(Barrie, ON) – Yesterday, the Province of Ontario introduced the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025. If passed, the legislation would transfer lands from the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater into the City of Barrie to support long-term housing, employment, and infrastructure growth.
“On behalf of the City of Barrie, I want to thank the Province of Ontario for taking this important step to support our region’s economic future,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “For too long, many Barrie residents have had to leave our community every day to find good-paying jobs. This proposed legislation gives us the land we need to change that. It will help attract new employers, expand our local job market, and create the kind of long-term, stable employment opportunities that allow families to build their lives right here at home. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Province, the OPLDF, and our neighbouring municipalities to ensure a smooth transition and to deliver the economic opportunities families in this area deserve.”
Barrie is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Ontario and serves as a regional hub for health care, education, transportation, and employment. With the city nearing a shortage of developable land, the proposed boundary adjustment will help unlock up to 8,000 new homes, support business expansion, and position Barrie to accommodate long-term population and job growth.
Barrie has made significant investments over the past two decades in water, wastewater, and transportation infrastructure to support future growth. The proposed legislation would enable the City to efficiently use existing servicing capacity to advance housing and job-creating projects.
The City will continue to work closely with the Province, the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF), and neighbouring municipalities to support the transition for residents and businesses.
For more information, visit barrie.ca/BoundaryExpansion.