Our Vision: To be the recreation experience provider of choice in Barrie.
Did you know? Four City events were named to the 2025 Top 100 Festivals list by Festivals and Events Ontario!
Key Responsibilities
- Identify community recreation needs and interests.
- Manage the provision of recreation space to external stakeholders.
- Deliver recreation activities for all abilities.
- Maintain and operate recreational facilities to provide a setting for these activities.
Culture Branch
The Culture branch manages the City's theatre bookings (Georgian Theatre and Five Points Theatre, administers Special Event Permits and Film Permits, and manages or supports several special events.
Signature City-Hosted Events
The City hosts many signature events throughout the year, including:
Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Local businesses can get involved and connect with the community, while increasing brand visibility. Contact the Special Events office at events@barrie.ca or 705-739-4285 to learn about signature event sponsorship opportunities.
In addition to municipally run events, Barrie is home to a variety of festivals and events operated by other organizers that are supported by the City of Barrie, including Kempenfest (Civic holiday weekend), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), and the Santa Claus Parade & Noella Tree Lighting Celebration (November).
Recreation Programs Branch
The Recreation Programs Branch is responsible for providing a high quality portfolio of recreation programs, activities and events which will meet the needs and interests of Barrie residents and will promote greater community engagement. This includes all tasks related to registered recreation programs, drop-in activities, and community centre events – from conceptualizing, planning, and developing, to implementing, monitoring, maintaining and reviewing.
In addition to municipally run events, Barrie is home to a variety of festivals and events operated by other organizers that are and supported by the City of Barrie, including Kempenfest (Civic holiday weekend), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), and the Santa Claus Parade & Noella Tree Lighting Celebration (November).
Recreation Facilities Branch
The Recreation Facilities Branch is responsible for ensuring that the City of Barrie’s portfolio of recreation facilities provides a high-quality setting for the recreational opportunities provided by the City, and for use by community groups.
Business Services & Administration
The Business Services & Administration Branch supports good decision making through the provision of data, information, and analysis – and provides administrative support to all of Recreation Services. Key Responsibilities:
- Co-ordination of annual business planning and budgeting activities.
- Development of policies and procedures, and staff reports and presentations to Council and Committees.
- Administration of the recreation registration system, including data extraction and analysis
- Facility bookings including rooms, halls, pools, arenas, and gymnasiums