City of Barrie Right-of-Way Notice
Theatre Block Development (55 Dunlop St W) Lane reduction The Barrie Waterfront Development project at 55 Dunlop Street West has […]
Blog Articles
City of Barrie Wayfinding Strategy: Public Survey
The City of Barrie is working with Cygnus Design Group to improve the city’s wayfinding signage system. What is ‘wayfinding’ […]
Request to City Council to Create Small Business Subclass for Commercial Tax Relief
On January 15, 2022, the Downtown Barrie BIA Board of Management submitted a request to Barrie City Council to create […]
Financial Supports for Businesses
Financial Supports for Businesses Financial Supports Update (February 9, 2022): Small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified […]
Hot Cocoa Trail Social Media Kit
Hot Cocoa Trail Social Media Kit The Hot Cocoa Trail is back in Downtown Barrie! This event will run every […]
☀️ 🍂 Autumn in the City 🍂 ☀️ Fall in love with downtown Barrie. It’s Autumn in the City and […]
Annual General Meeting: November 1st, 2021 Attention Downtown Barrie BIA Members! You’re invited to the virtual Annual General Meeting […]
Open Air Dunlop Continuing to Support Downtown Businesses
For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 28, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario) Open Air Dunlop Continuing to Support Downtown Businesses The interest and […]
UPDATE: Open Air Dunlop Begins Saturday, June 12 in Downtown Barrie
For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 10, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario) Open Air Dunlop Begins Saturday, June 12 in Downtown Barrie With […]
Downtown Barrie to kick off summer with Open Air Dunlop on Saturday, June 19
For Immediate Release: Monday, May 31, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario) Downtown Barrie to kick off summer with Open Air Dunlop on […]
BIA Board Support for Proposed SCS Location
Downtown Barrie BIA Board of Directors Support Proposed SCS Location On Thursday, April 15, 2021, the Downtown Barrie Business Association […]
Bright Spots in Downtown Barrie
Bright Spots in Downtown Barrie 💚 The Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) has partnered with the Barrie Police Service, the […]
Downtown Barrie BIA partners with community leaders on Bright Spot project
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario) Downtown Barrie BIA partners with community leaders on Bright Spot project […]
Barrielicious returns for its longest-ever event beginning April 9th
Barrielicious returns for its longest-ever event beginning April 9th For Immediate Release Monday, March 17, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario) Barrie’s premiere […]
Downtown Barrie BIA Responds to Decision to Place Simcoe-Muskoka in Grey/Lockdown Zone
Downtown Barrie BIA Responds to Decision to Place Simcoe-Muskoka in Grey/Lockdown Zone For Immediate Release Monday, March 1, 2021 (Barrie, […]
BIA working collaboratively to facilitate safe consumption site – Simcoe.com
BIA working collaboratively to facilitate safe consumption site, director says Barrie Advance Thursday, February 18, 2021 Simcoe Muskoka’s opioid crisis […]
A Voice for Downtown Barrie BIA Members on the Proposed SCS Locations
A Voice for Downtown Barrie BIA Members A decision will be made in the coming weeks on the location of […]
#WinterInTheCity Mystery Options with Lifeline E-Gift Card Program
#WinterInTheCity Mystery Options with the Lifeline E-Gift Card Program It’s #WinterInTheCity and all we’re asking you to do is #StayHome, […]
☀️ Open Air Dunlop ☀️ Open Air Dunlop is back for 2021! As part of the economic recovery plan for […]
Press Release: Noella Festival Tree Lot Raises $3000 for Hospice Simcoe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, December 21st, 2020 (Barrie, Ontario) Noella Festival Tree Lot Raises $3000 for Hospice Simcoe Supporting local […]
Press Release: Words and Images: Public Art in Downtown Barrie
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 6th, 2020 Words and Images: Public Art in Downtown Barrie Supports Community Public art installations […]
Press Release: Open Air Dunlop a Safe Way to Explore Beautiful Downtown Barrie
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 Open Air Dunlop: A Safe Way to Explore Beautiful Downtown Barrie After two […]
Press Release: Barrie’s Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration Cancelled for 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, October 2, 2020 Barrie’s Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration Cancelled for 2020 The Barrie […]
