More recreational programming could soon be popping up in your neighbourhood.
The City of Barrie says its growing use of local school facilities is helping expand access to recreation programs while easing pressure on municipal recreation centres.
A staff memorandum circulated on Wednesday highlights the success of the city's partnership with local school boards, which allows recreation programs to be offered in school spaces during evenings and weekends while schools gain access to city facilities during the day.
The initiative stems from council direction to explore shared-use opportunities with local education partners. City staff have since established a reciprocal joint-use agreement with the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), enabling a range of recreation programs to be delivered directly within neighbourhood schools.
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The city is also working toward a similar agreement with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). Staff say discussions have progressed positively and are expected to conclude in the near future. In the meantime, programming has already been offered at select Catholic school sites to meet community demand.
More than 30 recreation programs are currently being delivered across multiple schools in Barrie, offering activities such as ballet, dance, basketball and soccer. According to the memo, the approach has proven particularly valuable in neighbourhoods where access to recreation centres is limited or where existing facilities are operating at or near capacity.
Programs have been offered at SCDSB schools including Codrington Public School and Steele Street Public School, as well as Good Shepherd Catholic School and St. John Paul II Catholic School in the SMCDSB.
City staff report strong participation levels and positive collaboration with school board administrators and custodial staff. Across the participating schools, recreation programs have attracted 329 enrolments.
St. John Paul II Catholic School has emerged as one of the busiest locations, recording 97 enrolments and an additional 11 people on a waitlist. City of Barrie recreation services have offered 12 programs at the school over the past year, serving more than 125 participants.
On average, each school-based recreation session attracts about 38 participants.
Staff say the use of school facilities provides a scalable and cost-effective way to meet growing demand for recreation services without requiring major capital investments in new infrastructure. The model also improves accessibility by bringing programs closer to where residents live and supports underserved areas of the city.
Looking ahead, the city sees opportunities to further expand programming through initiatives such as summer camps, enhanced after-school activities, arts and cultural programs delivered in classrooms, and additional sessions in high-demand neighbourhoods. Those possibilities are expected to be explored as staff prepare plans and budgets for 2027.
According to the memo, initial investments approved by council helped establish the programs, which are now part of the base budget for recreation services and are financially sustainable through user fees.
Staff say they will continue working with school board partners to grow the program and will report back to council as additional agreements and expansion opportunities move forward.
