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.
Reminders for setting your carts at the curb
When placing materials curbside, remember to do the following to ensure collection:
- Place carts so they do not block bike lanes or sidewalks. On collection day, carts may
be placed on the boulevard and/or the driveway. - Allow for 2 ft of clearance between each cart and from other waste materials set out for
collection. This gives the arms on the truck the room needed to pick up the carts. - Allow for 2 ft of clearance from any obstacles such as parked cars, fences, trees,
snowbanks etc. This gives the arms on the truck the room needed to pick up the carts. - Place residential blue/grey recycling boxes (if applicable) and yard waste at least 2 ft
from the carts. - Make sure cart lids are fully closed. Do not overfill your cart.
For more information, visit barrie.ca/CurbsideCarts.
Thanksgiving Day affected services and service reminders
The following City of Barrie services will be affected on the Thanksgiving Day holiday on
Monday, October 13:
- There will be no Barrie Transit service on Monday, October 13.
- Recreation/Community Centres will be closed on Monday, October 13.
- City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 13.
Residents are also reminded of the following:
- There will be no change to the waste collection schedule on Monday, October 13;
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.
Visit the Building Services Open House!
Thinking about a home renovation? Drop in to the Building Services Open House on Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre!
- Learn about building permits and inspections from City staff
- Pick up building project resources
This is a free event with no registration required.
To learn more about building and renovating in Barrie, visit barrie.ca/building.
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.
City launches Clean and Green community cleanup this October
Barrie residents, schools, and businesses are invited to take part in Clean and Green Barrie, a new city-wide cleanup event taking place October 16 to 18, 2025. The fall initiative gives residents a chance to help tidy neighbourhoods, parks, trails, and schoolyards after the busy summer season. Collected litter will be picked up from designated drop-off points.
Event schedule:
- Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17 – Schools and Businesses
Elementary and high school students are encouraged to clean up their schoolyards and
nearby public spaces. Businesses can register to clean up local parks, trails, or ravines
near their workplaces. After registering, supplies will be provided. - Saturday, October 18 – Community Cleanup Day
Community groups, sports teams, neighbourhood associations, families, and individuals
are invited to clean public spaces across the city. By registering, you will receive special
collection bags, and the garbage will be collected at pre-determined designated drop-off
areas.
Clean and Green Barrie builds on the success of the city’s long-running Spring Into Clean
program, which last year saw more than 17,000 participants collect over five tonnes of litter.
For details and to register before September 25, 2025, visit barrie.ca/CleanAndGreen.
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.
Culture Days & Doors Open Barrie
Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in Barrie this fall! Culture Days 2025 runs until October 12, offering a free, interactive lineup of behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities across the city.
Discover all events and participating sites at barrie.ca/CultureDays.
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.
