event is Barrie’s largest literary celebration and is

open to the general public. For Information

visit www.l3writers.ca.

April 15 Marketing the Arts City Hall, 70 Collier Street , Sir Robert Barrie Room, 1:00p.m. – 4:30p.m. This workshop is being facilitated by Jacoba

Knaapen, Executive Director for the Toronto Alliance

for the Performing Arts(TAPA), an arts service

organization that represents 175 professional theatre

dance and opera companies in the city of Toronto.

You will be required to come into the Department

and pay a registration fee of $25.00 for the workshop

that will be returned to you on April 15th. To register

or get more information please call the Department

of Culture at (705) 739-4299.

April 16 BYPC Glamour Shots Holly Youth Centre (171 Mapleton Ave) 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m., (705) 792-7925 (7) Do your make-up and hair then pose for some

fabulous shots! Participants will receive a copy of

their pictures to frame and take home with them.

For youth ages 11-18.

April 23 BYPC Easter Fun! Holly Youth Centre (171 Mapleton Ave) 1:00 p.m. to 3:30p.m., (705) 792-7925 (7) Chocolate moulds, Easter Trivia and more.

For youth ages 11-18.

For information on news, events, and more visit us online at www.barrie.ca

Upcoming Events

Bids & Tenders

April 7th

Contact Us Phone: (705) 726-4242 TTY: (705) 792-7910 E-mail: cityinfo@barrie.ca

Until End of April Community Income Tax Program 55+ CentresAllandale 55+ at (705) 728-6332

Parkview 55+ Centre at (705) 737-0755

Victoria Village Activity Centre at (705) 792-3411April is here which means your taxes are due

and we have a solution to help get the job

done. In conjunction with Revenue Canada,

the City of Barrie 55+ Centres are offering the

Community Income Tax Program for people of

all ages. Income Tax clinics operate until the end

of April. Only basic returns are accepted and

appointments are necessary, so please book

your appointment at the respective Centre

listed above.

April 14

The 4th annual L3 Writers’ Conference Barrie North Collegiate, 7:00p.m. The L3 Writers’ Conference welcomes some

of Canada’s finest novelists, poets, journalists

and broadcasters to Barrie. By day, it is Ontario’s

largest high school literary festival; by night, the

April 30 BYPC Bubble Blowing Contest Holly Youth Centre (171 Mapleton Ave) 2:30 p.m. to 3:30p.m., (705) 792-7925 (7) Come show what you got! This contest uses a little

gum and A LOT of lung power! For youth ages 11-18.

Barrie Public Library(705) 728-1010, 60 Worsley Street, Barriewww.library.barrie.on.ca

April 12 Buying Your First HomeBarrie Public Library, Angus Ross Room, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Buying a home is often the single biggest investment you will make in a lifetime.Knowing when and how to buy your first home

2011 Business Plan Q’s & A’s

visit Barrie.ca to register REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 8, 2011

Sponsored by

Barrie ExaminerFox’ BakeryTim HortonsPitch-In

BFI SWISHBarrie AdvanceRock 95/Kool FM

B101/ChayLife FMNapoleon

requires you to do your homework first. This is free, drop-in session will cover selecting a real-estate agent, mortgage ins and outs, your legal obligations, and more.

April 13 Around the World in 60 Minutes Central India Barrie Public Library, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Eleanor Alexander recently spent one month in central India. Join us as Eleanor presents a digital slide presentation on the highlights of her trip. Eleanor especially enjoyed visiting the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi and the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar. All adults are welcome to this drop-in program.

April 14 Wills and Estates – Issues for New Families Barrie Public Library, Angus Ross Room 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Whether you have just been married, are starting a family, or have been married for the second time and are joining two families into one, it is time to take a look at your Wills and Powers of Attorney to make sure you have documents that properly reflect your wishes for you, your new family, and your estate. This is a free, drop-in session.

The City of Barrie is working with GO Transit to eliminate train whistling in certain parts of your community. Anti-whistling will take effect on: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 12:01 am.

