Be Part of Barrie's First-Ever Doors Open Event 2024

It’s an exciting year for Barrie, as the city will host its very own Doors Open event for the first time on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Since 2019, Barrie has participated in Simcoe County’s Doors Open celebration, but this marks the first time Barrie will hold its own event, offering the public a chance to explore its unique heritage. The City of Barrie’s Heritage Committee is opening 9 sites for exploration, and in an interview with Shelley Marchant, Heritage Committee Member, Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring service gained exclusive insights into what’s planned for this special inaugural year. Read on for more details in the blog below, including what to expect and tips for making the most of Barrie’s first-ever Doors Open event!

Doors Open Barrie, hosted by the City of Barrie Heritage Committee, is part of the provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust program. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the city’s past while looking forward to its future. Teachers on Call's in-person and online tutors love the unique chance Doors Open provides to meld learning and exploration into family-friendly excursions that support local businesses.

How to Plan for Doors Open Barrie

Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle as you get ready to explore! You may also want to head over to Tourism Barrie to grab a copy of their adventure guide for local food and attractions. If you're making a weekend of the trip, Doors Open Barrie is happening alongside Doors Open Simcoe County on the same weekend, (September 14-15, 2024). This offers an even greater opportunity to explore multiple sites and experiences in the region, including Alliston, Barrie, Coldwater, Collingwood, Cookstown, Minesing, Orillia, Penetanguishene, and Port McNicoll. You could explore Barrie on Saturday and then the rest of Simcoe County! Organizer Shelly Marchant recommends also visiting the Doors Open Simcoe County page and seeing what the rest of Simcoe has to offer!

List and Schedule of all 9 Participating Sites for Doors Open Barrie 2024

Here is the complete list of all the participating sites for Doors Open Barrie 2024:

Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters

155 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON, L4N 1A9

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus

110 Fairview Road, Barrie, ON, L4N 8X8

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

Barrie-South Simcoe Métis Council

64 Cedar Pointe Drive, Units #1401 and 1402, Barrie, ON, L4N 5R7

Open: Sep 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bliss2Ann Green Yoga and UPlift Black

12 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON, L4M 1A3

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

General Hayter Southshore Centre and Heritage Military Park

250 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON, L4N 7Y9

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

Grey and Simcoe Foresters Regimental Museum

36 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, ON, L4M 3M1

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

J'adore Fine Cheese and Chocolate

123 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON, L4M 1A6

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

Rogers TV Barrie

1 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON, L4M 6K9

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM

Wedge Studio

117 Lakeshore Mews, Barrie, ON, L4N 2M6

Open: Sep 14, 10 AM - 4 PM (demonstrations at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM)

An Interview with Organizers Behind Doors Open Barrie

What can first-time visitors to Doors Open Barrie look forward to experiencing this year?

For the first time, Barrie is hosting its own Doors Open event! Previously, we participated under the County of Simcoe’s event. We encourage visitors to also check out the County’s Doors Open sites, as they are participating on the same weekend. 

How does Doors Open Barrie highlight the city’s architectural diversity, and are there any buildings featured this year that stand out for their unique design?

J'adore Fine Cheese & Chocolate, located at 123 Dunlop St. East, was originally part of a commercial building built by Henry Boys between 1875-1876. While the block was designed by Loan & Strong, each one of the buildings was purchased from Boys prior to completion. This allowed each new owner to choose the finishes of their building. The terracotta stone (or stone) portrait heads used as keystones over each window opening are unique and the most imaginative example of keystones in Barrie’s downtown commercial architecture. The art glass in the transoms of the upper windows may date to the 1897 remodelling undertaken by confectioner and baker Thomas Sidsworth and has timeless artistic value.

Do you have any educational sites that are particularly relevant during the back-to-school season for elementary and secondary students? 

The Barrie Military Heritage Park has information plaques from the North West Rebellion, South African War, World War 1 and World War 2 with a local focus such as Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldier, Francis Pegahmagabow. There is a display on World War 1 Trench warfare. There is also a Cenotaph for Canada’s Victoria Cross recipients. A new display honours the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Can you discuss the role of Barrie’s historical military sites in the event and how they contribute to the city’s heritage? 

Military Heritage Park officially opened on October 27, 2017. The passive parkland development recognizes Barrie’s military history and ongoing relationships with Canadian Forces Base Borden by creating landforms distinct to each era of overseas and national military commitment. More information can be found on our website here.

Can you share the significance of the waterfront in Barrie's development and what visitors can learn from sites located along the shoreline? 

A historical experience is being created along the Waterfront Heritage Trail, and it is almost complete.  Eleven interpretive stations, each with a different historical theme, will tell the story of Barrie’s past with a journey from the last ice age to the present. Learn more about the heritage tours here. 

What efforts have been made to make Doors Open Barrie more accessible to visitors with disabilities or special needs? 

Most of the facilities that are participating are full or partially wheelchair accessible. 

What other community events are coming up next in Barrie that we can look forward to? 

Of note are the City’s upcoming Culture Days (September 20, 2024 to October 13, 2024) and Game On event (September 21, 2024).  Check out our events calendar for a full listing of upcoming events on the City of Barrie’s website. 

How does the involvement of the Barrie-South Simcoe Métis Council enhance the cultural significance of Doors Open Barrie, and are there any special activities or exhibits they are presenting this year?

This location will have the Vice Chair of the MNO, Sharon Cadeau, and Region 7 Councilor/Captain of the Hunt, Greg Garratt, on site to discuss harvesting rights. There will also be activities for kids.

What local restaurants or coffee shops do you recommend for visitors looking to take a snack or lunch break during the event? 
Visit J’Adore (one of the Doors Open sites) or check out other downtown food and beverage options using the BIA’s listing. 

--

Don’t miss out on this chance to explore Barrie’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. With local fire stations and regimental museums open for adventure, it is certain to be an interesting and fun experience for even the littlest Doors Open attendees! It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover Barrie’s blend of history, creativity, and community spirit, while enjoying the lakeside beauty and charming downtown. If you're traveling from nearby towns and cities such as Innisfil, Newmarket, Toronto, take the extra time out to explore the greater Simcoe County area. We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Doors Open event!