Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin says she’s confident the township’s future is bright following the approval of a major municipal restructuring plan.
“Change is inevitable — and it’s also exciting,” she said.
“There’s so much to be optimistic about; Springwater’s future is bright. It’s the gem of Simcoe County, and with continued hard work and smart planning, our community will continue to thrive today and for generations to come.”
At a council meeting on Nov. 5, Coughlin used provincially granted strong mayor powers to approve a municipal restructuring framework that would transfer 1,216 hectares from Springwater to the City of Barrie. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall first proposed the boundary adjustment in late 2023 to accommodate future industrial and residential growth.
During the Nov. 5 meeting, Coughlin told council that while a boundary adjustment was inevitable, securing a fair compensation deal was crucial to protecting Springwater’s interests.
“A boundary adjustment is going to happen one of two ways. It’s going to be an annexation legislated or it’s going to be an agreement. It is the most significant compensation that has been offered in Ontario to date. Let the province come and annex it, and we’ll get nothing,” she said.
Four council members — Deputy Mayor George Cabral and councillors Danielle Alexander, Phil Fisher and Anita Moore — voted to reject the plan before Coughlin approved it under strong mayor authority. The decision aligns with Barrie’s endorsement of the framework, as well as support from the County of Simcoe and tentative approval from Oro-Medonte, which would see 457 hectares annexed to Barrie.
“With revisions, both the County of Simcoe and the Township of Oro-Medonte agreed to the framework agreement. It is unfortunate that Springwater’s endorsement required the use of strong mayor powers,” she said.
Coughlin acknowledged that the two-year negotiation process was lengthy and demanding but praised township staff for their dedication.
“This process has been all-consuming, and rightfully so, especially for everyone involved: politicians, staff, and residents alike,” she said.
“Springwater residents are extremely fortunate to have a team of staff who, over the past two years, have demonstrated unwavering dedication to ensuring that the proposed framework agreement serves our best interests and surpasses provincial precedent.”
She also thanked those who contributed to the process, noting that stronger partnerships have been built through collaboration.
“We’ll continue building strong partnerships and achieving prosperity for our communities — there are lots of people that deserve thanks,” she said.
“Thank you to Jeff Schelling and Daniel Mathieson from the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator for your support. Thanks to Mayor Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Thomson, city council, and staff for your collaboration and commitment. Appreciation as well to Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw, Warden Basil Clarke, and their teams. Most of all, thank you to Springwater residents for your patience and thoughtfulness.”
Coughlin said her focus remains on serving residents and maintaining Springwater’s character.
“My number one priority has always been serving the best interests of Springwater residents and that will not change,” she said.
“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Springwater remains a place where our children can viably choose to call home and thrive — where our parents can downsize within — and where our rural roots and way of life are never compromised.”
Reflecting on her first municipal campaign in 2014, when she was elected as a councillor, Coughlin said her original campaign message still guides her today.
“I’ve never wavered from the first campaign slogan which was ‘The future belongs to those who prepare for it today,’” she said.
“Regional and generational preparation should never be constrained by boundary lines.”
Resolutions from all councils involved has been sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, requesting that the restructuring move forward through a minister’s order. If approved by the province, the changes would likely take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
