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Barrie takes steps to advance defence investment readiness |
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On May 28, Mayor Alex Nuttall issued a Mayoral Direction to position Barrie as a leader in defence investment readiness. The City of Barrie is ready to support Federal and Provincial efforts to attract new opportunities in the defence, security, and advanced manufacturing sectors, to help boost Canada’s military capabilities. |
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Invest Barrie attends CANSEC |
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Invest Barrie attended CANSEC 2026 alongside eight local companies, strengthening connections within Canada’s growing defence and security sector. The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CANSEC) annual conference is Canada's leading defence, security, and emerging technology event, which brings together companies from Canada and around the world to showcase the latest technology and services for military use. |
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New Employment Development CIP supports job-creating development projects in Barrie |
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The Employment Development Community Improvement Plan (CIP) helps businesses grow and invest in Barrie through financial incentives that support job creation and economic development. Programs include planning and building permit fee grants, study grants, Employment Ready Reviews, and the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program to help reduce development costs for eligible projects. |
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Get listed in the Barrie Business Directory through the annual business survey |
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The City of Barrie invites local businesses to participate in the Business & Employer Data Survey. From May to August, our dedicated team of students will be visiting all businesses located in the commercial and industrial areas in Barrie. Participating helps ensure information is up to date in the online business directory while also increasing visibility within the community. Businesses can also complete the 10-minute survey online. |
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Company moving head office to Barrie after acquiring JEBCO Industries |
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Toronto-headquartered River Birch Global Water has acquired Barrie-based JEBCO Industries, a full-service process equipment manufacturer and provider of advanced cladding technology. As part of the acquisition, River Birch will relocate its head office from Toronto to Barrie and join JEBCO’s local team, strengthening its capabilities in engineered water and wastewater treatment systems. |
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Barrie flag manufacturer showcases Canadian unity at premiers’ meeting |
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Flags Unlimited, one of Canada’s largest flag manufacturers based in Barrie, is marking nearly 60 years of craftsmanship in 2026. Last summer, Flags Unlimited partnered with the City of Barrie for the 2025 Summer Meeting of Canada’s Premiers, supporting a community-wide celebration of flags and banners. The initiative also included installations across five Highway 400 bridges, highlighting Canadian unity and local manufacturing pride. |
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Barrie-founded battery company wins Sustainability Award for innovation |
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Better Battery Co. has been named a winner of the Canadian Business Innovation Award in the Sustainability category, presented by Canadian Business in partnership with Maclean’s, recognizing companies driving meaningful innovation and impact across Canada. Since launching in 2021, the company has developed the world’s first carbon-neutral alkaline battery with a built-in recycling program. |
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Nirtro Industrial Sales Opens Barrie Location |
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Nirto Industrial Sales has opened a hydrolic hose and industrial supply location in Barrie. Nitro Industrial is a full-service supplier and service provider supporting Canada’s industrial sector. Their expertise covers hydraulics, pneumatics, fluid handling, and industrial maintenance solutions.
