Barrie, ON – The City of Barrie is continuing public engagement on the Ward Boundary Review by asking residents for feedback on two preliminary options that came out of a recent report from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. is leading the ward boundary review to help City Council decide whether to keep the current ward structure or adopt a new one.
Public consultation on the Ward Boundary Review began in March 2025. The primary goal of the review is to ensure that each ward in Barrie has a balanced population, which is crucial for fair and effective representation in the municipal government. This is especially important as Barrie's population continues to grow and change.
The population of Barrie has been steadily increasing, with the 2021 census reporting approximately 153,000 residents, a nearly 12% increase since the last review. This growth requires a review to ensure that the ward boundaries continue to provide equitable representation.
Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to participate in the review process by visiting buildingbarrie.ca/wardsreview to learn more and take the Phase 2 online survey. The survey will be available until May 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Residents can also attend one of the upcoming in-person consultation sessions at City Hall in the Rotunda:
- May 13: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- May 14: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- May 14: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
A Brief History of Barrie's Electoral System
- 1870: Barrie was incorporated as a Town.
- 1959: Barrie became a City.
- 1982: Barrie has been governed by a council of 11 members (10 councillors and the Mayor elected at-large).
- 1995: The current 10-ward system was established, with one councillor elected from each ward.
- 2013: The last ward boundary review was conducted to achieve greater population parity.
For more information, please visit www.buildingbarrie.ca/WardsReview.