Downtown Barrie Reflects on a Year of Growth & Community

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 20 2024

Barrie, ON – As 2024 comes to a close, Downtown Barrie looks back on a year filled with vibrant activity, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed sense of community.

Successes, Challenges & Collaboration

Our events have been a resounding success, drawing over 350,000 visitors to our downtown core. The Open Air Dunlop series continues to flourish, attracting more and more residents and visitors to enjoy our pedestrian-friendly streets and waterfront. Seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, and events organized by our diverse community groups have not only entertained but also enriched our downtown experience, welcoming new residents and fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
Collaboration has been key to our success. We are incredibly grateful for our esteemed partners, including the City of Barrie, Tourism Barrie, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Barrie, the Barrie Police Service, the County of Simcoe, Georgian College, and many more. Together, we are working tirelessly to enhance Downtown Barrie, making it a more beautiful, engaging, and welcoming place for all.
We recognize the importance of addressing the social challenges that face our community. In partnership with the County of Simcoe, the City of Barrie, the Barrie Police Service, and the Province of Ontario, we are working diligently to create a safe and supportive environment for all residents, regardless of their circumstances.

Downtowns are innovation and economic drivers of our community

Downtowns are the heart and soul of our communities. They represent our history, embody our vibrant present, and hold the promise of a bright future. Downtown Barrie is a gathering place for families, friends, colleagues, and visitors, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. It is also a significant economic driver, supporting local businesses and contributing to the overall prosperity of our community.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Downtown Barrie continues to thrive. Many of our successful businesses began humbly, perhaps as a garage operation or a market stall at the Barrie Farmers’ Market. This journey from a small-scale idea to a thriving enterprise exemplifies the incredible opportunities that our downtown core offers.
We are deeply grateful for the resilience and dedication of our local businesses. These locally owned businesses are the heart of our community. They are our friends, our family, and our neighbors. Their continued investment in Downtown Barrie strengthens our community and enriches the lives of all who live here in Barrie.

2025 Forward!

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are filled with excitement and optimism. The arrival of Georgian College with nearly 1,000 students and faculty, the establishment of a Lakehead University STEM campus bringing an additional 500 students and faculty to our downtown core, and the transformation of the Sandbox Centre into a provincial regional innovation center will inject an unprecedented level of intellectual energy and innovation into our community.

Stay in Touch!

Stay connected with us! Visit downtownbarrie.ca for a complete list of businesses and upcoming events. Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay informed about the exciting happenings in Downtown Barrie. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Barrie community for your continued support of our vibrant downtown core. Happy New Year!