Get election ready: Verify or update your voter information
Eligible electors can now use the City of Barrie’s new Voter Lookup and Registration Portal to confirm they are on the municipal voters list, add themselves to the list, or update their voter information for the 2026 Municipal Election. The secure online portal allows residents to complete the process from the comfort of home and submit acceptable identification when required. Electors who are added to the voters list will receive a Voter Information Letter in late September, which will include their unique voting PIN and instructions on how to vote.
Residents can also check their voter status by calling 705-728-VOTE (8683) or emailing [email protected]. To access the portal and learn more about the 2026 Municipal Election, visit barrie.ca/election.
Check your ward. It may change for the 2026 Municipal ElectionÂ
The City of Barrie has finalized new ward boundaries following a comprehensive review completed in 2025. The updated boundaries will be used for the 2026 Municipal Election and the next term of Council. Residents whose ward boundaries have changed will vote in their new ward during this fall’s election, while current ward representation will remain in place until the newly elected Council is sworn in.
Learn more and access interactive and printable ward maps at barrie.ca/election. Who’s running? The certified list of candidates for Barrie’s 2026 Municipal Election is available at barrie.ca/electioncandidates
Culture Days & Doors Open Barrie
Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in Barrie this fall! Culture Days 2026 runs September 18 to October 4, offering a free, interactive lineup of behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities across the city. As part of the festivities, Doors Open Barrie returns on Saturday, September 26, with unique sites open for public tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event gives residents the opportunity to discover new and interesting places in their own backyard and get a glimpse of what makes Barrie such a special place to live, work, and play.
Discover all events and participating sites at barrie.ca/CultureDays.Â
Curbside Giveaway Day is Saturday!Â
Have items you no longer need or household items that need a little repair? Take simple steps to reduce waste and extend the life of everyday items. On  Curbside Giveaway Day (Saturday, September 19), place gently used items at the curb for others to take and enjoy. If you have a broken household item, register for the  Barrie Public Library’s Repair Café (Saturday, September 26), where skilled volunteers can help repair it and keep it in use longer. These community events offer practical ways to share, reuse, and repair, helping reduce waste and keep valuable items out of the landfill. Share what you don’t need. Repair what you can. Rethink your waste.
Learn more about these events and other waste reduction initiatives at barrie.ca/RethinkWaste.
City invites submissions for Mayor’s Innovation Awards trophy design
The City of Barrie is seeking creative submissions for the trophy design of the 8th annual Mayor’s Innovation Awards. The selected artist will receive $1,000, and their design will be fabricated by the Georgian College Makerspace. Interested applicants must submit up to three concept images, a one-page artist statement or video, and examples of previous work by October 20, 2026.
Learn more and access the submission form at investbarrie.ca/InnovationAwards.
City of Barrie Theatres presents How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies
Reserve your seats now for a magical musical experience! City of Barrie Theatres presents How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies on Saturday, October 3 at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). Hear not one, but two Frankie Vallis in a showstopping concert revue that goes behind the scenes of the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys. Discover how two small-town Canadian kids grew up to play the legendary Frankie Valli. Enjoy hits like Sherry, Walk Like a Man, and Big Girls Don’t Cry.
For show times and tickets, visit barrie.ca/TheatreTickets.
Reminder: Take part in the City’s 2025 Business & Employer Data Survey
The City of Barrie is conducting the annual Business & Employer Data Survey. The survey helps update the City’s online business directory and informs economic development and planning efforts. Businesses can complete the survey online at buildingbarrie.ca/BusinessDataSurvey by September 30.
To learn more about this initiative, visit investbarrie.ca/BEDS.
Trade Accelerator Program for local businesses
Invest Barrie is launching a Trade Accelerator Program this fall, delivered in collaboration with the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the Province of Ontario, the City of Orillia, and the County of Simcoe. Registration is now open. Participating businesses from Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County will receive structured training and mentorship focused on export readiness, market expansion, and international business development.
Learn more and get details on how to apply at investbarrie.ca/TariffResources.
Have fun and stay active with fall recreation programs
The City of Barrie offers hundreds of programs for all ages and abilities, including fitness classes, swimming lessons, skating programs, arts activities, and family-friendly recreation opportunities.
Registration is open at play.barrie.ca. Eligible Barrie residents can also apply for fee assistance through the RecACCESS program, which helps make recreation programs more affordable.
Celebrate International Day of Older Persons
Mark your calendar! Join us for the International Day of Older Persons open house on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at Parkview Community Centre (189 Blake Street).  Â
The event will feature:Â Â
- Free activities (dance, art exhibit, table tennis) for 55+Â
- Tours of the Parkview 55+ CentreÂ
- Free refreshmentsÂ
- Vendor fair featuring local agencies and government services Â
- Prizes and giveawaysÂ
 For more information and to register visit barrie.ca/seniors or call 705-737-0755.
Reminder: Final tax due date coming up
The final 2026 tax bill instalment due date is September 29, 2026. Final tax bills are issued each May. All payments must be received by the City on or before the due date to avoid late payment fees of 1.25% per month. Simplify your payments—join the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan and never worry about missing a due date!
Visit barrie.ca/PropertyTaxes for more information.
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.
