Germany visit aims to boost Barrie's economic ties to Europe

The City of Barrie is growing its economic connection to a major European market.

Friday marked the end of a four-day trip to Germany, with a delegation of municipal leaders and businesses in Barrie making the rounds to different businesses in the country.

"We know we have 40,000 people leave Barrie to Toronto every day," said Barrie Mayor Alex Nutall speaking from Germany. "We need to make sure that we have a complete community that allows an individual who wants to work in Barrie, live in Barrie, is able to do so."

The mayor said the mission aimed to strengthen existing relationships and attract new investments in key sectors.

"More than anything, (it's to) come and make the case why Barrie is the right place for these businesses abroad to invest if they are looking at North America," he added.

Relying on the experience of their visiting business partners, the city hoped to show why Barrie is ripe for European investment.

Napoleon, one of North America's largest grill, furnace and fireplace providers, was founded in the City by German Canadians.

"It's easy for the Mayor of Barrie to say, 'please come here,'" Nuttall said. "It's better to have Barrie Businesses say, 'please come here,' and it's even better when we have German companies saying Barrie is the best place to be."

Nuttall said the trip had been overwhelmingly positive but did not disclose if any agreements had been struck with Germany businesses.

The mission served as a follow-up to a delegation from Germany who visited in October 2023.