City of Barrie: 1) Dunlop Street off-ramp closure begins August 4 for Barrie bridge project; 2) Third tower adds 365 rental units to north Barrie development; 3) City of Barrie provides tips for protecting Lake Simcoe and drinking water; 4)City of Barrie targets property owners allowing illegal businesses to operate

1)Dunlop Street off-ramp closure begins August 4 for Barrie bridge project

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By City of Barrie, July 30, 2026

As part of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Dunlop Street bridge replacement project, the Highway 400 northbound off-ramp to eastbound Dunlop Street, Exit 96A, will be fully closed for 30 days beginning August 4, 2026. The northbound off-ramp to westbound Dunlop Street, Exit 96B, will remain open.

To access Dunlop Street, drivers travelling northbound on Highway 400 will be directed to use the Essa Road off-ramp and follow the signed detour route along Essa Road and Anne Street. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow posted signage.

This work is part of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s ongoing Highway 400 project, which includes constructing a new, expanded bridge crossing at Dunlop Street over Highway 400 and widening the interchange to support future expansion of Highway 400.

For more information and updates on this project, visit barrie.ca/roadwork.

2) Third tower adds 365 rental units to north Barrie development

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Ian MacLennan, , July 31, 2026

High-rise rental towers at SkyDev’s development near Grove Street and Toronto Street in north Barrie.

A third high-rise building is being added to a major development project in Barrie’s north end near Highway 400 that has transformed the city’s skyline.

Located at Grove Street and Toronto Street, the City says Tower C of SkyDev’s development project will have 365 rental units, including 73 affordable homes supported by Barrie’s development charge deferral program.

When combined with Tower A and Tower B, this development will have 930 units, with 105 of them marked as affordable.

Through an agreement with the County of Simcoe, up to 32 households currently living in subsidized housing will have the opportunity to transition into new affordable units within the development as they become available.

A third high-rise building being added to SkyDev’s north Barrie development will bring the project total to 930 rental homes, including 105 affordable units. (Image supplied – City of Barrie)

The City says these transitions will help create capacity within the subsidized housing system, supporting other residents and families waiting for housing assistance.

“This is what strong partnerships look like,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “The City is working to create the conditions for more housing. SkyDev is delivering new affordable rental opportunities, and the County is helping to ensure these homes create the greatest possible impact for residents across our community.”

3)City of Barrie provides tips for protecting Lake Simcoe and drinking water

By City of Barrie, July 24, 2026

The City of Barrie is reminding residents of simple ways they can help keep Lake Simcoe clean this summer. In Barrie, our drinking water comes from both Lake Simcoe and local groundwater sources. Protecting these sources from contamination helps preserve the quality and safety of the city’s drinking water.

“The best way to ensure we have safe drinking water now and in the future is to protect it at its source,” said Stephanie Mack, Director of Waste Management and Environment. “Small actions can make a big difference. We all have a role in keeping Lake Simcoe clean and protecting our drinking water.”

There are simple, everyday actions residents can take this summer to help protect the city’s sources of drinking water:

Visit the car wash instead of washing your car in your driveway. Car washes are required to treat wastewater before it enters the sewer.

Fuel up your boat on land or at a marina where spill response materials are readily available.

Use compost instead of fertilizer. If you do use fertilizer, use it sparingly, especially near water sources or before heavy rainfall.

Drain water from your pool or hot tub across your lawn on a dry, sunny day so that it soaks into the ground and avoids flowing to the storm sewer. Avoid adding chemicals to your pool or hot tub for two weeks before draining.

When enjoying Barrie’s beaches and parks, please help keep these shared spaces clean by disposing of litter properly. To help protect our lake and shoreline, do not leave garbage on the ground or near the water.

4)City of Barrie targets property owners allowing illegal businesses to operate

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Ian MacLennan, July 28, 2026

The City of Barrie says changes to its zoning rules now give officials more power to take action against property owners whose buildings are being used for businesses that break provincial or federal laws.

The City says first notices of violations have already been issued to property owners, along with fees.

“Our message is simple: if you’re operating outside the law, Barrie is not the place to do it,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Illegal businesses have no place in our city.”

Nuttall says the City will enforce the law, protect neighbourhoods, and hold property owners accountable for any illegal activity.

The City says it’s working with Barrie Police on proactive enforcement under the updated zoning bylaw.

If violations continue, property owners could face more notices and additional fees until the issues are resolved.

Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston says police continue to identify and address illegal businesses operating in the city.

He says police downtown units have a consistent presence and are focused on balancing compassion with accountability.

“By addressing illegal businesses, we can help ensure the safety of all those who work, visit or live downtown.”

The City says the zoning changes are also meant to prevent similar operations from becoming established in Barrie.