Go Further, Faster
Advance in our connected community – Barrie provides everything you need for success. Tap into a network of support, a pipeline of skilled talent, and a convenient location with easy access to the Greater Toronto Area.
In Barrie, you’ll find many of the advantages of a larger city, without the compromises. Check out some of the reasons people and companies choose to call the city of Barrie home.
Meet Barrie. Quick Facts
Popular, Convenient Location
Barrie has easy access to various economic centres, connecting people and markets.
Located in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, one of North America’s fastest growing regions, Barrie is situated along the shores of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay.
- Within 100 kms of Toronto, the Blue Mountains and Ontario’s cottage country.
- 90 minutes to New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington via Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.
- Connected to Provincial Hwy 400 and major arterial highways, facilitating transportation across Canada and US markets.
- Short-line rail service available through the Barrie-Collingwood Railway with a link to CPR Intermodal Terminal in Vaughan and CN Rail International Terminal in Brampton. GO Train service available.
Skilled, Creative Workforce
Talent that comes here, stays here.
A partnership between Lakehead University and Georgian College offers STEM degree programs.
Georgian College is a leader in CNC and robotics. The Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre is a $30 million investment supporting industry-academia collaboration.
Lakehead University is one of Canada’s top undergraduate research universities.
Growth = Opportunity
Expecting an enormous 86.8% per cent population growth over the next 30 years, Barrie will reach 298,000 people and 150,000 jobs by 2051 (Source: A Place to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe). Barrie’s commitment to infrastructure will ensure the city reaches its potential.
Barrie has invested holdings in regional air, rail and electric distribution.
Two national fiber optic lines connected to Canada’s primary data interconnection hub in Toronto.
Cost of Doing Business
Discover ways Barrie helps businesses increase their bottom line.
Competitive industrial costs. Connections to support programs and funding opportunities.
Take advantage of valuable partnerships like industry 4.0 leaders, Next Generation Manufacturing funding, Georgian's exporting programs and more.
Downtown Creative Hub
Our thriving city centre is Central Ontario’s destination for artists, creative entrepreneurs, inventors and investors.