An afternoon beverage with an old friend. A delicious meal with family while the sun sets on a weekday evening. A morning cup of coffee with a colleague. Picture all this on an outdoor patio. There’s something magical about coming together and sharing a meal, dessert, or a beverage outside with friends and family. Being able to connect in person is somewhat lost in this fast-paced age of cell phones and social media. It’s time we slow down and reconnect with our friends and family.
Downtown Barrie has over 30 outdoor patios to choose as the perfect venue to reconnect. These patios come in all shapes and sizes and you won’t have to look far to find the perfect one.
Many of the sidewalk patios (think The Queens, Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery or British Arms) are part of a program that started over five years ago meant to create activity at the street level between 5pm and 11pm. It has been such a success that businesses have increased their patio times to include lunch.
If you’re looking to enjoy views of Kempenfelt Bay, then one of the 10+ waterview patios (Il Buco, Bohemia, The Speakcheesy, for example) are for you. There are also the craftly designed and cozy back alleyway patios (like Kenzington’s and Donaleigh’s). Then there’s the rooftop patio at Hooligans overlooking Meridian Place with some of the finest views in the city. Finally, there are the patios serving coffee and healthy lunches (think Grilled Cheese Social Eatery, Lazy Tulip Cafe and Barrie Bean Counter).
With 15+ sidewalk patios, 10+ waterview patios, 4 back patios and 1 rooftop patio, it’s hard to believe this program started with only two!
The patios of Downtown Barrie have helped shape the design and feel of the Dunlop Streetscape project which starts in September. The new streetscape will be more pedestrian-friendly while allowing the number the patios to almost double!
So call a friend and let the perfect patio in downtown Barrie be your reason to reconnect.
As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) hopes that you, your family, friends and colleagues are safe and well, and are taking the necessary precautions to keep our community safe.
Usually at this time of year, we are busy preparing for both the annual Promenade Days Festival and the Craft Beer & BBQ Festival. However, due to the public health risks associated with mass gatherings, the Downtown Barrie (BIA) has made the difficult decision to cancel these events for 2020.
The 2020 Promenade Days Festival, held annually in conjunction with City of Barrie’s Canada Day celebrations, was scheduled fromJuly 3rd to 5th and the 2020 Craft Beer & BBQ Festival was to take place from July 10th to 12th.
Please note that the Downtown Barrie (BIA) will be contributing to the City of Barrie’s Virtual Canada Day Celebration. We encourage you and your family to tune in.
We recognize that both these events are highly anticipated every year and this decision was not easy to make. Despite the excitement for these events, the health and safety of our members, attendees, volunteers and staff is our primary concern. Thank you for your understanding.
The community is still welcome to visit downtown Barrie and check out our new Dunlop Streetscape due to be completed July 15th for Dunlop Street East and Fall 2020 for Dunlop Street West.
Be well and always #SupportLocal.
For more information contact:
Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) [email protected]
downtownbarrie.ca
The Downtown Barrie BIA acknowledges that the Business Improvement Area is located on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Odawa, Ojbwe and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The Downtown Barrie BIA is dedicated to honoring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