Press Release: Open Air Dunlop Coming to Downtown Barrie
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 Open Air Dunlop Coming to Downtown Barrie The Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) […]
Press Release: Donation of 600 Shield-U Face Shields to BIA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, June 17, 2020 (Barrie, Ontario) Donation of 600 Shield-U Face Shields from Molded Precision Components to […]
Press Release: The BIA’s Downtown Heroes Campaign is Feeling the Love
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 4, 2020 (Barrie, Ontario) The BIA’s Downtown Heroes Campaign is Feeling the Love Support for […]
Press Release: Downtown Heroes Campaign Continues to Receive Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, June 1, 2020 (Barrie, Ontario) Downtown Heroes Campaign Continues to Receive Support The Downtown Heroes capes […]
Promenade Days, Craft Beer & BBQ Festivals Cancelled
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 15th, 2020 Promenade Days, Craft Beer & BBQ Festivals Cancelled in Downtown Barrie As COVID-19 […]
Press Release: Downtown Barrie BIA Launches Downtown Heroes Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 19, 2020 (Barrie, Ontario) Downtown Barrie BIA Launches Downtown Heroes Campaign The Downtown Barrie Business […]
Lifeline Cheque Presentation with ZuZu Fashion Boutique
We were so happy to present Tracey Baker, owner of ZuZu Fashion Boutique with her first cheque from all the […]
Lifeline Cheque Presentation with Lazy Tulip Cafe
We were so happy to present Michelle Huggins, owner of the Lazy Tulip Cafe with her first cheque from all […]
Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Dinner
Date Friday, February 14, 2020 Cocktails at 6 pm | Dinner at 7 pm Description $75 per person includes 4 […]
Celebrate Family Day at the MacLaren!
Date Monday, February 17, 2020 Open 12 pm to 4 pm Description Keep your family active and entertained this Family […]
Welcome the BIA’s New Executive Director!
Description The Downtown BIA is pleased to announce it has hired its next Executive Director, Kelly McKenna! Kelly brings an […]
Heritage Ornament Collection Preserves our History
As time seems to be moving forward faster and faster, we can easily lose track of the vast history and […]
Final Stretch of Construction for Phase 1A! Streetscape Pt. 3
Wow! Has the time flown by! Phase 1A of the Dunlop Streetscape Project is now on the final stretch. With […]
Downtown is Dirty & Loving It! Streetscape Pt. 2
The Dunlop Streetscape Project has been underway for a month now and it’s slated to transform the look of our […]
Supporting Local Despite the Dirt
Supporting our local businesses supports our local community. Downtown Barrie is full of hundreds of local businesses owned by our […]
Downtown Barrie and its Waterfront
Here we are about halfway through our summer and the temperature of Kempenfelt Bay is nearing perfection for enjoying the […]
Summer Saison in Downtown Barrie
Ahh! The summer saison is the season that brings the warmth. In the brewing world, a saison is a seasonal beer with summery, fruity […]
Patio Season in Downtown Barrie
An afternoon beverage with an old friend. A delicious meal with family while the sun sets on a weekday evening. […]
Embracing the Grit of Spring
Ahh, the season of grit. Somewhere in between the relief that comes with the end of winter and the energetic […]
Downtown Barrie’s Creative Corridor
Downtowns are full of creativity. They are hubs of the creative class which include the arts, businesses and professions. Downtown […]
Who is Downtown Barrie?
Let’s look at Downtown Barrie from a different perspective. If I was asked who is Downtown Barrie, my best answer would be […]
Downtown Barrie is Winter’s Wonderland
Some might call this time of year “the dead of winter,” but it always amazes me how well we embrace […]
A Taste of the First Ever Curb Appeal DIY
Curb Appeal DIY: Wrap-Up A Taste of the First Evening in this Intimate & Interactive Foodie Series The first evening […]
The Hot Cocoa Trail is Back!
Your toes are like ice. Your fingers are tingling. Frostbite threatens the tip of your nose and snowflakes rest on […]
Noella Festival Wrap Up
It’s a new year. We’re planning, scheduling and jumping into routine. Our gaze is forward, but for a brief moment, […]
‘Unpack Spring’: 5 Things to Do in Downtown Barrie
As April showers wash away the dirt and grime left behind by another challenging winter and the ice finally leaves the bay, we can look forward to ‘unpacking spring’.
