Talks between the City of Barrie and the townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte over a boundary adjustment remain unresolved, with a key provincial deadline fast approaching.
In early June, the Ontario government set a Sept. 30, 2025 deadline for the three municipalities to reach a mutual agreement on a boundary adjustment framework.
Barrie, led by Mayor Alex Nuttall, is seeking to annex upwards of 1,324 hectares from Springwater and 772 hectares from Oro-Medonte. Nuttall has said the expansion is needed to secure land for new housing and major industrial development.
To support negotiations, the province appointed a facilitator in June 2024. In May 2025, Barrie and Springwater released a draft land-for-services agreement outlining a potential deal. The proposal received mixed reactions from Springwater’s council, leaving the future of the deal uncertain.
Nuttall stressed the need for cooperation as the deadline looms.
“I think we need to keep talking, keep working with the provincial government, and keep making progress, especially with the deadline coming up fast — we can’t afford to hit a wall over this,” he said.
“These talks are not always easy — it’s never going to be a simple thing to figure out. But this is something that requires time and effort to reach the right outcome. Barrie is growing, and the fact is, we need more land for our future growth. Springwater and Oro-Medonte should prosper as well. I believe we have to keep the dialogue going to see how it all plays out, so we can move forward in the best way possible.”
Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin echoed Nuttall’s views, emphasizing the goal of a jointly beneficial solution.
“We have a hard deadline of September 30 set by the province, and it’s my intention to ensure we work toward a win-win solution,” she said.
Coughlin also said she has spoken with Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin for advice on boundary negotiations, referencing when Barrie annexed 2,293 hectares from Innisfil in 2010 to support long-term growth. Prior to becoming mayor, Dollin was a town councillor when the Barrie-Innisfil annexation took place.
“I’ve spoken with Mayor Dollin regarding advice on how to approach this issue. She said it’s important to get to the negotiation table and fight for the best deal for Springwater. That’s what Springwater deserves, and it’s what the Ontario government expects — everyone wins in the end. I will continue to fight for the best interests of Springwater.”
Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw said his township remains committed to the provincial facilitation process, despite the approaching deadline.
“The Township of Oro-Medonte recognizes the provincial deadline is quickly approaching,” he said.
“However, regardless of the deadline, Oro-Medonte remains committed to the provincial facilitation process, and looks forward to bilateral discussions, leading to the establishment of an agreement that benefits all participating parties and the region.”
