Member News

UPDATE: Open Air Dunlop Begins Saturday, June 12 in Downtown Barrie

Thursday, June 10, 2021

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, June 10, 2021 (Barrie, Ontario)

Open Air Dunlop Begins Saturday, June 12 in Downtown Barrie

With the recent Provincial advancement of Phase 1 of the reopening plan, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) has quickly pivoted to host Open Air Dunlop on Saturday, June 12th, one week in advance of the originally scheduled date.

This Saturday, head to downtown Barrie and experience Dunlop Street in a pedestrian-, bicycle-, scooter- and skateboard-friendly environment! Between Mulcaster Street and the Five Points intersection, Dunlop Street will be closed to vehicle traffic and open for the public to support local in a physically distanced space.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Open Air Dunlop a week ahead of schedule,” says Kelly McKenna, Executive Director of the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA). “We’re creating a safer and physically distanced downtown so the public can support the incredible and truly resilient businesses who are ready to welcome them back. Open Air Dunlop will be happening every Saturday all summer long for the public to check out our one-of-a-kind shops and enjoy a meal on a patio. We can’t wait to see you downtown!”

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation stations will be provided along Dunlop Street East along with signage with reminders of recommended health and safety measures that the public are asked to follow, including physical distancing, washing hands often and wearing masks.

While downtown supporting our one-of-a-kind shops or relaxing on one of our 20+ award-winning restaurant patios, there will also be plenty of activities to enjoy including self-guided public art tours, self-guided historic walking tours and self-guided Barrie-by-Bike tours! The public is also welcome to check out the Barrie Farmers’ Market, Theatre By The Bay’s The Ghost Watchers, or to simply grab a coffee and enjoy the views of sparkling Kempenfelt Bay.

As we navigate through each phase of the Provincial reopening plan, Open Air Dunlop will welcome increased activation. All downtown Barrie businesses will be following mandated health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Regulatory updates will be communicated.

See you downtown!

For more information about Open Air Dunlop, visit downtownbarrie.ca/openairdunlop
For more information on Provincial health and safety regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/index.html