Practicing #MindfulMondays
Autumn is almost upon us and the beginning of a new season is the perfect opportunity to start fresh and […]
Promenade Days & Canada Day Festivities
Come experience the longest running event in Downtown Barrie June 28 – July 2!
A Brief Summary of Barrie’s Long History
Downtown Barrie is an anchor district that has historic roots and heritage dating back well over 200 years as a […]
Meridian Place & Memorial Square has Blossomed
It’s spring and Meridian Place & Memorial Square has blossomed! With the canopy up and development nearing completion, this space […]
Craft Beer & BBQ Festival
Downtown Barrie’s coveted Craft Beer & BBQ Festival kicked off this July following the Promenade Days & Canada Day Festivities. […]
Upcoming Mid-Winter Events
Get out of the house and enjoy some of the fun going on around this February. Here’s a list of […]
Experience the Magic of Noella in Downtown Barrie
A permanent public market is in the works for downtown Barrie, giving locals and tourists another reason to explore downtown.
Holly Days
Part of the Noella Festival lineup, Holly Days are a great opportunity to explore the many great shops in downtown Barrie
Downtown Barrie Needs a Public Market
A permanent public market is in the works for downtown Barrie, giving locals and tourists another reason to explore downtown.
Patio Season: The 5th Season in Downtown Barrie!
We’re excited to get outdoors and enjoy the patio scene downtown!
We’re Growing and So Can You!
A growing downtown core means many things, including an increased ability to provide our community with places, spaces and events to explore, meet and even experience personal growth.
DT Barrie Talks Twitter Series – Episode Eight
This month, we talked to Michelle Huggins, owner of the Lazy Tulip Café, about growth, travel, following your heart and the evoution of Downtown Barrie
Downtown Barrie Business Winners 2016
Chamber Business Awards Invest Barrie New Business Award Ripe Juicery Mayor’s Employer of the Year Tyger Shark Powerstream Innovator of […]
DT Barrie Talks Twitter Series – Episode Seven
This month, we talked to Michelle Huggins, owner of the Lazy Tulip Café, about growth, travel, following your heart and the evoution of Downtown Barrie
Downtown Barrie’s 2016 ‘Summery’ Summary
With the Autumnal Equinox occurring on September 22nd, it’s time to admit that summer is officially coming to a close. […]
8 Cool Canadiana Facts to Help You Celebrate Canada Day
Summer is here and it’s time to celebrate! One of the biggest celebrations of the summer is one that commemorates the birth of our nation – Canada Day!
DT Barrie Talks Twitter Series – Episode Six
The DT Barrie Twitter Talks series interviews downtown Barrie personalities, capturing the candid, the vibrant and the spirit of the downtown core.
Four Unexpected Ways You Can Experience Art in Downtown Barrie This Summer
Feeling uninspired? Searching for something that will invigorate your senses, awaken your imagination and get those creative juices flowing?
DT Barrie Talks Twitter Series – Episode Five
The DT Barrie Twitter Talks series interviews downtown Barrie personalities, capturing the candid, the vibrant and the spirit of the downtown cor
The Hippest of Hops
From Ales to Pilsners, when it comes to beer, right now, it’s all about craft.
DT Barrie Talks Episode Four
We chatted with Ann Green from Bliss Yoga about staying fit, remaining grounded, supporting local and appreciating the ‘unexpected’…
Curb Appeal
On Friday, September 11th we brought a little taste of Tuscany to the streets of Downtown Barrie.
How To Add A Little Freshness to Your Workday
The truth is, there are quite a few easy ways to add a little ‘freshness’ to your workday…
DT Barrie Talks – Episode Three
Episode 3 | Monday, May 2nd, 2016 Guest Speaker : Tropical North, Sam The DT Barrie Twitter Talks series interviews […]
Take Mom Downtown for Mother’s Day
From caring for us when we’re sick, to constantly worrying about us even when we’re not, Moms are certainly full of love
Five Reasons Why It’s Important To Get A Little Fresh Air
Nobody can deny the healing power of spending time outdoors on a gorgeous sunny day. Breathing in the fresh air, […]
Paint the Town Pink
This week is Paint The Town Pink here in Barrie, and lots of our downtown Barrie neighbours have collaborated with the Simcoe County District School Board to “pink-up” their windows in support.
