"In 2006, The City of Barrie released Building a Creative Future (BCF) - A Plan For Culture. The BCF is a comprehensive report detailing the city's initiatives to amp up it's cultural vitality. Culture, along with social, economic and environmental concerns, is recognized as one of the four pillars necessary for maintaining a sustainable community. The plan is the city's framework for developing the cultural pillar and will serve as a guideline for inspiring culture in Barrie over the next ten years."

"Facilties like the MacLaren Art Centre and the Gryphon Theatre as well as events like ... The Barrie Jazz And Blues Festival are just a few of the city's better-known cultural mainstays".