Freedom of City Parade takes over downtown Barrie

An historic tradition; the Freedom of the City Parade is celebrated in Barrie as part of CFB Borden's 110th anniversary

In honour of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden’s 110th anniversary, the City of Barrie held an historic tradition downtown at City Hall on Saturday afternoon.

The Free of the City Parade invites a military organization to march through the city as a symbol of the communities trust, respect, and appreciation.

Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall said the ceremony showcases the partnership between CFB Borden and the city.

“We are partners who are friends, the City of Barrie is grateful and thankful to all those who have served and all those who continue to serve, to ensure that we have freedom, not just here in the city of Barrie, (but) throughout our country, and all of the work they do around the world to ensure people, individuals are given the freedom,” said Nuttall.

Downtown street closures were enforced for the parade and reopened shortly after 4:00 p.m.

CFB Borden was last granted Freedom of the City of Barrie in 2016 in celebration of its 100th anniversary.