About Barrie

Barrie is a vibrant and attractive city with swimmable beaches and challenging ski opportunities on our doorstep. An abundance of parkland, totalling over 90 parks, comprising in excess of 300 ha. are scattered throughout the city. Several of these parks line beautiful Kempenfelt Bay with extensive biking, roller blading and walking trails. Cultural attractions include the renowned Gryphon Theatre, and international concert and performance venue at the Barrie Molson Centre, a 4,200 seat multi-purpose entertainment facility, and the MacLaren Art Centre.

A $120 Million, health care facility was constructed in 1997 adjacent to Georgian College. The location provides easy access for those in need of its services. The hospital provides 297 acute care beds and 270 operational beds. The hospital location adjacent to the college provides a unique opportunity for cooperative training, research and clinical trials, unequaled in North America.

The City is home to a 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art public library, located in Downtown Barrie at the junction of Worsley and Owen Street.  Barrie Public Library is open 7 days a week and houses a multimedia collection that serves residents of all ages in the City of Barrie.  Alongside usual library services the library also offers free Internet access to patrons, plus a wide variety of adult and children’s programmes. Information Barrie is a service of the Barrie Public Library, providing information about community groups, agencies, government offices, churches, daycare, schools, etc.

Barrie City Planning Initiatives

In response to Council direction to study Intensification as a means of accommodated anticipated population growth, and the release of ‘The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe’, the City of Barrie is initiating an intensification strategy to encourage growth through increased residential density and mixed use development.

The Planning Department has prepared a study which recommends appropriate areas and policies to guide intensification initiatives through-out the City.  The strategy, approved in principle by Council on November 3, 2008, establishes four (4) principle areas where intensification is promoted:

A more dense population can better support neighbourhood facilities in locations that encourage walking and are easily accessible by transit.  Reducing our reliance on automobiles benefits the environment, and will ultimately create a more social and cooperative atmosphere for residents.  The importance of good urban design and minimizing impacts on existing neighbourhoods is key to the success of intensification projects.

For the most recent urban development initiatives in Barrie, see City Of Barrie Official Plan.

Click the link to view the most recent property tax rates for Barrie.