ike it or not, the winter season

is upon us. With the Holidays

around the corner, you may have

some traveling planned. Whether

you are commuting to work or

visiting the family, you face the risk

of icy or snow-laden roads and cold

temperatures. But, don’t worry. We’ve

compiled some tips to help you

prepare for safe driving this winter

and over the holidays.

1 Winter Driving Emergency Kit

To start, you should winterize your

vehicle’s emergency kit. Assume your

vehicle will break down or become

stuck. You could wait hours for help

during a winter storm, so be ready.

Use a large plastic container and

place it in the trunk. Here is what your

kit should include:

Warm gloves and hat

A heavy blanket (wool is preferred)

Flares or triangles

A flashlight and extra batteries

A tow rope

Booster cables

A first-aid kit

2 Program Your Phone

Who carries a phone book in their vehicle? You may have online capability on your phone, but who in an emergency wants the added stress of searching for help? Save time and program emergency numbers such as tow-truck , CAA, locksmith, etc. into your cellphone.

3 Clothes to Fit the Emergency

Assume that you will be forced to exit your vehicle at some point this winter. Avoid freezing in your office attire or Holiday best; pack some winter stuff in the trunk such as an extra jacket, hat, gloves, overshoes or winter boots, and a reflective vest.

4 Winter Check-Up

Make sure your vehicle is in top winter shape. Schedule a pre-season maintenance – or do it yourself. This should include routine systems check, and any necessary change of your engine coolant.

5 Window and Blades Clean-up

Good visibility assures safe winter driving, so guarantee

that you can see the road ahead of you. Replace damaged wiper blades, otherwise give them a thorough cleaning and extend their lifespan by wiping them with a rubbing alcohol soaked rag.Also clean all windows on the inside throughout the season and don’t forget to scrape and clear them before you hit the road with a good snow-brush and ice scraper.

6 Better Grip with Winter Tires

Install winter tires and ensure you maintain the optimal tire pressure throughout the winter. Although winter tires are an added expense, they not only make for safer driving, but can also last you five years or more, depending on usage, and may qualify for a car insurance premium discount.

Every FridaySnow Much FunHolly Youth Centre, 171 Mapleton Ave5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy all that a Canadian winter has to offer with some fun games and activities outside in the snow! For youth ages 11-18 years.

Phone: 705-792-7925 (7)Email: hypc@barrie.ca

December 27 - 31January 3 - 6Ongoing Holiday Activities Barrie Public Library, Children`s FloorCome make a New Year’s calendar, play a board game or colour. There’s lot of fun for to be had and registration is free. This is available during normal library hours, with the exception of the 31st which is from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To you and yours from the

City of Barrie

Upcoming Events

December - FebruaryBarrie Festival of Trees Winter LightsCentennial Parkwww.barriefestivaloftrees.comCome out and take a stroll on the waterfront and enjoy the festive light display to celebrate the winter season.

Wednesdays in DecemberGift MakingHolly Youth Centre, 171 Mapleton Ave4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Join us for a fun afternoon of making holiday gifts for a friend or family member! From picture frames and necklaces to jewelry boxes we have something for that special person on your list! For youth ages 11-18 years.

Call 705-792-7925 (7) or email hypc@barrie.ca

Every WednesdayMaple Ave. Dance CrewMaple Ave Centre, 59 Maple Ave6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.It is all about hip hop! Free and no auditions necessary. Open to youth ages 13-19 years.

Call 705-792-7903 or email bypc@barrie.ca

December 22nd

Contact Us Phone: 705-726-4242 TTY: 705-792-7910 E-mail: cityinfo@barrie.ca For information on news, events, and more visit us online at Barrie.ca

To Obtain Documents • Download bid document directly from Biddingo.com/barrie. • SubscribeasaBiddingomembertodownloadunlimited documentsfromBiddingo.com/barrie. TheBiddingo subscriptionfeeis$250/year. • Non-subscriberscandownloadindividualbiddocuments from Biddingo.com/barrie, a fee may apply to each document. • Pick up in person from the Purchasing Branch, 56 Mulcaster Street, Barrie ON during business hours MondaytoFriday,8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.Anonrefundable document fee applies to each hardcopy document.

