Long-time councillor Barry Ward officially launches mayoral campaign
The mayoral race in Barrie is heating up as the city's longest-serving councillor opened up his campaign office for mayor Sunday.
Ward 4 councillor and deputy mayor Barry Ward officially kicked off his campaign. Ward, who has served on council since 2000, is now angling for the top job as current mayor Jeff Lehman is not seeking re-election.
"I think I've got the experience. Over the years, I think I've earned the respect of other councillors because I don't judge them. I don't preform my opinions of them. I'll see what they bring," says Ward. "I'm willing to listen to what their concerns are; I'm willing to learn about the best path forward and then lead with their help."
Ward puts addressing the affordable housing crisis at the top of his agenda. However, while acknowledging more roads need to be improved, and city hall services can always be expanded, he believes the city is currently on the right path.
"I think we have made a lot of improvements, and let's just continue on that path," says Ward. "People don't want their lives disrupted. Basically, people want to live their lives without any hassle from city hall, and that's what I'm hoping to give them."
Ward is one of several candidates running for mayor. The race includes two-term councillor Mike McCann, former Penetanguishene mayor Gerry Marshall, and former MP and city councillor Alex Nuttall amongst other newcomers.
"I think I can get people to work together, says Ward. "I think I'm the one that can work with diverse groups on council, people from the left, people from the right, people with various backgrounds; I think I've shown that I can work with them all."
The city, which currently has a population estimated at 150,000, is expected to nearly double in size to just shy of 300,000 over the next 20 years, says Ward. The growth of the city is also something that is on his radar.
"We've really got to be careful that growth doesn't have too much of an impact on people's lives," says Ward. "It's going to have an impact; there's going to be more traffic on our streets, there's going to be bigger buildings, but the important thing is to preserve the way of life for residents there as much as possible."
The municipal election will be held on October 24.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.