Ontario Construction News staff writer
Simcoe County Council has shown conditional support for the City of Barrie’s plan to annex lands in Oro-Medonte and Springwater, linking its approval to protections for regional economic interests and the impact on taxpayers.
The Council passed the resolution on Nov. 4 after a lengthy discussion. While the County is in favor of Barrie’s goal to increase housing supply, it included several stipulations, such as removing key employment areas from the annexation zone – or providing compensation if they remain – along with two Minister’s Zoning Orders to mitigate economic losses. The County is also requesting provincial assistance for significant regional infrastructure projects.
“These conditions reflect Council’s support for local decision-making around housing while ensuring we protect the County’s economic future,” Warden Basil Clarke stated. “Failing to take a position now could have led to greater economic impacts across the region.”
According to the motion, the County’s backing only pertains to community lands that can provide enough housing until 2051. Employment areas along Highways 400 and 11 are not included. If employment lands south of Partridge Road are annexed, the County expects $5 million in compensation from Barrie and further discussions with Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack about restructuring details.
Oro-Medonte Council also backed the boundary proposal but asked that any decisions regarding employment lands be postponed pending further study. The township seeks guarantees that any land given to Barrie will be used solely for community purposes, including housing and institutional development.
The area marked in Oro-Medonte covers 457 hectares, with 274 hectares being developable. This makes up less than one percent of the township’s total land base. Under this proposed agreement, Barrie would pay $15,000 per developable acre – totaling around $10.15 million – as a lump sum on Jan. 1, 2026. The 26 affected properties currently generate about $43,000 in municipal taxes.
Springwater faces the largest loss under this plan: 1,126 hectares total, including 596 hectares classified as developable. Barrie has proposed paying $15,000 per developable acre, which adds up to over $22 million, plus an additional $850,000 over five years dedicated to economic development projects. Other commitments include water and wastewater services for 453 acres, providing 500 waterfront parking passes each year for five years, and temporary access to recreational programs in Barrie.
Barrie City Council has already approved this boundary proposal and aims to implement these changes by Jan. 1, 2026.
Resolutions from all municipalities will be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing so they can decide whether or not to issue a minister’s order under the Municipal Act.
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