New report shifts focus to housing in Barrie's boundary expansion debate

A new report shifts the focus for Barrie's push for boundary expansion into Springwater and Oro-Medonte from job creation to housing development.

Barrie's mayor has long argued that annexing land to the north is essential for creating jobs, citing limited space within the city for growth, but a report released late Friday afternoon paints a more nuanced picture, suggesting the mayor’s employment-related case for annexation may have missed the mark.

The report, completed by independent consultant Hemson Consulting, stated the city has enough land to meet employment needs until 2051 but pointed to a potential stagnation in the short term.

The report indicates the city’s strongest case for annexation lies in addressing a growing housing demand, particularly for mixed-use developments that combine residential and employment opportunities.

"The area in and around Barrie, particularly to the south, has been among the fastest growing regions in Ontario and Canada. It is forecast to accommodate significant population and employment growth to 2051. Ensuring an adequate long-term supply of land for both residential and employment purposes is crucial for the economic and social prosperity of all municipalities in the area," the report reads.

“There are greater needs in the City of Barrie than we thought on the housing front, there are substantial needs that we have on the employment front, and when you add more housing, guess what? You add the need for more employment,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

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The annexation proposal has not been well received by neighbouring municipalities.

Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw has consistently expressed resistance to redrawing municipal boundaries.

“No, it’s not about our capability,” said Greenlaw. “That’s why cross-border agreements are executed across the province.”

Greenlaw added that Oro-Medonte is open to sharing services like water, sewage, and transit with Barrie but not in favour of the annexation plan.

Springwater Township shared similar concerns. Talks with Barrie over boundary adjustments were previously halted, though discussions resumed this summer under a provincial facilitator.

Premier Doug Ford has publicly backed Barrie’s expansion plans, calling them a “phenomenal deal.” However, the consultant’s findings could shift the narrative.

Next week, the report will be presented to each municipal council for further discussion. Leaders from all sides must then decide how to move forward.

In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, Nuttall, Greenlaw, Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin, and Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke affirmed their commitment to finding “mutually beneficial solutions.”