City Hall Update: Barrie Honors Heritage Preservation Champions; Gears Up for Carnival Barrie 2024

Last Wednesday, Barrie City Council awarded the 2023 Heritage Awards to individuals and organizations for preserving the city’s historical buildings.

Awards were given in commercial, residential, individual, and group categories.

Craig and Julie Taylor received the Commercial Award for their restoration of Dutton House, located at 30 Mary Street. Constructed in 1874, Dutton House was originally built for Robert Simpson, Barrie's inaugural Mayor and a brewer by profession. Simpson acquired the property in 1836, during a time when the locale was recognized as the village of Kempenfeldt. It wasn't until 1854 that the area officially became known as the City of Barrie.

Two residential properties were awarded this year. The home at 123 Toronto Street was recognized for its architectural styles that, at the turn of the 20th Century, transitioned away from the traditional style. Angela Thompson won the award for restoring and refurbishing the 145-year-old home at 96 Sunnidale Road, known as Woodlawn.

In the individual category, Trudee Romanek won for her play, "Bobbie," which brought Barrie sports icon Bobbie Rosenfeld to life, celebrating the female athlete’s incredible accomplishments.

Steve Glover also won an individual award for his work at the Barrie Legion Branch, while the group award was given to The Barrie Legion 147 for preserving local and regional military history.

Please refer to the link in the description for the complete list of winners this year and more information about these properties. 

During the same meeting, Adrian Caraballo presented an overview of Carnival Barrie 2023, which celebrated Latin American culture at the Barrie waterfront. Despite initial success, Caraballo highlighted unforeseen challenges. 

“I am the first generation of my family in Canada. My family roots are from Uruguay, the small little country between Argentina and Brazil,” he said. “I see myself as what makes Canada great the ability to represent to multi cultures.”

However, preparations for Carnival Barrie 2024 are already in motion, with the event scheduled for August 31 and September 1, this year. Caraballo sought council support for the next event. Ward 9 Councillor Sergio Morales offered $5,000 help for the event from the community donation received by a developer in Ward nine. 

The links to find more information about these properties - 
https://www.barriearchive.ca/2021/07/08/past-forward-the-robert-simpson-house/ 
https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/heritage/barrie-heritage-awards 

Timestamps: 
0:0:0 Intro 
0:02:46 Heritage Awards 
0:22:32 Carnival Barrie