Midterm update highlights Council accomplishments and plans for next two years
Barrie, ON – This afternoon, Mayor Alex Nuttall provided a midterm update on Council’s accomplishments over the last 2 years. The Mayor also announced that the City is collaborating with Lakehead University to bring a STEM Hub to downtown Barrie beginning Fall 2026.
“Partnering with Lakehead University to deliver a STEM Hub in downtown Barrie is another example of Barrie’s downtown attracting both private and public sector investment,” said Mayor Nuttall. “Building on the recent expansion of Georgian College, Barrie’s downtown is primed to become a hub for higher education and innovation, allowing Barrie youth to stay in Barrie for diplomas and degrees. Our downtown is already a centre where residents, businesses, and visitors come together to live, work, shop, and play—and soon, to learn.”
“This major announcement is terrific news for not only downtown Barrie but for the entire city,” said Ward 2 Councillor Craig Nixon. “This area is quickly turning into a “learning” district and will add greatly to the revitalization of the downtown core.”
The programing will focus on Engineering and Computer science to start, with opportunities for further growth over time.
“Lakehead University is proud to work with the City of Barrie to establish a STEM Hub to increase access to life-changing, university-level education that will prepare students for in-demand, well-paying jobs,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “Partnering with communities to transform the social and economic landscape through accessible education is what Lakehead does best. Barrie is a vibrant, growing city with an enormous need for skilled talent, and we look forward to collaborating with Mayor Nuttall and City Council to drive economic growth in a region that we are deeply committed to.”
In addition to the Lakehead announcement, Mayor Nuttall also provided updates on Council’s progress two years into this term, highlighting a number of accomplishments as well as plans for the next two years.
Freeze Taxes / Increase Affordability
- Maintained a 0% increase in the City’s Operating Budget.
- Added an additional free transit day for seniors.
- S&P Global revised City’s outlook to positive and affirmed its AA+ credit rating.
- Cancelled proposed Stormwater Climate Action Fund, saving residents from a 4% tax increase.
- Reinstated weekend hours at recreation centres in summer.
Roads / Infrastructure
- Increased budget by 2% for road maintenance and infrastructure improvements through Infrastructure Investment Fund (IIF).
- Broke ground on Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal.
- Completed Bryne Drive South extension on budget, ahead of schedule.
- Construction started of New Fire Station 6.
- Creation of a citizen run on-street parking task force coming in 2025.
Jobs
- Working with neighbouring municipalities to create regional economic development plans.
- Highlighting Barrie’s rail and 400-series highway access to attract large logistics firms and create more local jobs.
- Increased speed of employment project approvals by hiring additional City planners.
- A number of approved projects that will bring jobs such as TONLU (80 Big Bay Point Rd.), Aerarium Group (311 King St.) on King St., Tiber Properties (90 Mapleview Dr. W.), Canplas (expansions at 500 Veterans Dr. & 31 Patterson Rd.).
- 2,992 new jobs between 2022 and 2024 (OMAFRA Lightcast 2024.3 Dataset).
Housing
- 2,497 housing units started between January 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024.
- Barrie ranked first in the GTA Municipal Benchmarking Study due to its quick approval time for development applications, wealth of planning features and relatively low municipal fees. Source: 2024 GTA Municipal Benchmarking Study (BILD, September 23, 2024)
- Received $32 million from provincial and federal governments for housing.
- Adopted the Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
- Made three City-owned properties surplus to increase developable land for housing supply.
- Provided a $3 million interest-free loan commitment for the purpose of construction financing to Redwood Park Communities Inc., for a supportive housing project at 151/153 Lillian Crescent.
- Invested $1.65 million over 2 years for warming/cooling centers, enhanced community meal programs, and family re-unification services.
Safety
- Implemented traffic calming measures on residential streets.
- Addressing safety concerns in City parks and public spaces by calling on the province and County of Simcoe to clear out encampments near playgrounds.
- Additional Officers on patrol through approval of Police Budget–including dedicated officers downtown.
- Reduced speeding in school zones as a result of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE).
- Prioritized safety in parks by initiating cleanup projects.
- New raised intersection approved on Madelaine Ave./Country Lane.
- Re-invested revenue from ASE program to fund additional traffic calming in school and community safety zones.
Recreation
- City and School Board agreement to use recreation facilities to serve the community after school hours.
- Increased Recreation Centre Hours of Operation to enhance service levels.
- Approved Waterfront Master Plan.
- Parks Strategic Plan review is currently underway.
- New 21,000-square-foot inclusive playground opened at Painswick Park.
- Greg Pierzchala Park revitalization and new fitness circuit.
- Military Heritage Park enhancements including the installation of the RCAF floral and roundel.
- Implemented an Ecological offsetting policy.
- Approved the planting of 1,000 new trees on our waterfront.
- Passive park approved east of General John Hayter Southshore Centre.
- Sea Cadets relocation creating enhanced youth programming.
Enforced Bylaw for Absentee Landlords
- Four additional officers were hired over 2021-2022 and together with a change in staff shifts to address concerns more effectively in 2023. This resulted in nearly 30% more proactive enforcement.
- Fast-tracked purpose-built rental projects.
Downtown
- Created a pilot program that has successfully diverted 444 releasees to date from CNCC from being dropped off in Barrie’s downtown.
- Provided funding to the BIA to address safety concerns in downtown spaces and cleaned up City-owned alleyways.
- Invested more in Barrie Police dedicated team for downtown. We now have 6 dedicated officers on foot/bike in Barrie’s downtown core.
- New Grocery Store and pharmacy opened in downtown.
- Georgian College expansion downtown at 55 Mulcaster St.