The Barrie Fire and Emergency Service Headquarters is a modern facility that serves as Barrie’s central hub for fire operations, with administrative offices, training facilities and operational units. Designed with functionality and community engagement in mind, the headquarters features contemporary architecture and a museum. It also plays a key role in co-ordinating fire prevention, public safety education and emergency response.

The Barrie Mosque is the only masjid (Muslim place of worship) in Barrie. It has been the primary centre for prayer, learning and recreation for Barrie’s Muslim community since 1988. Interactive guided tours will be offered every hour. Free refreshments for everyone. Enjoy this great opportunity to meet the Imam and members of Barrie’s Muslim community.

The Barrie Public Library inspires lifelong learning, builds community connections, and ensures equitable access to knowledge, resources and programs. During Doors Open, come and explore the facilities and enjoy Culture Days programming — which includes the Repair Café (bring your broken household items and see if the “fixers” can repair them — registration required) and “A Street in Barrie” mural painting project.

The Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus became operational in March 2020. This modern facility houses the Barrie Police Service (in existence since 1853), the Simcoe County Paramedic Services and the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service backup dispatch communications — all in one location. During Doors Open, come and meet some of your community officers and tour some of the facilities.

Barrie is a community rich with sport history. Established in 1985, the hall of fame eventually moved into the Allandale Recreation Centre where it showcases the portraits and exhibits of great men and women from Barrie’s sporting history. By honouring the past, they hope to inspire future stars to strive for excellence in their sporting fields.

Barrie is a vibrant city with picturesque waterfront views, exciting activities, many dining opportunities and a year-round lineup of events. Find out what’s happening at the visitor centre where helpful staff will provide you with information. This structure is one of the last buildings in Allandale’s old downtown and an example of a structure built to fit an irregular lot.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) represents over 28,000 registered citizens and delivers a full suite of programs and services through 30-plus offices provincewide. Here at the Barrie-South Simcoe office, learn about the MNO and the history of the Métis people, meet members of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council and MNO staff from the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program.

This not-for-profit creative hub in downtown Barrie offers services to support careers in the music industry. With a recording and livestream studio, they offer a wide range of programming and services to help emerging artists and professionals alike. They also run a successful food rescue program to ensure that there are no more starving artists.

This church has been located in the core of Barrie since 1864, when the cornerstone of the sanctuary was laid. At the time, it was a Methodist church, but it became part of the United Church of Canada in 1925. This beautiful, historical sanctuary retains much of its original architecture and houses many stained-glass windows and a large pipe organ.

This unusually shaped building — erected as a military drill hall and armoury — was the headquarters of the 35th Battalion Simcoe Foresters until 1914 when it became auxiliary to the new Queen’s Park armoury. In 1948, it became a farmers’ market. In recent years, the building was revitalized and designated for its architectural/historical significance, and is now a regimental museum.

This designated building has been many things since its rebuild in 1876 (after it burned in 1873). For the last eight years, it has been a cheese and chocolate shop. J'adore carries over 150 varieties of cheese from around the world. And they make chocolate onsite. Come to this heritage building, learn about its history and treat yourself!

Just Some Noise opened in 2020 to give Barrie musicians a true rehearsal space free from noise complaints. What began as one room grew into a larger facility with hourly and monthly rehearsal rooms, a production space and shared gear. Today, it is a creative hub hosting podcasts, events and performances — where local artists connect, experiment and thrive.

This gallery combines the 1917 Carnegie public library with a dynamic contemporary addition designed in 2001 by Siamak Hariri. In addition to a permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art, the gallery presents a year-round program of exhibitions. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., view the Prints and Drawings Room, followed by a fun printmaking workshop in the PIE Education Centre. (Photo: Andre Beneteau)

The Mariposa School of Skating is celebrating over 50 years of excellence in figure skating. Founded in 1973 by renowned Canadian coach Douglas Leigh, the school has become internationally recognized in the sport of figure skating. Located in the heart of Barrie, it continues to welcome skaters from around the world, fostering athletic excellence and lifelong connections.

McFinn’s Traditional Irish Pub in downtown Barrie offers a warm, upscale experience rooted in community. Opened in the historical Five Points (Simcoe Hotel) building, it serves Irish inspired dishes like smoked salmon boxty, gourmet burgers and creative pub fare. Owned by a native of Northern Ireland, McFinn’s boasts unique architecture and a welcoming atmosphere that has long since been a Barrie landmark.

This former Grand Trunk Railway station is today the Southshore Community Centre. During Doors Open Barrie, visit the grounds around the restored building and tour the adjacent Military Heritage Park (including Vimy Oaks, the Victoria Cross cenotaph, and the new Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial). A member from Heritage Barrie will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

Spare Room is a safe and inclusive studio space for artists in Barrie and Simcoe County to gather and foster artistic collaboration within the local art community. Their gallery welcomes all genders, abilities, cultures and sexualities to participate in workshops, exhibits and events. During Doors Open, explore this creative hub and try out the Risograph printer (a digital duplicator).

Join Oddside Arts for an interactive activity as the Town of Aurora officially launches its new Public Art Strategy. Located on the Treasure Hill Bridge inside the town hall, this engaging experience will be a collaborative imagining of what Aurora's first public art project might look like. Use your creativity and become part of Aurora's public art legacy. (Image credit: Moonlight Murals Collective)

Come and participate in this family-friendly collage and painting workshop that draws inspiration from the architectural and cultural history of the Aurora Cultural Centre. The project includes historical elements (such as the red schoolhouse doors) and modern elements, blending old and new. Hosted by the Aurora Cultural Centre, this program takes place in the Shining Hill Visual Arts Studio.

Join us for an engaging talk and Q-and-A session with the Project Architect of the Aurora Town Square, Thomas Nemeskeri from RAW Design Inc. Nemeskeri has 20-plus years’ experience in the design and execution of performing arts facilities, mixed-use buildings, civic architecture and private residences. He will share his experiences in translating the Town’s vision for the Aurora Town Square.

Step behind the scenes at the Aurora Public Library. Discover how their modern book sorter keeps the library running smoothly. Enjoy this exclusive back-room experience and learn how it connects today’s technology with a rich history of innovation and service, dating back to 1855. Come and explore how they continue evolving to meet the needs of their vibrant community.

Come and dive into the past at PAMA. Discover the history of the 1867 jail, and then explore topics of community, landscapes and more inside repurposed cell blocks now used as exhibition spaces. Handle unique artifacts and try historical activities. Take a tour of the facility. And then visit the Archives to uncover documents, photographs and resources highlighting local history.

Since 2010, the Aurora Cultural Centre has inspired all ages through creativity. During Doors Open, come by and meet Julia Mobbs — the Centre’s fall artist in residence. She will be opening the doors of the residency studio for visitors to drop by and have a peek at what she is working on during her time at the Aurora Cultural Centre.

As part of Doors Open, Dave’s Vinyl Party will be showcasing many sides of historical vinyl —including handcrafted picture discs, a 9-square-metre (100-square-foot) album cover mural (curated exclusively for Doors Open) and live record spinning! Don't miss this incredible afternoon on the café level of the Aurora Town Square where music will emanate from "Goliath" — Dave's prized portable DJ booth.

Embark on a captivating two-hour journey along London’s first road with the Taste of Hamilton Road Bus Tour! Delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of East London as you discover breathtaking tree trunk sculptures, artists’ murals and fascinating historical landmarks. Also enjoy live music and sample delicious offerings from a variety of local food businesses.