Update on Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte & Simcoe County Boundary Discussions
By Shannon Murree – MovingSimcoe.com Team, RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty Brokerage
October 9, 2025 – Barrie, Ontario
The City of Barrie has released an update on the ongoing boundary discussions involving the Township of Springwater, Township of Oro-Medonte, and the County of Simcoe. These talks, supported by the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF), are focused on how local municipalities can plan for long-term housing, employment, and infrastructure growth across the region.
Purpose of the Boundary Review
The discussions began as part of Barrie’s effort to identify additional employment lands to support the region’s growing economy and create future job opportunities. A joint land needs analysis revealed a need for both community and employment areas, ensuring there’s enough serviced land to accommodate population and job growth projected through 2051.
The process aims to achieve a locally negotiated solution that balances housing supply, environmental protection, and economic development across all municipalities involved.
Key Principles Guiding the Discussions
The municipalities have identified several shared priorities:
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Environmental protection, including permanent preservation of lands surrounding Little Lake.
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Strategic investment in employment lands to support economic development and job creation.
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Expansion of residential areas to meet future housing needs.
The proposed boundary adjustments would help ensure that Barrie and surrounding communities can manage growth in a coordinated, sustainable way.
Cross-Border Servicing and Development Plans
As part of the discussions, Barrie has offered financial compensation to Springwater and Oro-Medonte for potential land transfers and has agreed in principle to cross-border servicing for lands at the top of Bayfield Street.
If approved, these servicing arrangements would support a mix of proposed developments including:
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A variety of housing types, including dedicated seniors’ housing and a seniors-related medical campus
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Mixed-use commercial and medical spaces
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Retail and community amenities to serve future residents
Once fully serviced, these developments are expected to contribute approximately $6.6 million in annual tax revenue to Springwater Township and the County of Simcoe.
Regional Economic Development Collaboration
The proposed agreements also include the formation of a Joint Economic Development Working Group, focused on advancing employment opportunities along the Highway 400 corridor to Forbes Road and near the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.
These areas, located within the County rather than the City of Barrie, are considered strategically important to regional growth. Barrie has also proposed a $5 million contribution to the County of Simcoe to support future economic development initiatives.
Continuing the Process
Barrie has stated that it remains open to continued discussions and is following the process as directed by the Office of the Provincial Facilitator. The outcome of these talks will shape how housing, employment lands, and servicing are managed across the broader Simcoe County region.
What This Means for Local Residents and Investors
For those who live, work, or invest in Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, and Simcoe County, the results of these boundary discussions could affect:
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Future housing availability and affordability
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Servicing capacity for new residential and commercial developments
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Economic growth and investment potential across the region
As part of the MovingSimcoe.com Team, I’ll continue to monitor updates that impact local real estate, development, and community planning.
Stay informed on local development and market trends across Simcoe County by visiting MovingSimcoe.com.
The City of Barrie is providing an update on the ongoing discussions regarding the proposed boundary changes between Barrie and the Township of Springwater, the Township of Oro-Medonte and County of Simcoe.
Source: City of Barrie media release: https://www.barrie.ca/…/update-barrie-springwater-oro… Alex Nuttall
