Latest news with #CityofBarrie
CTV News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
e-scooters on Barrie's horizon?
Barrie residents are asked to voice their opinion on e-scooters in the community. Mon., July 28, 2025. PHOTO: CITY OF BARRIE E-scooters could be just around the next bend if residents agree. Barrie staff is considering permitting electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in participation with an initiative from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). 'As Barrie continues to grow, we're exploring the role e-scooters could play as part of a broader range of transportation options to support mobility for all residents,' said Brett Gratrix, senior project manager of transportation and development services. 'Although they're not currently permitted in Barrie, we're seeing increasing interest and use, which is why we're consulting the public before determining next steps,' Gratrix said. E-scooters are currently not allowed to operate in Barrie on city property or within the public right-of-way, such as city streets, sidewalks or trails. The provincial pilot program allows participating municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used. No decisions about permitting the scooters have been made yet and city staff are offering the public an opportunity to learn about e-scooters, ask questions, and complete a survey about whether to permit them in Barrie. Feedback from the public will be sent to city council which will offer recommendations on whether to opt in or out of the provincial pilot program. pilot program. About the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) pilot program Ontario's e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used. The pilot is running from January 1, 2020 to November 27, 2029. The pilot program sets out requirements for: Helmets Minimum age for riders Weight and speed restrictions Municipalities that choose to allow e-scooters are responsible for:
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Construction on Big Bay Point Road raises questions: Why wasn't it done during 2021 reconstruction?
Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. Drivers along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie will notice lane reductions this week as the City begins major water main work between Bayview Drive and Huronia Road — a busy stretch that was already under construction just a few years ago. The question on the minds of many now is, why wasn't the water main work done in 2021 when the road was completely overhauled and widened to five lanes? In an email sent to CTV News, the City explained that the full extent of the declining condition of the water main wasn't evident during the road project four years ago. 'Recent assessments identified corrosion and deterioration on parts of a large water main, which presents risk of significant failures,' wrote Scott Lamantia with the City of Barrie. The City says this stretch of pipe is now being relined as a precaution, to avoid future issues and reduce the risk of a major break. Big Bay Point Road construction Traffic is bumper to bumper along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. (CTV News Barrie) While motorists who dealt with the delays the last time around will be frustrated with the return of pylons, single lanes, and construction crews, the City says decisions around timing are made through careful planning. 'The City has significant infrastructure needs related to roads, sewers, water mains and other infrastructure,' the email continues. 'As staff prepare the capital plan we consider a number of factors, including lifecycle of the related assets, timing and sequencing.' Officials acknowledged the inconvenience to the public but say some disruptions are inevitable when maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. 'While we always aim to minimize disruption to the traveling public, we recognize there is a certain amount of inconvenience that is unavoidable in order to ensure our infrastructure is renewed or expanded in a timely manner,' the City added. Big Bay Point Road construction Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. (CTV News Barrie) The current water main work began on Thursday and will continue for several months. One lane in each direction will remain open, but motorists will have to pack their patience as traffic may be slower in the area during peak hours. The city is urging motorists to plan extra time or take alternate routes if possible. The project is expected to be completed by December.
CTV News
22-07-2025
- CTV News
Heading to the beach in Barrie? Here's what you need to know before you go
A lifeguard stand is pictured as people keep cool at Centennial Beach in Barrie, Ont. (Rob Cooper/CTV News). The City of Barrie reminds beachgoers to brush up on the rules before heading to the waterfront this summer. Whether you're soaking up the sun at Centennial Beach or dipping your toes in the water at Minet's Point, there are a few key guidelines in place to help keep everyone safe and the area clean, according to the City of Barrie. One of the main rules beach visitors should be aware of is that tents and sunshades are not permitted at Barrie's beaches or waterfront parks. The restriction is in place to preserve clear sightlines for lifeguards and visitors alike. However, standard umbrellas supported by a single pole are allowed. The city is also asking residents to check water quality reports before visiting the beach. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regularly tests water at public beaches for safety, and results are posted online throughout the summer months. Other important reminders for a safe and enjoyable visit include: Leave no trace: If garbage bins are full, beachgoers are expected to take their waste home with them. No pets allowed: Dogs are not permitted on City beaches. Smoke-free zones: Smoking is strictly prohibited on all City beaches. No private cooking equipment: Personal barbeques, stoves, or any cooking appliances are not permitted on waterfront property — even if they're not in use. Designated community-use barbeques are available at Tyndale Park and Centennial Park, and are open daily. Users are asked to follow posted rules and dispose of used coals only in designated containers — not in regular trash bins.
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
City of Barrie testing four new locations for photo radar cameras: Here's where
Municipal Speed Camera Testing signage in a school zone on Livingstone Street in Barrie, Ont. Motorists driving through several community safety zones in Barrie may have noticed new signage warning of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras - but the cameras aren't issuing tickets just yet. The City of Barrie installed 'Testing' signs at four school zone locations where photo radar camera technology is being prepared. The locations include Grove Street East near Maple Grove Public School, Livingstone Street near Monsignor Clair, Livingstone Street near Ford/West Bayfield Elementary School, and Rose Street near Barrie North Collegiate Institute. According to Tom Hanrahan, the city's traffic services supervisor, the signage is part of a phased implementation approach that lets motorists know where the cameras will be located before enforcement begins. 'The City doesn't yet have an estimated date for activation at these locations,' Hanrahan noted, emphasizing the current signage is for testing purposes only. Once active, the cameras will automatically capture images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit in designated school zones, and a provincial offences officer reviews the photos to issue tickets by mail. The initiative is aimed at reducing speeds in areas with high pedestrian activity, especially during school hours. In Barrie, school zone speed limits typically drop to 40 km/h between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from September to June. The City confirmed that outside of those hours, including during the summer, the speed limit returns to the regular posted limit for that road.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Fully-packed and loaded ‘Summer Fun Trailer' hits Barrie neighbourhoods
For the fifth consecutive year, the 'Summer Fun Trailer' is back and ready to make a pit stop in your neighbourhood. (City of Barrie) For the fifth consecutive year, the 'Summer Fun Trailer' is back and ready to make a pit stop in your neighbourhood. The fully-packed and loaded trailer will be travelling to several communities in Barrie for the duration of the summer. Stocked with accessible recreation services and summer activities; residents can borrow items like scooters, basketballs and other outdoor games for free on a first-come, first-served basis. 'The wide range of equipment ensures there's something fun for everyone, enhancing the enjoyment of your summer activities,' the City said on their website. The trailer will make its first stop on Saturday at Shear Park. All neighbourhood stops will take place between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each item in the trailer is free to use. The equipment is suitable for all ages, but participants must be 12 years or older to sign out items. The selected stop locations in Barrie have been carefully chosen by staff based on criteria. Members have chosen areas with ample green space, courts and washrooms nearby, and easily accessible places. Take a look at when the fun may be coming to you:
