Residents invited to share their vision for the future of Barrie’s parks

City seeking feedback to create Parks Strategic Plan 

(BarrieON) – The City is seeking residents’ feedback to support the creation of a new Parks Strategic Plan. The plan will create a roadmap for future parkland services and outdoor recreation facilities in Barrie, as the city grows to an anticipated 298,000 people by 2051.

“Parks are essential to Barrie — they improve our quality of life, strengthen our economy, and keep our community healthy,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “The Parks Strategic Plan will make sure everyone has access to greenspace close to home.”

The Parks Strategic Plan will develop a vision for how parkland and greenspaces will support Barrie’s growth, and guide how parks and outdoor recreation facilities are planned, used, and managed into the future.

Residents are invited to imagine what the future of Barrie’s parks looks like through the following engagement opportunities: 

  • Complete the online survey before March 22, 2026 to be eligible for a chance to win a prize;
  • Drop into a pop-up community engagement event (visit BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan for pop-up dates, times, and locations);  
  • Use the online parks mapping tool: add a pin to the map on a park that you would like to provide feedback on. 

This consultation builds on the first phase of the Parks Strategic Plan project, which produced the 2024 Parkland Needs Assessment Report. The Parkland Needs Assessment Report provides the foundational data needed to inform this current phase of consultation and identified the need for more parkland as the city grows. 

For more information about the engagement opportunities offered, including access to the online survey and mapping tool, visit BuildingBarrie.ca/ParksStrategicPlan

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Aerial view of a multi-use court surrounded by newly planted trees and green space, with a playground in the background.