This means that trains approaching the GO Transit railway crossings on Minet’s Point Road, Little Avenue and Mapleview Drive East will become anti-whistling crossings. Trains will no longer be required to sound their whistles at these crossings except in an emergency.

Railway Crossing Safety Tips!Whether you’re in your car, walking or riding your bike, there are safety tips you can remember every time you approach a railway crossing:

Motorists• Slow down and be prepared to stop.• Leave enough space between your vehicle, the tracks and the vehicle in front of you – no part of your vehicle should overhang onto the crossing. • Always stop at least five metres back from the nearest rail – and never on the tracks! • Never try to beat the flashing lights and warning bells, and don’t drive around lowered crossing gates.

Pedestrians • Only cross tracks at properly marked and designated crossings, and only when its safe to do so. • Take extra care when crossing the track with children, strollers and wheeled mobility devices.• Never place objects on the tracks.• It is dangerous and illegal to use railway tracks as a shortcut or place to play – stay safe and don’t trespass!

Remember, train time is anytime! Although GO Trains operate on a schedule, changes can occur without notice, and railway maintenance vehicles also use the same tracks.

For more information, please visit www.operationlifesaver.ca or contact City of Barrie Operations department (705) 739-4255.

After incorporating several amendments, Monday night City Council passed the City of Barrie’s 2011 Business Plan. The plan which has been presented as

‘Focusing On Service,’ will be financed by a combination of property taxes, user fees and other financing sources. Below, find the answers to some common questions surrounding the 2011 Business Plan.

What is the property tax increase?Council approved a 2.63% property tax increase. For a home assessed at $261,000, this translates into an $88 property tax increase.

Are water and wastewaterrates increasing?Yes. For a typical home- one that consumes 180 cubic metres of water per year- the increase will be approximately $88 over last year’s fee, which is a total cost of $519 for the year.

Under Ontario Regulation 453, Municipalities are required to maintain financially sustainable water and wastewater systems. In conjunction with the Council approved 2009 rate structure review, the 2010 Council approved water and wastewater long-range plan identified the need forincreased revenues to achieve the goal of financial sustainability.

The increased rates for 2011 will offset operating costs related to the expansion of the wastewater pollution control plant, the new surface water treatment plant and provide contributions to reserves which support current and futurecapital works.

Aren’t we in tough economic times – is a property tax affordable?City Council considers many factors when deciding the type and level of service it wants residents to receive. General economic conditions are one of the factors, and all available analysis anticipates an economic recovery will occur throughout 2011. Council also approved a set of financial policies which, among other details, establishes affordability thresholds for property taxes. Staff check the cost of the business plan against the

affordability thresholds when preparing the budget. The 2011 Business Plan is within Council’s affordability thresholds. You can read more about this in the “Financial Condition” section of the Executive Summary in the 2011 Business Plan available at www.barrie.ca

Will I see a difference in the services I receive?Yes. Barrie residents will see improved or additional services this year. One of the main focuses of the budget was the $125 million Capital Plan which includes the completion of several new facilities that will be officially unveiled and will be ready for use this year. These include: the Barrie Fire Station #1, the Surface Water Treatment Plant, the new Satellite library, a second GO Transit platform at the Allandale Station and the Downtown Community Theatre. This comprehensive capital program also includes road improvements ($4M towards surface renewal and major rehabilitation of roads) as well as the replacement or repair of roofs at some City facilities. Public Transit will also be receiving some new equipment, with $2.25 million being put towards bus replacement.

What is changing at the City of Barrie landfill? Am I still allowed the same allowances as before? A onetime visit to dispose of up to 100 kg of garbage per household at no charge will continue in 2011. The residential basic tipping fee

for garbage has been set at $122 per tonne with a minimum $10 charge for the first 100kg.

Why can’t we use the funds that the City has in reserve instead of raising taxes? Using funds in reserve instead of raising taxes is like selling your car and using the proceeds to pay your household’s monthly bills – sooner or later the money will run out but the expenses will continue. The City of Barrie puts funds aside for various purposes, most often to help fund investments in new infrastructure or to renew infrastructure we already own. Some of these reserves were created for a specific purpose, so the funds are restricted and could not be used to reduce a property tax increase. Using funds in reserve instead of raising taxes actually leads to a higher tax increase in the future - or reductions in service - if the City’s infrastructure and asset renewal plans are going to be achieved.

