I hope February is treating you well! Here are a few key updates from City Council that I want to share with you:
2025 Budget: What It Means for You
City Council has finalized the 2025 budget, which includes a 4.31% property tax increase. This consists of:
- 2% Infrastructure Investment Fee to maintain and upgrade roads, bridges, and other essential city infrastructure.
- 2.31% increase to support Barrie’s service partners, including Barrie Police Service, the County of Simcoe, Barrie Public Library, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and conservation authorities.
For the average homeowner, this means an increase of approximately $215 per year. While no tax increase is ideal, Barrie’s remains among the lowest compared to similar municipalities.
Garbage Cart Selection – A Big Change for Barrie!
Barrie is transitioning to automated cart collection for organics and garbage starting September 8, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
- Residents can request a smaller (120L) garbage cart at no charge until March 31.
- If no request is made, the standard-size cart will be delivered.
- The new system aims to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance worker safety.
This is a significant shift for our city, so I encourage everyone to visit barrie.ca/waste to learn more and make your selection.
Major Infrastructure Investment: Yonge & Mapleview Expansion
On January 23, the province announced $18.5 million in funding to support the reconstruction and expansion of Yonge Street and Mapleview Drive East. This investment is essential to keeping up with Barrie’s rapid growth and improving traffic flow in these key areas.
Stay Updated on Snow Removal & Service Levels
Barrie’s winter maintenance crews are working hard to keep roads and sidewalks clear despite significant snowfall this season. If you have concerns about service levels, please reach out. You can also track snow plows in real time with the Plow Tracker tool at barrie.ca/snow.
Get Ready for an Exciting Summer Concert Series!
Big news for music lovers! The Barrie BIA’s Downtown Summer Concert Series is bringing Dean Brody to Meridian Place on June 14 for a free concert! This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy live music in the heart of the city, so mark your calendars for a great night out!
Simcoe Street Closure – Plan Ahead!
Although not in Ward 10, those traveling downtown should be aware that Simcoe Street will be closed to all traffic starting February 10 for culvert installation and crane work. This closure will impact the stretch between Maple Avenue and Dunlop Street. Visit barrie.ca/roadwork for full details.
Addressing Homelessness: Expanding Support
City Council recently passed a motion to support the County of Simcoe in using $3M in provincial funding to remove encampments in city-owned parks and expand shelter capacity for those experiencing homelessness. This is a crucial step in ensuring more people have access to safe, supportive housing.
A Game Changer: Barrie’s New HART Hub
Barrie is set to establish a HART (Humanitarian and Addiction Response Team) Hub to support residents struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. This new initiative will bring vital services together in one location, offering integrated support for those in need.
As always, I’m here to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out!
