The 2026 Municipal Election is coming. Be ready to vote!
Voter information letters are being mailed to people who are registered on the voters list for the 2026 municipal election. The letter includes your unique voting PIN and instructions on how to vote for Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee from October 16 to Election Day on October 26. Not registered yet? Visit barrie.ca/election to check your voter status, update your information or register to vote.
Voting is available online, by phone or with support at a Voter Assistance Centre. If you do not receive your VIL and PIN by October 13, visit a Voter Assistance Centre, the Election Help Desk at City Hall (70 Collier Street), or call 705-728-VOTE (8683). Special notice for Ward 10 residents regarding your Voter Information Letters. You will be receiving a new, updated letter in the mail after an error was identified in the first letter.
Details here: Voter Information Letter Media Release.
Participate in Textile Collection Week: October 5-9
Help keep reusable items out of the landfill by participating in Textile Collection Week October 5-9. Simply place items (clothing, linens, towels, stuffed toys and shoes) in a labelled bag that says “textiles” (preferably a clear bag, but if you don’t have a clear bag, you can use any type of waterproof plastic bag) and set them at the curb by 7 a.m. on your designated textile collection day. Please note this is not the same as your regular waste collection day.
To find your textile collection day, review acceptable items, or learn more, visit recyclingrewards.com/barrie or call 1-866-927-3873.
Check out Fire Prevention Week events
Barrie Fire & Emergency Service (BFES) is inviting residents to take part in Fire Prevention Week, October 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights the importance of safe lithium-ion battery charging habits to help reduce the risk of fires at home.
Throughout the week, BFES will visit local schools and host several free community events:
- Georgian College pop-up on Tuesday, October 6, at 1 p.m., 1 Georgian Drive
- Ask Barrie Fire session at RONA+ on Wednesday, October 7, at 2 p.m., Rona+, 71 Bryne Drive
- Barrie Fire Takeover and Kids Workshop at Home Depot on Saturday, October 10, at 9 a.m., Home Depot, 10 Barrie View Drive
Residents are encouraged to attend to learn fire safety tips, recognize warning signs, and help keep their families and communities safe. For event details, visit barrie.ca/FPW.
Thanksgiving Day affected services and service reminders
The following City of Barrie services will be affected on the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Monday, October 12:
- There will be no Barrie Transit service on Monday, October 12
- Recreation/Community Centres will be closed on Monday, October 12.
- City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 12
Residents are also reminded of the following:
There will be no change to the waste collection schedule on Monday, October 12; 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.
Downtown parking (on-street and lots) is free on statutory holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Waterfront parking, and parking in the hybrid and marina lots, is enforced 24/7/365. A digital waterfront permit is required to park for free at specific waterfront areas. Visit barrie.ca/parking for details.
Pumpkins and garden produce go in the organics cart!
When you’re closing your garden for the season, remember that garden fruit and vegetables (including pumpkins) belong in your organics cart, not yard waste. Material from both the organics and yard waste program become compost, but they are processed differently and need to be separated when they are collected at the curb.
For more information on what goes in your organics cart, visit barrie.ca/OrganicsCollection.
Curbside collection reminder: Cart lids must be closed for collection
To ensure collection, please do not overfill your cart and make sure the lid can close completely.
For more curbside collection tips, visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCarts.
Stay active this fall with a Barrie recPASS
Get the most for your recreation dollars by buying a Barrie recPASS for you and your family! The recPASS includes access to ALL fitness, swimming, skating, open gym and kids’ drop-in programs plus UNLIMITED access to our fitness centres at the Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, & Peggy Hill Team Community Centre.
Passes can be purchased online or in person at a recreation centre.
Industry hiring event & career expo on October 21
Looking to hire? Get connected with students, recent graduates, alumni, and community job seekers interested in careers across manufacturing, engineering, technology, software and IT, skilled trades, digital media, creative industries, professional services, government, non-profit organizations, and innovation-focused sectors at the Industry Hiring Event & Career Expo. The Expo takes place on October 21, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Five Points Theatre.
Learn more at investbarrie.ca/events and reserve your booth today!
Submit a nomination for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards
Do you know a business, individual or community group that has shown strength, creativity, adaptation or innovation this past year? Nominate them for the 2026 Mayor’s Innovation Awards. Each year, these awards recognize the innovative approaches and sheer determination that contributes to a resilient foundation for our city.
Local artists and graphic designers working in the digital field are also invited to submit a concept for the Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy. Nominations close on November 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Artists invited to submit proposals for City Hall gallery exhibition
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].
Free Trade Accelerator Program available to help local businesses expand to international markets
Are you ready to explore new markets and grow your business internationally? Applications are now open for Barrie’s cohort of Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), beginning October 29. Through expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and customized export planning, TAP helps businesses develop the strategy, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in global markets. Thanks to support from the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this program is available at no cost to participants.
Learn more and get application details at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.
Family Fright Fest returns October 24!
Barrie’s annual Halloween celebration is back for its 6th year! Join the fun on Saturday, October 24, from 3 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, and more. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
For full event details, visit barrie.ca/FrightFest.
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.