The 2011 Business Plan includes the addition of 14 staff members. Why do we need so many? The new positions are needed in order to operate and maintain the additional facilities completed in 2011.

To view the 2011 Business Plan, please go to www.barrie.ca

RAILWAY CROSSING Safety Tips LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE

Ward 4Town Hall Meeting

Ward 4 Councillor Barry Ward invites you to attend a Town Hall Meeting

with

Mayor Jeff Lehmanat the

Kozlov Centre 400 Bayfield Street • Centre Court

Thursday, April 28, 20117:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Drop-ins are welcome.

Your chance to meet our new Mayor and get answers to questions

important to you.

PURCHASING BRANCHBID OPPORTUNITIES

DOCUMENTS are available on-line at Biddingo.com/Barrie or from the Purchasing Branch, 56 Mulcaster Street, Barrie ON during business hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 am. to 4:30 pm. For further information please visit www.barrie.ca or by telephone (705) 739-4220 Ext. 5163 or Ext. 4538 or by Email at purchasing@barrie.ca

Electronic copies are only available through Biddingo.com/barrie. The City of Barrie document fee does not apply to documents that are downloaded electronically through Biddingo.com/barrie, however a Biddingo.com fee may be applicable.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION# FIN 2011-038Q

DECOMMISSIONING OF HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT CONTAINING REFRIGERANTS

The City of Barrie is seeking Submissions from qualified and experienced firms for the provision of Decommissioning of Household Equipment Containing Refrigerants received for disposal at the City of Barrie Environmental Centre. A non-refundable Document Fee of $30.00 plus HST applies to each hardcopy of the RFQ Document.

Closing: 4:30 p.m. local time, Thursday April 21, 2011

PURCHASING BRANCH

Electronic copies are only available through Biddingo.com/barrie. The City of Barrie document fee does not apply to documents that are downloaded electronically through Biddingo.com/barrie, however a Biddingo.com fee may be applicable.

THE CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL SUBMISSIONS.

TENDER CONTRACT

Sealed tenders will be received by the undersigned, in envelopes provided, up to 2:00 p.m. local time

Tuesday, May 3, 2011with the Tender Opening in the Sir Robert Barrie Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall at 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2011 for the following project:

CONTRACT 2011-027TMAPLEVIEW DRIVE

IMPROVEMENTS(Welham Road to Huronia Road)

The project includes widening of Mapleview Drive between Welham Road and Huronia Road (630m) from two to six lanes including curb and gutter, sidewalk, placement of granulars and asphalt, watermain, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, traffic signals, streetlighting, a concrete culvert crossing for the Lover’s Creek tributary and a grade separation at the rail crossing. A two lane diversion road will be required around the grade separation area. Two 18.7m long single span ballasted welded thru-plate girder (TPG)

superstructures are required to span Mapleview Drive. To keep the rail line in service three temporary TPG structures, (two 12m and one 10m) will be required to span the abutment and pier construction areas.

The Tenderer is hereby advised that a mandatory site meeting and test holes will commence at Mapleview Drive East and Huronia Road on

Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. During the site meeting and test holes, attendees are required to provide and wear personal protective clothing and shall use the personal protective equipment or devices that the Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act require.

To respond to this opportunity bidders must register as a document taker through The City of Barrie’s service provider Biddingo (www.biddingo.com/barrie) or in person at the City of Barrie Finance Department, Purchasing Branch, 56 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, Ontario prior to the stated closing date and time.

Bid Documents and Drawings will be available as of Monday, April 4, 2011 online at www.biddingo.com/barrie or in hardcopy from the Purchasing Branch of the Finance Department, 56 Mulcaster Street, Barrie during business hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For further information please visit www.barrie.ca or call the Purchasing Branch at (705) 739-4220 extension 4538 or extension 4709 or by Email at purchasing@barrie.ca Document Fees apply as follows:

Downloaded electronically through www.biddingo.com/barrie: No Document Fees, (however Biddingo fees may apply).

