Mapleview Drive East
- New Huronia and McKay trunk sewer and watermain
Work on Yonge Street will begin in spring 2026.
For more information on these and other municipal infrastructure projects, and to access an interactive map of 2025 road construction projects, visit barrie.ca/roadwork.
Fireworks reminder: rules for Diwali
Residents are permitted to use fireworks for the duration of Diwali (October 20, 2025), as per the Regulatory Matters By-law. The Noise By-law prohibits the detonation of fireworks between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. (9 a.m. on Sundays).
Please review fireworks safety reminders at barrie.ca/FireworksSafety.
Call for nominations: 2025 Barrie Heritage Awards
The Heritage Barrie Committee is accepting nominations for the 2025 Barrie Heritage Awards, an annual celebration recognizing outstanding contributions to heritage conservation and awareness within the City of Barrie.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, November 10, 2025. To submit a nomination and for full details on nomination criteria, visit barrie.ca/HeritageAwards.
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.
