from the City of Barrie
To prioritize public safety, the City has cancelled this evening’s NYE Celebration in Meridian Place due to severe inclement weather and Environment Canada’s Orange Warning. Ongoing and forecasted heavy snow accumulation has created challenges for event setup and presents potentially unsafe conditions. With travel likely to be hazardous, the City encourages residents to avoid non-essential trips.
“In addition to operational considerations, the substantial snowfall and deteriorating weather conditions present significant safety concerns,” says Kevin Datema, Director of Recreation & Culture Services. “We regret that circumstances beyond our control are preventing us from hosting the event as planned, however we will always prioritize the safety of the public, staff, performers, and vendors.”
The City will plan to reschedule the Kim Mitchell performance and the fireworks as part of Winterfest on the weekend of February 7-8, 2026.
Residents are reminded that a significant weather event is in effect. During the significant weather event, motorists and residents are advised to use extra caution as the City may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks. The City has also declared a Winter Maintenance Event, which means on-street parking will not be permitted from 3–6 a.m. within the Downtown Business Improvement Area, and 12:01 a.m. to 7 a.m., on other City streets, on January 1.