Hardcopy: A non-refundable DOCUMENT FEE of $200.00 plus HST applies to each copy of the Bid Document.

The City of Barrie reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Tenders and to cancel this procurement process at any time.

David Allan, C.P.P., C.D.Finance Department, Purchasing Branch

Tax Billing and Installment

Due Date NoticeThe 2011 interim tax bills have been issued for all property owners who are not on a pre-authorized payment plan and who do not have their financial institution pay their taxes. These bills were mailed between January 20th and January 24th.IF:• a mortgage company is responsible for payment of the taxes, and you have received a bill, please forward the bill to your mortgage company for payment;• a tax arrears notation appears on your tax bill it means that at the time of tax billing there were outstanding taxes and/or penalty owing. Please contact our office for the current balance outstanding;

The second interim installment is due on April 26, 2011.

Penalties/interest will commence on the first day of each month for any late payments. Penalty/Interest rates are at the rate of 1.25% per month. Please be advised that all payments received are applied first to all penalties owing, then the remainder to the taxes owing.

Please note: Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse the property owner from responsibility for payment, nor relieve him/her from liability of penalty for late payment.

Join the thousands of City property owners already enjoying the benefits of pre-authorized payment plans. The pre-authorized plans available are:

- Due Date Plan – installment amount taken on due date;- Monthly Plan – equal amounts taken January to May & June to October- Arrears Plan – agreed upon amount taken every month (interest applies)

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF PAYING BY TELEBANKING OR INTERNET BANKING, YOUR 19 DIGIT ROLL NUMBER, AS FOUND ON YOUR TAX BILL, IS YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER.

If you would like additional information regarding the various payment options available, or if you have not received your tax bill please call (705) 739-4230 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Fire PermitsBarrie Fire & Emergency Service advises that all Outdoor Solid Fuel Burning Appliance (OSFBA) permits expired on December 31, 2010.

Effective January 1, 2011, new permits are subject to an annual fee of $10 (cash only).

To meet the demand for permits, BFES will issue permits on Saturday, April 16th at Station #1 at 65 Vespra Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Tenants require the owner’s permission in writing (e-mail/letter) to obtain a permit.

Permits are not available on-line at this time.

Want more info? (705) 728-3199 www.barrie.ca

No Charges for Recycling

The City would like to confirm that we are not implementing, nor are we planning to implement, a user pay system for the

collection of blue, gray and green bin materials. If the City was to consider any

changes to our current system they would be identified during the

development of Barrie’s Sustainable Waste Management

Strategy which includes significant public participation.

For more information on the City’s current waste management policies please

visit barrie.ca

Special NoticeEASTER TRANSIT & BACTS SERVICE

There will be NO Transit or BACTS service on Good Friday - April 22, 2011or Easter Sunday - April 24, 2011

New Fare Structure for Barrie Transit and BACTSEffective May 1, 2011CASH FARESAdults, all Students, Children ..................... $2.75 Seniors age 65 and over (with valid ID)...... $2.40

MONTHLY PASSESThe new fare rates for monthly passes are effective 2 weeks prior to May 1st, 2011

Adult ......................................................................... $77.00 Student (with valid photo ID) ......................... $59.50 Child / Senior ...................................................... $50.50 Elementary Child (Restricted) .......................... $33.25 (with valid ID, except children) Georgian College Semester (with valid GC photo ID) - Four Month Pass .................................................. $230.00Power Pass - High School Students (with valid photo ID, Restricted Pass) ................................................ $25.75

RIDE CARDS2 Ride Card (All Customers) ........................ $4.75 5 Ride Adult + Post Secondary Students .. $12.00 10 Ride Adult + Post Secondary Students ...................................................................................................................... $24.005 Ride Reduced (High School, Senior or Child) (with valid ID, except children) ..................................... $10.50 10 Ride Reduced (High School, Senior or Child) (with valid ID, except children) .................................. $21.00

For more information on Barrie Transit Service please call (705) 739-4209 or visit www.barrie.ca/btransit

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