# FIN 2011-166QREQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

AUTODESK SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL 2012

One (1) year term with an option to extend for two (2)additionalyears.

Closing: 4:30 p.m. local time, Thursday January 5, 2012.

FIN# 2012-009PQREQUEST FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION

SNOW MELTING EQUIPMENT LOADER & OPERATOR HOURLY RENTALS

Closing: 4:30 p.m. local time. Thursday January 12, 2012.

thisweek's BID OpportunitiesBoard

The City of Barrie competitive bid opportunitiescan be found at Biddingo.com/barrie. Businessescan also complete theVendor’s Application formtoreceivefreeCityofBarrieopportunityalertsfromthiswebsite.

CHRISTMAS DAYSunday, December 25, 2011. There will be NO Transit Service.

BOXING DAYMonday, December 26, 2011Barrie Transit will operate the Hourly Sunday Service Schedule beginning at 7:00 a.m., with fifteen minute service provided on Route 11 BAYFIELD. All service will end by 8:15 p.m. There will be NO Route 22 CROSSTOWN Service.

NEW YEARS EVE SERVICESaturday, December 31, 2011Transit Service will operate every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 pm. The last Routes departing the Transit Terminal leave at 2:45 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Barrie Transit Service on Regular Routes will be FREE from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Regular Fare Rates are in effect for extended New Years Eve Special Service from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

NEW YEARS DAYSunday, January 1, 2012. There will be NO Transit Service.

For more information please call 705-739-4209 or visit Barrie.ca/btransit.

Get it. Bid it. Win it!Biddingo.com

City Hall – Mulcaster & Collier StreetsDecember 31, 2011 . 7:00p.m. –12:15a.m.

The City of Barrie is proud to present the 14th annual Downtown Countdown. Ring in the New Year in downtown Barrie with a free evening of fun and entertainment for the whole family beginning at 7:00p.m! Festivities include skating on the Circle at the Centre rink, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, and food vendors. Don't miss the fireworks shows - one at 7:45p.m. for the kids and the second at midnight.

Once again, Barrie Transit is offering free transportation from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. After 9:00p.m, regular fares apply and service is extended until 3:00am to get you home safely.

Entertainment7:00 p.m. - Splash 'n Boots7:45 p.m. - Fireworks8:15 p.m. - Sarah Melody

For more information visit Barrie.ca

6 Safe Winter Driving Tips ForTheHolidays&WinterAhead

Celebrating Barrie Heritage Ornament

Collection

Collect all 10 as part of the Downtown Barrie Commemorative Ornament Gift Box

For more information visit: www.downtownbarrie.ca Phone: 705-734-1414Fax: 705-734-1227 Visit: 4 Simcoe Street East

Bill LeBoeuf Jewellers - 52 Dunlop St. W.Our House - 55 Dunlop St. W.Metzger's Fine Jewellery - 99 Dunlop St. E.Barrie Public Library - 60 Worsley St.MacLaren Art Centre - 37 Mulcaster St.Jewellers Bench - 4 Simcoe St. E.The Paper Merchant - 13 Dunlop St. W.Angie's Outdoors - 80 Dunlop St. E.

Available at the following Downtown locations:

2011 Ornament SIMCOE HOTEL

Go to biddingo.com/barrie and enter the referencenumbersaboveformoreinformation.

Bid Opportunities

L

FIN# 2012-001TREQUEST FOR TENDER

MECHANICAL UPGRADES FOR MACLAREN ART CENTRE

MANDATORY MEETING Date andTime: 9:00 a.m.TuesdayJanuary10,2012,MacLarenArtCentre,37MulcasterStreet,Barrie,ON.

SITE REQUIREMENTS: Bidders must have arepresentative in attendance and register at thismeeting to have their submission considered compliant.Documents will not be available at the site meeting.

Closing: 2:00 p.m. local time. Tuesday January 17, 2012.

FIN# 2011-130QREQUEST FOR QUOTATION

FOR THE PROVISION OF HYDRANT MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Three (3) year contract with the option to extend for two (2) annualterms.

