Three years into his term as Barrie’s mayor, Alex Nuttall used a media event on Nov. 19 to highlight what he described as significant progress across the city.
Nuttall, joined by Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson, councillors Jim Harris, Nigussie Nigussie, Craig Nixon and Clare Reipma, Lakehead University representatives and other dignitaries, spoke from the former downtown transit terminal at 24 Maple Ave. — the future site of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub.
The facility, set to open in fall 2026, will offer engineering and computer science programming.
“This is an opportunity for young people and for those who are looking for a career change,” Nuttall said.
He said the city has undergone a “course correction” since his election in 2022. “Three years ago, Barrie needed a course correction,” he said.
“We continue to deliver this. We cut waste, protected taxpayers, accelerated housing, invested in recreation and are strengthening our downtown. We’re not just managing a city — we are focused, delivering results and getting it done for the residents of Barrie.”
The STEM Hub is one of several projects Nuttall highlighted. Standing beside large white boards showing the priorities he and council have worked on this term, the mayor pointed to progress on downtown safety, increased police presence and efforts to shut down illegal drug dispensaries such as magic mushroom shops.
Nuttall said neighbourhood safety has improved through more officers on the street, enhanced cleanup of parks and trails, and new traffic-calming measures in high-risk areas. He also stressed affordability, noting the city has delivered four consecutive years with no operating budget increases despite inflation.
On housing, Nuttall said the city has pushed for a 90-day turnaround for development approvals and is adding affordable and supportive units. He said the goal is to make planning policies more predictable for builders.
Infrastructure upgrades include expanded pothole patrols, the launch of a 24-hour reporting app and increased funding for road resurfacing.
Nuttall also listed major quality-of-life investments underway: a new YMCA in south Barrie, a mixed-use recreation centre, a lakeshore performing arts centre, a north-west Barrie Public Library branch and expanded youth programming.
Financially, he pointed to Barrie earning its first AAA credit rating. He said the city has generated about $75 million in two years and paid down nearly $56 million in debt over three years.
With less than a year until the Oct. 26, 2026 municipal election, Nuttall was asked whether the media event resembled a soft launch for a re-election campaign. He said it was not, adding he will decide over the Christmas holidays.
In September, Compass News spoke with Nuttall about a possible second term. He said he has discussed the idea with his wife and children, and if he decides to run again, his priority would be ensuring major projects in progress are completed.
“There are big projects like getting the new performing arts centre started and completed on the waterfront, Lakehead University coming downtown, Georgian College expanding into the downtown, the new south-end recreational complex, housing developments and more. I would want to make sure all of these get implemented in a way that makes sense for the people of Barrie,” he said.
Nominations open May 1 for the 2026 municipal election.
