Cheri Harris

The Youth Council discussed the installation of a permanent graffiti wall at the Queen's Park Skatepark. Planning for a future youth event was also addressed, including potential event activities such as music performances, food, and sports, as well as strategies for event promotion and collaboration with community service partners.

The council meeting covered various operational and administrative items. Key discussions included the approval of the Allandale Major Transit Station Area Community Planning Permit System, an agreement for student transit passes with Lakehead University, approval of the 2026 Asset Management Annual Review, and a request for a Provincial regulatory framework to address road salt liability. The council also addressed naming rights policies, authorization for Artificial Intelligence integration in technology agreements, a pilot project for a campus connection service, and a Cross Border Servicing Agreement with the Township of Springwater. Additionally, the council reviewed the 2025 business plan budget results, approved an emergency management plan, bunker gear replacement funding, and parking and traffic by-law amendments.

The committee meeting covered updates on several international partnerships and programs. Discussions included an overview of the committee budget, progress on the Barrie International Partners website, and updates regarding the Youth Ambassadors/Global Perspectives Program, including upcoming student travel to Germany. The committee also received reports on the twinning relationships with Saginaw, Michigan; Zweibrucken, Germany; Arras, France; Harrogate, United Kingdom; and Murayama, Japan. Future planning was initiated for the 30th anniversary celebration of the twinning relationship with Zweibrucken, and preparations were noted for Sir Robert Barrie Day.

The committee received presentations regarding heritage home designations and the history, archives, and outreach efforts of the Barrie Historical Archive. Key discussion topics included updates on Nine Mile Portage signage, the review and approval of committee budget and workplan expenditures, and the selection of historic photographs for utility box wraps. Additionally, the committee discussed plans for the Doors Open Barrie event, reviewed reports on the Ontario Heritage Conference, and examined legislative changes impacting the Municipal Heritage Registry.

The committee discussed the future and potential revisions to the Town and Gown Committee terms of reference, focusing on mandate, objectives, and composition to foster better relationships between the City, Georgian College, and Lakehead University. Updates were provided regarding student enrollment trends, campus closures and relocations, the delay in the construction of the Georgian College Downtown Campus, and a new initiative with CFB Borden. Additionally, the committee received a report on enforcement services statistics concerning property standards and yard maintenance in specific wards.