Barrie Moves Forward on $39M Boundary Expansion Proposal
Barrie city council has approved a proposal to annex nearly 2,150 acres of land from Springwater and Oro-Medonte townships, aiming to support both residential and employment growth. The boundary expansion, projected to cost the city almost $39 million by 2030, reflects a strategic plan to accommodate jobs, housing, and community growth.
The plan would see Barrie acquire:
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Springwater: 699 acres for residential/community use and 773 acres for employment purposes
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Oro-Medonte: 677 acres for community use
The proposal still requires approval from the townships, the County of Simcoe, and the province. Financial arrangements include $15,000 per developable acre to the townships, a $5 million contribution to the county for regional economic development, and an additional $850,000 to Springwater for economic initiatives.
Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasises the importance of creating a self-contained community where residents can live, work, and access daily services locally. “Our goal is to secure lands that provide jobs and ensure residents can live here fully—not just overnight or on weekends,” he said.
The annexed land, home to roughly 200 residents, will be integrated into Barrie’s infrastructure, which is positioned to provide the necessary services. Cross-border servicing agreements with Springwater are planned to support development while ensuring full cost recovery for the city.
The proposal also includes environmental protections, such as preserving areas around Little Lake, creating green buffers, and dedicating natural heritage land to municipal stewardship. New city ward boundaries will be drawn ahead of the 2026 municipal election to reflect the expanded city limits.
Barrie aims to implement the restructuring on January 1, 2026, creating opportunities for housing, employment growth, and a more connected community.
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Barrie Moves Forward on $39M Boundary Expansion Proposal
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