| Parking Tickets Waived with Proof of Purchase from Local Restaurant | |
From April 14 to June 16, 2021, residents who received a parking ticket from the City could have the ticket cancelled if they provided proof of purchase from a Barrie restaurant in an amount equal to or greater than the set fine, within five days after receiving the ticket.
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| Barrie Advance Partnership |
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The City of Barrie partnered with the Barrie Advance by
sponsoring a special edition of the newspaper in support of local businesses, published on April 8, 2021. With the City offsetting costs, local businesses could purchase ads at a 75% cost reduction.
Read the Barrie Advance Special Edition
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| Barrielicious presents: Locallicious | |
From April 9 to April 25, 2021, Locallicious allowed Barrie's residents to try a diversity of delicious culinary experiences in our city. Locallicious was geared toward promoting the smaller independent restaurants, each with their own unique flavours and style.
The Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA), City of Barrie and Tourism Barrie provided support to the 2021 event through a matching grant program with the provincial government’s
Reconnect Festival and Event Program. The funding allowed festival organizers to waive restaurant participation fees this year, as well as provide support for takeout and PPE supplies.
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| Economic Recovery Consultations |
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The City conducted initial consultations in Spring 2020 and a second phase in November 2020. Learn more:
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| Business Response Action Plan |
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The Invest Barrie COVID-19 Business Response Action Plan includes Five Key Measures and supporting Action Items that will help protect the local economy and assist businesses with the supports needed to navigate these trying times. Invest Barrie will continue to monitor COVID-19 and will make changes when necessary, ensuring businesses are receiving the most current information and up-to-date programming.
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| Business Recovery Action Plan |
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The City has prepared a Business Recovery Action Plan (available for download at
investbarrie.ca/covid-19-support) to assist the local economy in coming back stronger and smarter after COVID-19. It will guide local investment in the economic recovery after COVID-19 and identify local initiatives that will help the recovery process. The plan was built through consultation with local businesses, stakeholders, and the general public. Thank you to all those that contributed. |
| Barrie Together Recovery Kit |
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The Barrie Together Recovery Kit is a set of tools to support businesses with COVID-19 recovery efforts. The City has developed shared media materials with the themes “Barrie Together” and “Shopping Local”. We encourage businesses to use these in marketing efforts, along with “Mandatory Face Covering” and “Curbside Pickup” window decals and physical distancing floor stickers supplied by Invest Barrie as part of the kit. Visit
investbarrie.ca/covid-19-support to learn more and order a kit. |
| Digital Main Street's ShopHERE |
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The City of Barrie joined Digital Main Street's ShopHERE powered by Google program, which helps independent businesses and artists build a digital presence and minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses and artists can apply for the program at
digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere to get their online store built at no-cost. |
| Manufacturing Forum | |
The City of Barrie is launching a manufacturing forum for businesses to engage with one another to ask questions and provide solutions for their businesses during the ever-evolving time of COVID-19. If interested, please contact Nora Gavarre at
Nora.Gavarre@barrie.caor call at 705-739-4220 ext. 4431 |
| Business in the Parks Pilot Program |
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The
Business in the Parks Pilot Program provides new opportunities for businesses to maximize their capacity and introduce new avenues for revenue generation.
The idea for this program came about after consultations with the business community as part of the City’s
Economic Recovery Action Plan. Through this program, businesses can book time to use the outdoor space at Meridian Place, Sunnidale Park, or the Kiwanis Pavilion at Southshore Park for their business activities, operating in a closed format (i.e. participants have to pre-register to participate in the activity).
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| Patios Everywhere Program |
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The
Patios Everywhere Program is back again for 2021. This program is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is intended to support local restaurants and help increase capacity in a safe manner. The patio season will start on April 1, ending on November 30, and interested businesses are encouraged to apply.
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| Funding for Georgian College’s Department of Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
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Barrie City Council approved $75,000 in new municipal funding for a one-year pilot partnership with
Georgian College’s Department of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, aimed at delivering direct programming to businesses and entrepreneurs to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The partnership will support companies in streamlining processes with advanced technology and help them increase revenues by identifying and developing new markets and opportunities. The programs will also focus on helping businesses execute projects affordably by sourcing skilled workers through co-op placements, leading to increased employment and a stronger talent pipeline from Georgian to local industry. The $75,000 funding is in addition to $25,000 that Georgian will be receiving from the existing Economic & Creative Development budget. During the one-year pilot, the City will assess the impact of funding, outcomes and benefits to business, with future recommendations for a second year of funding. The programs and resources will be rolled out to businesses in 2021. |
HeyLocal online marketplace
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| Downtown Curbside Pickup Pilot Program |
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As part of the Downtown Curbside Pickup Pilot Program, there are currently several temporary curbside pickup up spots in the downtown core, which offer free parking to consumers wanting to support local businesses.
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