City of Barrie celebrating New Year's Eve with small-scale events, with enhanced safety guidelines in place

Although no Downtown Countdown this year, family-friendly events offered to residents

The City of Barrie is helping to ring in 2022 safely with this year's New Year's Eve celebration events, taking place on December 31.

This year's activities have been revised to ensure that they align with the latest Provincial regulations and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) COVID-19 guidelines. The City continues to work with the SMDHU and is following all guidance provided.

If you're taking part in the City's family-friendly New Year's Eve events on December 31, please remember to:wear a properly-fitting mask (that fully covers your nose, mouth and chin)keep distance from those outside your householdstay home if you are sick

Although there is no Downtown Countdown or concert this year, the following activities are taking place with the noted safety guidelines in place:

Indoor events at two Community Centres (East Bayfield and Holly Community Centres):all participants must pre-register participants must follow entry protocols as per regular recreation centre regulations, including screening and proof of vaccination capacity, distancing and masking requirements must be followed

 Outdoor events at City Hall rink and Centennial rink:fencing has been put in place for capacity limitsmasking, distancing signage will be in placethe line up for skating will be managed and signage will be in placeproof of vaccination and contact tracing will be in place for all participants

Residents are invited to enjoy a fireworks show over Kempenfelt Bay (instead of City Hall). Fireworks will occur around 9 p.m. and will be able to be seen from multiple vantage points. Residents are asked to watch the fireworks from their cars, and are asked to not gather in groups.

Visitbarrie.ca/HappyHolidays for updated information.