Significant weather event issued for Barrie

In response to the winter weather and significant snowfall in our area, the City of Barrie has declared a significant weather event that will impact travel and services throughout the municipality.

This declaration is made in accordance with the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02), and is in effect starting January 4, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. 

This declaration is being made due to the snow squalls which have persisted yesterday, overnight, and today, and the ongoing Environment Canada Snow Squall Warnings in our area.

During the significant weather event, we are advising motorists and residents to use extra caution as the City may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks due to the significant amount of snowfall expected.

It may take longer than usual to bring the roads and sidewalks back to optimal conditions. When the declaration is over, the standard timeline for road and sidewalk winter maintenance will begin.

Here are a few reminders for Barrie residents during significant winter weather events:

• On-street parking is not permitted on City streets from 12:01–7 a.m. and 3–6am within the Downtown Business Improvement Area, from December 1 through to March 31.
• Shovel out a small area at the bottom of your driveway for your garbage, recycling boxes, green bin, and/or Christmas tree. Do not place them on top of the snowbank.

For information about winter road and sidewalk maintenance please visit barrie.ca/snow. For further information on current and forecasted weather conditions, please visit the Environment Canada website at ec.gc.ca.

The City will provide an update when the significant weather event has ended.