A dispute over a proposed development north of Barrie has escalated, with a developer now asking the province to shift the lands into Barrie’s jurisdiction.
In an Aug. 13 letter to Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin and council, law firm Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, acting for 2252841 Ontario Inc. (Paul Sadlon), argued that tying the project to Springwater’s Midhurst water and wastewater system is neither financially viable nor timely. Instead, the developer said Barrie provides “the most timely and cost-effective path forward.”
The move comes after Springwater council voted July 2 to revoke support for two approved Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) unless the developments connect to Midhurst servicing. Coun. Phil Fisher led the charge, backed by three other council members, saying he wants to “forge ahead with a made-in Springwater solution.”
One proposal, by the Remington Group at 727 Bayfield St. N., includes long-term care, retirement living, life leases, hospice services and retail. The other, “Springwater Village,” at 742 Bayfield St. N. from Paul Sadlon Communities, is a mixed-use plan featuring retirement housing, residential units, and medical and commercial space.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall responded in a July 14 letter, saying the city is prepared to assume responsibility for the projects if the lands are brought inside its boundaries. Barrie has proposed
a boundary adjustment that could shift upwards of 4,373 acres from Springwater and 1,907 acres from Oro-Medonte Township, opening land for housing, industry and commercial growth.
“If Springwater Township chooses not to support this growth, then I believe those affected by this recent decision should be given the opportunity to grow under a jurisdiction that is willing and able to support them,” Nuttall wrote.
Barrie has confirmed it can extend water and wastewater services along the Bayfield corridor to support up to 8,600 people, with construction expected to take three years.
Springwater Coun. Brad Thompson opposed revoking the MZOs, calling it premature.
“I did not support Coun. Fisher’s motion to revoke support for these MZO’s unless they meet our conditions,” he said.
“I think it was irresponsible to remove the City of Barrie as a servicing option for the Sadlon and Remmington lands as we are still gathering information and still in the facilitation process. We should have all options on the table as we negotiate with Barrie so we can get the best possible result for Springwater.”
Thompson said he believes the province will take Sadlon’s position into account.
“Clearly from their correspondence to us, Sadlon sees the best path forward for them is the City of Barrie servicing. I think that will be taken into consideration as the province makes their final decision,” he said.
Nuttall said in a statement Barrie will continue working with the province and neighbouring municipalities “to create jobs and housing for the area.”
Coughlin, who also opposed revoking the MZOs, told Compass News in July she worries the decision could sour relations with the provincial government.
“I worry this could strain our relationship with the province, and I’m concerned it may send the wrong message — that Springwater isn’t interested in cross-border services and, therefore, doesn’t want to retain the lands at the top of Bayfield Street,” she said.
In June, the province set a Sept. 30 deadline for Barrie, Springwater and Oro-Medonte to reach a mutual agreement on a boundary adjustment framework.
