Welcoming 2022 in Barrie will include a different goodbye to 2021.
The pandemic has once again changed New Year’s Eve celebrations here in the city.
Instead of the traditional Downtown Countdown, which has been cancelled for the second straight Dec. 31, the city is celebrating New Year’s Eve with activities throughout Barrie.
Residents can welcome 2022 in the downtown, Holly or East Bayfield, ringing in the new year with family-friendly events and busker performances.
“As of now, we are proceeding with the plans for New Year’s Eve,” said city spokesperson Scott LaMantia. “The events planned have controlled access and were developed in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and COVID guidelines.
“The city continues to work with the (health unit) and is following all guidance provided,” he added.
Highlights include special programs centred around holiday themes at Holly Community Centre and East Bayfield Community Centre, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 and a holiday performance by the Mariposa School of Skating at Holly Community Centre at 5 p.m.
There will be a skating party at the Circle at the Centre, at Barrie City Hall, featuring a live DJ and light show from 6-9 p.m.
And to conclude the evening’s family festivities, a fireworks show will take place over Kempenfelt Bay at 9 p.m. The pyrotechnics can be seen from multiple vantage points throughout Barrie’s downtown. But there will be no fireworks show at midnight.
To help people get safely around, there will be free Barrie Transit starting at 3 p.m., Friday, until the end of regular service.
All New Year’s Eve activities are free and programs at the community centres are first-come, first-served.
The city takes guidance from the local health unit and the province of Ontario with regards to gathering restrictions and capacity limits, and all New Year’s Eve activities are subject to change.
Barrie residents are reminded to review the proof-of-vaccination requirements before visiting city community centres.
Since Dec. 19, certain businesses and facilities have been reduced to 50 per cent capacity. As well, private social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as per the province’s direction. The city is asking the community to adhere to these restrictions.
For more details on New Year’s Eve activities and other city events and programs taking place throughout the holiday season, visit Barrie.ca.
A year ago, the city also cancelled the Downtown Countdown on Dec. 31, but hosted a virtual New Year’s Eve family hour featuring a performance from family entertainment group Splash’N Boots.