Closing: 4:30 p.m. local time. Thursday January 19, 2012.

January 4Author Visit with Christine MurrayBarrie Public LibraryLions Oro Program Room2:00 p.m.Join author Christine Murray as she talks about and reads from her new adventure novel, “Shayna Gladstone: in Search of the Scientist”. For more information visit www.shaynagladstone.com. This event is free and best for ages 7 years and older.

January 5Concert with Russ!Barrie Public Library10:30 a.m.Looking for some holiday fun after Christmas? We are thrilled to have popular local singer Russ visit our library! Russ’ cds, “A Whale of a Time,” “Sing and Play with Russ,” “Rock and Roar” and “In Our Balloon” are available at the library. Visit www.russmusic.net and click on “Russ TV” to see and hear Russ. No registration is required for this free and "fun for all ages" concert.

January 11Memory Loss: How To Slow It, Plus The Benefits Of Early DiagnosisBarrie Public Library2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.What is and is not normal memory loss? Is there anything I can do now to slow or decrease the chances of getting dementia? What are the benefits of having serious memory problems diagnosed early? Learn the answers to these questions as Laura-Lynn Bourassa, Education Coordinator of the Alzheimer Society of Greater Simcoe County, returns as our presenter. Individual queries will be answered after the presentation. All adults are welcome

Women and MoneyBarrie Public Library7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Ladies, it’s time to talk about your money. Come hear from Sharon Alderson, a Certified Financial Planner and a Financial Divorce Specialist.

AllrespondentsMUSTberegisteredasadocumenttakeronBiddingo.com,foryoursubmissiontobeconsidered. AllopportunitiesaregovernedbyourPurchasingBy-Law,By-LawNumber2008-121.

For further information please visit www.barrie.ca or www.biddingo.com/barrie, call 705-739-4220 Ext 5163 or Ext4538oremailpurcashing@barrie.ca

December Holiday Service

There will be NO CHANGE to garbage, organics, recycling, and yard waste collection during the Christmas and New Years holiday in the City of Barrie.

The landfill site and Household Hazardous Waste Depot will be closed at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The Landfill site is closed every Sunday and Monday. The Landfill will be open as usual on Tuesday, December 27th.

Christmas Tree CollectionWeekly collection of Christmas trees in all collection areas will occur throughout the month of January, 2012. There is no yard waste/Christmas tree collection during the months of February and March. Christmas trees must be free of ornaments and tree stands. Trees placed curbside in plastic bags will not be collected. Please ensure that your tree is not buried or frozen in a snowbank.

For more information please call 705-739-4219.

Christmas & New Year’s Holiday Schedule for Garbage, Organics, Recycling, and Yard Waste Collection

9:15 p.m. - San Sebastian10:30 p.m. - Arkells11:55 p.m. - Countdown to midnight and fireworks!

Above all else, check the weather before you hit the road and consider the conditions while driving. Think ahead, be ready and drive defensively. Visit www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml for more on winter driving and find out how Barrie controls and clears the snow by entering ‘Winter Control’ in the upper right search field of www.barrie.ca.

60 Worsley Street, BarriePhone: 705-728-1010 Website: www.library.barrie.on.ca

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Located in the Rotunda at City Hall, 70 Collier Street

First brunch sitting 1:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Second brunch sitting 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Levee (meet the Mayor, tea & coffee) 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mayor Jeff Lehman will be presenting

his inaugural New Year’s Day Brunch

& Levee, in support of the United

Way of Greater Simcoe County. Chefs

from some of Barrie’s finest restaurants

are lending their culinary skills to this

special affair, so those lucky enough

to be in attendance will experience

a taste sensation sure to kick off the

New Year in style. Preparing the buffet

menu are: Scott Connor from the

Local Gastro Pub, Marco Ormonde

from The North Restaurant, Yar and

Nur Mohammad from Tara Authentic

Indian Cuisine, Rita Fuda from The

Italian Bakery, and Olga’s Crêperie.

Tickets are $25 for the New Year’s Day

brunch, while the levee - serving coffee

and tea - is freely open to the public.

For details call Robin at 705-739-4721

(ext. 2), or email bjbfest@bconnex.net