Barrie City Council has unanimously approved a motion to allocate $225,000 from the tourism reserve to the Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Area (BIA) to support a summer concert series. The decision, made during last week’s council meeting, is intended to boost tourism and promote local culture. The funding will come from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), which is paid by tourists through hotel, motel, and Airbnb stays.  

Deepak Bidwai – Local Journalism Initiative

Under the terms of the motion, the BIA is required to repay any funds raised through the events and to seek sponsorships to reduce the city's overall contribution. Additionally, the BIA will provide the council with updates on the event schedule and submit a report following the series' conclusion.  

The meeting included discussions addressing various aspects of the funding and event logistics. Councilor Morales inquired about the BIA’s previous funding for similar events and called for more detailed documentation for future requests. He also reiterated the standing request for the BIA to regularly update the council on its general operations. Councilor Harvey, who also serves on the Tourism Board, stressed the importance of the BIA collaborating with Tourism Barrie to track attendee origins and measure the series’ impact on tourism. Councilor Riepma highlighted the inclusion of funding to support local emerging artists as a significant benefit of the initiative.  

Concerns about operational costs and time sensitivity were also raised. Councilor Courser asked if the funding would cover security and cleanup costs, as well as whether the request was urgent. It was clarified that the funds are needed promptly to secure band bookings and that the BIA has allocated resources for security, while the city typically manages waste collection on municipal property.  

At the start of the meeting, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall received the Royal Canadian Navy Ensign from the World War II corvette HMCS Barrie. The gesture was part of a presentation and memorial service honoring the ship’s crew.  

Mayor Nuttall emphasized that the funding for the concert series is derived from the Municipal Accommodation Tax, ensuring that the costs are borne by tourists rather than local taxpayers. The direct motion to approve the funding was introduced by Councilor Nixon and seconded by Councilor Riepma.  

The summer concert series is expected to enhance Barrie’s downtown vibrancy, attract visitors, and provide a platform for local artists, with council monitoring the BIA’s progress and results to ensure transparency and accountability.