Barrie stays on high alert after nearly 300 centimetres of snow this season
Barrie has been under a continuous significant weather alert since Dec. 28, with about 300 cm of snow so far. City crews continue extended removal and parking restrictions remain in effect.
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By Torontoer Staff
Barrie has been under a continuous significant weather event since Dec. 28, 2025, the longest uninterrupted declaration in the city’s history. The municipality says crews remain on a high-level alert as they work through record snowfall and narrowed streets.
From Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 28, 2026, Barrie recorded roughly 300 centimetres of snow, the city says, equal to more than 9.5 feet. That volume is prolonging snow removal operations and delaying a return to normal winter maintenance standards on some streets.
What the high alert means
The city’s high-level alert means crews are prioritising safety on major routes, while residential and narrower lanes may take longer to reach usual clearing standards. The declaration will remain in effect until narrowed roads and on-street cycling lanes are fully addressed.
The significant weather event will not be lifted until all narrowed roads and cycling lanes are fully addressed.
City of Barrie
How crews are responding
Public works crews and contracted teams are focusing on arterial and collector roads first. Snow removal is also under way for narrow curb lanes, on-street cycling lanes and areas where sight lines are obstructed by high snowbanks.
In residential neighbourhoods, contracted crews are clearing snow from cul-de-sacs and addressing points that pose visibility or safety concerns. The city cautions that maintenance may take longer than in a typical season because of the sustained workload.
Practical steps for residents
Barrie is asking residents to help speed operations and reduce hazards. The city repeats established winter rules and offered targeted reminders for households and drivers.
- Follow overnight on-street parking restrictions: no parking on city streets from 12:01 a.m. to 7 a.m., and no downtown parking from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., in effect from Dec. 1 through March 31.
- Clear flat areas beside or at the end of driveways for garbage, recycling and organics carts, and keep carts out of the path of snow removal equipment.
- Avoid piling shoveled snow where it will block sidewalks, sight lines or cycling lanes.
- Allow extra travel time and be prepared for narrowed lanes and temporary detours.
Overnight on-street parking is not permitted on city streets between 12:01 a.m. and 7 a.m., and between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the downtown area, from Dec. 1 through March 31.
City of Barrie
What this means for cyclists and drivers
On-street cycling lanes have been narrowed or covered in places, and the city says those lanes will be a priority for snow clearing before the high alert is lifted. Cyclists should assume limited dedicated space on many routes and consider low-traffic alternatives where possible.
Drivers should expect higher snowbanks, reduced sight lines at intersections and narrower curb lanes. Slow speeds and increased caution at corners and crosswalks remain important while crews work to restore full lane widths.
Staying informed
The city says it will provide updates if there are further changes or impacts. Residents can check Barrie’s official channels for the latest notices on closures, parking bans and snow removal schedules.
Plan for continued disruption to travel times and local services until crews complete clearing of narrowed roads and cycling lanes. Taking the preventive steps above will help reduce delays and safety risks while the city works through the backlog.
Barrie’s prolonged significant weather event is keeping municipal crews busy well into the winter season, and officials ask residents to cooperate with restrictions and clearing efforts until normal maintenance standards are restored.
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