Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall addressed the problem of increasing the town’s boundaries into surrounding municipalities to Queen’s Park on Thursday.
Nuttall attended a information convention with Premier Doug Ford and different mayors concerning encampments when the subject of pushing metropolis limits into neighbouring areas was offered throughout a media Q&A.
“The report has actually called for upwards of 4,000 acres to be brought in and the premier and minister of municipal affairs have been very clear that they want to see a local solution – we are working towards that,” the Barrie mayor mentioned.
A report launched final week by unbiased guide Hemson Consulting shifted the main focus for Barrie’s push for boundary enlargement from job creation to housing growth.
Nuttall has argued the town requires extra land to lure new main employers and supply present ones with a chance to develop.
Nonetheless, the report indicated the town’s strongest case for annexation lies in addressing an rising housing demand, notably for mixed-use developments that mix residential and employment alternatives.
At Queen’s Park Thursday, the mayor said he hopes the scenario will be addressed before later.
“It can’t be the never-never plan. It needs to be one that has a schedule and a timeline, and we are certainly working toward that end,” Nuttall mentioned. “I think the other piece that is really important on this is that we have a province that is focused on housing and focused on protection of jobs and generation of jobs, and we are begging in Barrie to be part of that.”
Nonetheless, not everybody agrees with redrawing boundary traces.
“Boundaries are necessary,” mentioned Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw. “I think the most beneficial position to take would be for us to do cross-border servicing,” mentioned Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw. “We can help complement the housing component, help our township of a more diversified housing stock. Without changing boundaries.”
The report laid out two choices transferring ahead, sustaining boundaries with servicing agreements or adjusting them to assist Barrie meet provincial housing targets with employment alternatives.
Greenlaw mentioned he’s open to listening to all of the choices on the matter.
“We’re looking forward over the next few months to see resolution to the subject,” Nuttall concluded.
