Barrie's mayor addresses push for boundary expansion at Queen's Park

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall addressed the issue of expanding the city’s boundaries into surrounding municipalities to Queen’s Park on Thursday.

Nuttall attended a news conference with Premier Doug Ford and other mayors regarding encampments when the topic of pushing city limits into neighbouring areas was presented during a media Q&A.

“The report has actually called for upwards of 4,000 acres to be brought in and the premier and minister of municipal affairs have been very clear that they want to see a local solution - we are working towards that,” the Barrie mayor said.

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A report released last week by independent consultant Hemson Consulting shifted the focus for Barrie’s push for boundary expansion from job creation to housing development.

Nuttall has argued the city requires more land to lure new major employers and provide existing ones with an opportunity to grow.

However, the report indicated the city’s strongest case for annexation lies in addressing an increasing housing demand, particularly for mixed-use developments that combine residential and employment opportunities.

At Queen’s Park Thursday, the mayor stated he hopes the situation can be addressed sooner than later.

“It can't be the never-never plan. It needs to be one that has a schedule and a timeline, and we are certainly working toward that end,” Nuttall said. “I think the other piece that is really important on this is that we have a province that is focused on housing and focused on protection of jobs and generation of jobs, and we are begging in Barrie to be part of that.”

Still, not everyone agrees with redrawing boundary lines.

“Boundaries are necessary,” said Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw. “I think the most beneficial position to take would be for us to do cross-border servicing,” said Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw. “We can help complement the housing component, help our township of a more diversified housing stock. Without changing boundaries.”

The report laid out two options moving forward, maintaining boundaries with servicing agreements or adjusting them to help Barrie meet provincial housing targets with employment opportunities.

Greenlaw said he is open to hearing all the options on the matter.

“We’re looking forward over the next few months to see resolution to the subject,” Nuttall concluded.