Investments in infrastructure, road improvements, and new community projects
(Barrie, ON) – Barrie City Council has approved the City of Barrie’s portion of the Mayor’s 2026 Budget. Council approved a zero per cent increase to the City’s operating budget for the fourth year in a row, while continuing the contribution of two per cent for the Infrastructure Investment Funding levy.
Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor legislation, the Mayor proposes a budget to Council before February 1st each year. The Mayor's Budget outlines how the City plans to allocate resources to deliver the programs and services residents and businesses rely on every day.
“When I was elected, I promised to keep taxes stable and deliver real value for residents, and I’m proud that, for the fourth year in a row, we’ve been able to do exactly that. Once again, this Council has achieved a zero per cent increase to the operating budget, demonstrating our commitment to responsible fiscal management,” noted Mayor Alex Nuttall. “At the same time, this budget makes important investments in the projects and services that matter most to our community—from new recreation and library spaces to upgraded infrastructure—ensuring that Barrie continues to grow, thrive, and remain a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Highlights in the 2026 budget that will benefit residents and businesses include:
- Mixed-use recreation centre and library in south Barrie
- Performing Arts Centre on the waterfront
- New, improved facility for Sea Cadets
- Community collaboration projects such as Lakehead University’s Barrie STEM Hub and Georgian College location in downtown Barrie, the new YMCA in south Barrie, and the Regional Innovation Centre
- New Barrie Public Library satellite branch in northwest Barrie
- $41M per year is budgeted for transportation and construction, including the following projects: Yonge/Mapleview road expansion project; Huronia/McKay sewer improvements; and 16 neighbourhood renewal projects
- $19.8M invested in drainage and sewer projects
- Continued investment in road improvements to improve conditions, making it easier to get around the city and reducing traffic congestion
- Dunlop St. and Bayfield St. bridge replacements (Ministry of Transportation led projects)
- Continued electrification of City vehicles
Several City parks will be renewed and revitalized
This year marked a historic milestone as Barrie earned a ‘AAA’ credit rating—the highest possible rating and a first for the City. Strong financial management and disciplined budgeting also produced record results, with about $75 million generated over the past two years and $55.9 million in debt retired in the last three years. The credit rating upgrade allows the City to borrow at lower interest rates, reducing costs on major projects—saving taxpayers money.
The operating budget provides citizens with city services such as water and wastewater treatment, snow clearing, road improvements, waste pick-up, public transit, parks, recreation, and firefighting services. The Infrastructure Investment Funding is used to replace and renew roads, water pipes, buildings, and stormwater systems. This will cost the average household about $104 next year.
The residential property tax bill is comprised of four parts: operations, capital, service partners (like the library, police, and County of Simcoe), and education. City Council has direct control over the City services portion of the budget, but has limited influence over service partner spending requests, as these partners do not report directly to City Council. City Council has no influence over the education component of the budget as this is determined by the Province of Ontario.
The service partner portion of the budget will be presented to the Finance and Responsible Governance Committee on November 26, then presented to General Committee on December 3, with Council approval expected on December 10.
To review the 2026 budget and for more details about the City’s budget process, visit barrie.ca/budget.