File a Claim

Reporting Damage to Grass?
Throughout the winter it may be difficult to tell exactly where the edge of the sidewalk is, and when the ground is not frozen some damage can occur from snow plowing. Damage to City grass is repaired each spring. Please provide details and address by reporting via ServiceBarrie.ca, calling or emailing 705-726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca, or reporting a problem via the City's mobile app. Your address will be added to a list for repair.

If you have suffered a loss for which you believe the City may be responsible, you can file a claim against the City. To do so, you must follow the process outlined below in order for the City to consider your claim. In situations involving disrepair of a City road or sidewalk, you will be required to provide notice to the City within 10 days of the incident.

Although the City recognizes that suffering a loss can be upsetting, it is important to know that the City is not your insurer. In that regard, if you have an automobile or property insurance policy, we suggest that you report the incident to your insurance company or broker right away. By getting your insurance company involved immediately, you will be in a better position as the policy will protect your interests should you submit a claim to your insurance company. Should your insurance company believe the City is responsible for the loss, the insurer may seek compensation against the City on your behalf.

Prepare Your Notice of Claim
Prepare your notice of claim in writing and ensure it contains the following:
- Your name, mailing address, email address and telephone number;
- A complete description of when and where the incident took place;
- A complete description of what happened including photographs, motor vehicle accident reports and/or records prepared by public authorities;
- If the incident involved a City contractor or within a construction area, the name of the contractor;
- The names and contact information of any witnesses;
- A complete description of your claim for damages including all documentation to support or substantiate your claim such as receipts and estimates; and
- If you have reported the incident to your insurance company, the name and contact information of the insurance adjuster assigned to your insurance claim.
Submit your Claim
Complete the online claim submission form. Upon submission, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your claim.
The City also accepts notices of claims by:
- personally delivering your claim letter to City Hall, 70 Collier Street
- mailing to Service Barrie, P.O. Box 400, Barrie, ON, L4M 4T5
- faxing to 705-739-4237
Upon receipt of your claim, the City will acknowledge your claim within three business days. Your claim maybe forwarded to an external adjusting firm in order for an adjuster to conduct an investigation into the facts and circumstances of your incident and to determine whether the City is legally liable for your claim for damages. A representative of the adjusting firm will contact you within six business days of the City receiving your notice of claim. Please note that the response time may vary depending upon the complexity of your claim and the availability of information.