Mayor's Innovation Awards

The Mayor’s Innovation Awards discover stories of strength, creativity, and adaptation across Barrie. These awards recognize businesses, individuals, and organizations whose innovative approaches and sheer determination contribute to a resilient foundation for our city. The winners are announced at a private awards ceremony.

Five award categories returned in 2025, including Pivot Point, Creative Collaboration, Youth Innovator, Research & Innovation Contribution, and crowd favourite, Shift Disturber. The Municipal Innovation category, which debuted in 2023, also returned, showcasing the City of Barrie’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in public service; this category has a separate nomination/submission process. 

Pivot Point

Sponsored by Innovative Automation

Recognizing a company or organization that has discovered and pursued opportunity to grow in unexpected directions when faced with market or operational challenges. A need to purposefully take action with risk was addressed and implemented. They have assessed, adapted and evolved with key changes to their business model or processes that show promising results. Actions may include new revenue sources, new uses for products, evolving to service new needs and more. 

Creative Collaboration

Sponsored by Marquee Benefits

Recognizing two or more companies or organizations that have forged an alliance and reached new heights or achievements that they couldn't have reached alone. Contributions may be across sectors, industries, geographies or verticals. Milestones may span the development of new products, services, supply chains, operations and beyond! 

Research & Innovation Contribution

Sponsored by the Sandbox Centre

Recognizing industry and academic researchers, as well as entrepreneurs, whose innovative activities have had high impact on their individual business or sector, engaging knowledge users throughout the process.

Youth Innovator

Sponsored by Ain Whitehead LLP

Showcasing youths’ creations and demonstrating the incredible learning that comes through entrepreneurship. This award encourages youth entrepreneurs of all types – from students working on capstone projects to those working on their own non-profit, for-profit or social enterprise – to develop their ideas, products/ services, or even improvements for an existing product or procedure. A monetary award will be assigned for the winner to put towards their venture. To be eligible, nominees must be under the age of 25 at the time of applying and either a full-time student or returning to school full-time in the next academic year. 

Shift Disturber

Sponsored by Adams Hamilton

Recognizing an individual who has championed innovation in their organization or community. Where others see opposition, they see opportunity. This individual is a powerhouse of creative problem solving, shaking up norms and spearheading strategic solutions in the midst of uncertainty. 

Municipal Innovation

Sponsored by Invest Barrie

Recognizes the individuals, teams, and departments at the City of Barrie for their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in public service. Public nominations are not accepted for this category; projects are brought forward through a separate submission process.