This Week in Barrie: Week of September 7

New City portal makes it easier to check and update 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 their name, or update their voter information for the 2026 Municipal Election. The secure online portal allows residents to complete the process conveniently from home and submit acceptable identification when required. Eligible electors who are added to the voters list will receive a Voter Information Letter in late September, including their unique voting PIN and instructions for voting.

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.

Did you know? Your ward may change for the 2026 Municipal Election 

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

Welcome students! First classes start September 8 at new Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub

The City of Barrie and Lakehead University recently celebrated the completion of the new Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub in downtown Barrie. This exciting milestone brings a university presence to the city and represents a significant investment in education, talent development, and economic growth.The STEM Hub will provide students with the opportunity to pursue in-demand careers close to home while helping local industries access a skilled workforce.

The inaugural class begins on September 8, 2026. For more information, visit barrie.ca/STEMHub or lakeheadu.ca/barrie. 

Culture Days & Doors Open Barrie

Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in Barrie this fall! Culture Days 2026  runs September 18 until 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. 

Looking to get rid of unwanted or broken items? Try sharing or repairing them!

If you have unwanted items in good condition, consider sharing them with others! On Curbside Giveaway Day (Saturday, September 19), place gently used items at the curb for others to take. If you have a broken household item, register to bring it to the Barrie Public Library’s Repair Café on Saturday, September 26, where volunteers will help you fix it (registration is required). These opportunities offer residents easy, practical ways to share their unwanted items with others, or repair broken items, ultimately keeping them out of the landfill.  Share what you don’t need. Repair what you can. Rethink your waste. 

For more information on these events and more ways to rethink your waste, visit barrie.ca/RethinkWaste.

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.

Sports field use reminders

To help keep Barrie’s sports fields safe and in good condition, users must follow the City’s field use regulations:

• All groups and schools must follow the City’s Inclement Weather Policy. Fields should not be used when conditions could cause damage or increase the risk of injury.
• Fields that are closed are clearly signed. Anyone using a closed field may be responsible for repair costs if damage occurs. The City may close fields at any time due to safety concerns, overuse, or wet conditions.
• Sports fields may only be used for their intended purpose. Vehicles are not permitted in city parks. 
• Baseball players are asked to respect neighbouring homes and private property. Repeatedly hitting balls into nearby yards intentionally may result in loss of access to the facility.
• Parks staff and By-law Enforcement officers monitor fields to ensure regulations are followed.

Help us ensure community sports fields are safe and available for everyone to enjoy! 

Visit barrie.ca/sportsfields for field status updates and more information. 

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