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Tatham Engineering pledges $100,000 to new YMCA in Barrie |
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The new YMCA in Barrie, currently under construction at 535 Bayview Drive, will be a 77,000-square-foot Centre of Community designed to serve more than 10,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County, with an opening planned for 2027. |
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Barrie unveils future Performing Arts Centre at downtown waterfront |
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The City of Barrie is moving forward with a new 45,000 sq. ft. performing arts and convention centre, set to become a major cultural hub. The $85-million facility will include a 600-seat performance hall and a 200-seat rehearsal and events studio. Groundbreaking is expected in 2027, with completion planned for mid-2029. |
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Affordable rental housing development with more than 200 units coming to Barrie |
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JD Development Group, a real estate developer based in Markham, has announced a new purpose-built rental project. The development will be a 12-storey residential building featuring 231 rental units, including 46 units dedicated to affordable housing. |
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City announces 341 new rental units, including 69 affordable homes |
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The City of Barrie has announced two new purpose-built rental housing developments by Street Properties and YYZed Project Management. The projects, located on Coulter Street and Yonge Street, will deliver 341 new rental units, including 69 affordable units, supporting the city’s ongoing efforts to expand housing options for residents. |
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Freestanding 100,027 sq. ft. industrial facility. Precast construction with large shipping areas, and trailer parking. Access to Hwy 400 via Mapleview Dr West. |
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| | Well-maintained 123,000 sq. ft. industrial facility. Excellent shipping, heavy power, Hwy 400 access via Essa Rd, adjacent to rail for possible national or international transport. |
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Fully serviced development land with 471 feet of frontage. Offers excellent potential for a variety of industrial development opportunities near Highway 400. |
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| | Prime vacant land in Barrie’s north end. Strategically located near Hwy 400, this property offers outstanding potential for industrial or commercial development. |
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Data and Economic Overview |
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Discover local businesses, suppliers, and services across Barrie. Download the 2025 directory to connect local companies with customers, partners, and new opportunities. |
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| | This quarterly report highlights key statistics and business activity in Barrie, helping businesses and investors stay informed with current local economic insights. |
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Funding and Opportunities |
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Invest Barrie is ready to support your business in identifying funding and financing opportunities. If you are exploring programs to grow, scale, or innovate, connect with our team to learn what options may be available to you. |
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- CanExport SMEs funding program: The application window for the 2026–2027 intake has been extended to August 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET). The CanExport SMEs program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
- Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF): Accepting applications. Supports small and medium-sized businesses making near-term investments to expand into new markets, reshore critical supply chains, and strengthen trade resilience amid U.S. tariffs.
- Government of Canada $1.5 Billion New Funding: Supports tariff-impacted industries such as steel, aluminum, and copper to adapt, compete, and invest in growth and diversification. Includes a $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program and $500 million for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
- Future Ready Program: Rolling applications open, up to $10k available. Supports companies that are looking to upskill or reskill existing staff to support the adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialize new products or services for key sectors.
- Southwestern Ontario Development Fund: Provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. Application deadline: September 23, 2026.
- Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream: The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario.
- Industrial AI Readiness Program: In partnership with NRC-IRAP, the program will provide eligible Canadian manufacturers with a reimbursement of up to $15,000 to adopt AI to improve the productivity, health and safety, and environmental performance of their production systems.
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds: Accepting applications. Importers who paid U.S. tariffs under IEEPA, which have since been ruled unlawful by U.S. courts, may be eligible to apply for a refund from the U.S. government.
- Ontario Defence Association (ODA): Membership applications are open. Ontario’s first dedicated defence industry association focused on strengthening collaboration across industry, government, and innovation stakeholders.
- EMC’s National Defence Consortium: Expression of interest is open. Canada’s largest manufacturing consortium is building a national network connecting manufacturers to defence opportunities, industry insights, and key ecosystem partners, helping businesses access supply chains and grow in the defence sector.
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Save the Date: 2026 Life
Sciences Ontario Roadshow – Barrie Virtual Stop - September 28, 2026 |
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Invest Barrie will join the
Life Sciences Ontario Roadshow as a virtual stop on September 28,
2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. Join us as we showcase Barrie's growing health and life
sciences ecosystem, including expansion updates from Royal Victoria Regional
Health Centre, insights from Lakehead University on the new STEM Hub and
research initiatives, and hear from two local industry leaders shaping the
future of the sector. |
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| | New Defence Webinar Series & Dual-use Defence Day Recap |
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Missed the event? Sandbox Centre is launching an 8-week virtual Defence Webinar Series to help companies understand Canada’s defence and dual-use technology landscape.
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Invest Barrie will be attending major conferences and trade shows to promote Barrie and make new investment connections. |
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Met Your Moment. Meet Barrie. |
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We can help your business
At Invest Barrie, our team connects entrepreneurs and enterprises to the information, tools and networks they need to launch, grow, and stay competitive. Our team can help with:
- One-on-one business advisory consultations tailored to your industry.
- Connections to key trade organizations and government partners.
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