Spring Into Spring
Regardless of what the weather has in store, we’re ready to welcome Spring, and want to help you embrace the seasonal change.
DT Barrie Talks – Episode Two
Discussing food, longboarding and what makes downtown Barrie so unexpected with Scott from The Local Gastropub
Bliss Yoga Studio
At Bliss Yoga Studio the practice of yoga is much more than a simple definition of a system of exercises …
DT Barrie Talks – Episode One
Discussing yoga and the power of love and grilled cheese sandwiches with Randy from Grilled Cheese Social Eatery
Curb Appeal Spring 2015
Organizers placed the event in the middle of Memorial Square…
Helen’s Bridal
Helen’s Bridal has been providing fine and exceptional service to brides for over twenty years in downtown Barrie. Even the […]
Winterfest 2015
Participating Locations Saturday February 7th & Sunday February 8th 1. Frozen Hot Chocolate Swirleez Frozen Yogurt, 89 Dunlop St E […]
Tree Lighting
Twas the morning of Downtown Barrie’s annual Tree Lighting event, the air was brisk and thick fluffy snowflakes were dropping […]
Curb Appeal Fall 2014
With everybody ‘sitt’n on the dock of the bay’ taking in Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, the night commenced with the first of five creatively prepared and presented dishes.
Barrie Happy
Showcasing all the “happy” that downtown Barrie has to offer!
Promenade Days & Canada Day
One of the many things that Downtown Barrie knows how to do well is taking full advantage of a gorgeous […]
Mallory Insurance
Dan Mallory entered the family business with an abundance of energy, and his perpetual desire to challenge himself and others …
The Mady Centre
It can be said that one man’s trash is a community’s wondrous treasure.
Spring Thaw Pancake Breakfast
It came as no surprise that Memorial Square was buzzing this weekend with people excited to celebrate the coming of spring…
Groovy Tuesday’s
What makes Groovy Tuesdays unique is the fact that its tight-knit space encourages guests to engage with each other…
Joshua’s Greenery
Nothing brightens up a room or livens up a streetscape better than fresh flowers creatively arranged.
The North
Marco Ormonde’s passion comes from within, getting started at an early age and knowing almost immediately that he wanted to be a chef.
Cakes by Design
Artists and designers are constantly pushing the envelope to stand out amongst the crowd and often times outdo their own previous work.
Gary Owens Framing
Whether you need to frame that perfect image that completes your home, or you’ve discovered a beautiful old painting that […]
BJ’s Records
For something to be able to stand the test of time it needs to be so unforgettable that generation after generation find their own personal reasons to fall in love with it
Nutrition Plus
Downtown Barrie’s Nutrition Plus has carved out a niche as the leading health food store in Barrie.
John McNabb Clothier
Shopping for the right suit can often times be a daunting challenge.
Our House
After recently celebrating their 20th anniversary and undergoing some renovations, Our House returns more alive and fresh than ever before
The Local Gastropub
A true European pub is known for its comfortable quarters, conversations with strangers, and great craft beer.
Flying Monkeys
The flavour profile of the various brands crafted by Flying Monkeys are as interesting as the name of the brewery itself.
The Creative Space
Truly compassionate people with a genuinely noble cause are few and far between these days.
Tropical North Surf Shop
A surfer’s nirvana and a boarder’s wonderland set inside a tropical destination themed store.
Bill LeBoeuf Jewellers
Diamonds might be a girls’ best friend, but so are rubies, sapphires, emeralds, gold and silver.
Kenzington Burger Bar
Finding a bar you love to hang out at and a restaurant you can’t get enough of often tend to be a difficult task.
Bohemia
It is a rare find when you come across an independently branded cafe that is unique, intriguing, and affordable.
Janet Kemp Ladies Fashion
One of the most satisfying features of a local retail store is the relationship established with the owner and customer.