It’s official — Barrie is set to grow, with the Ontario government approving a major expansion of the city’s northern boundaries.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the provincial government passed Bill 76, the Barrie–Oro-Medonte– Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025. The legislation transfers 1,216 hectares from the Township of Springwater to Barrie, along with 457 hectares from the Township of Oro-Medonte. The total comes to 1,673 hectares.
The shift is intended to make room for as many as 8,000 new homes, while unlocking new infrastructure and employment lands. The lands will formally become part of Barrie on Jan. 1, 2026.
Talks around a boundary proposal began in late 2023 when Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and city officials began conversations with Springwater and Oro-Medonte. Nuttall said the expansion will help bring more industry to Barrie and strengthen the local economy.
“For too long, Barrie residents have had to leave the city to find good jobs. Today’s passed legislation is a decisive step toward changing that, and it shows real leadership from the province,” he said.
“Unlocking these lands gives Barrie the ability to attract major employers, grow our local economy, and build the kind of job opportunities our residents deserve right here at home. We’re grateful for the province’s strong action, and we will continue working closely with our neighbouring municipalities to ensure this next phase delivers the best possible results for the people of the Greater Barrie Area.”
Of the land coming from Springwater, 313 hectares are designated for employment uses, while 557 hectares from both Springwater and Oro-Medonte are planned for community development.
Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin said she is relieved to see the process nearing completion and remains optimistic about what the adjustment means for her township.
“It’s been a lengthy process to get to this end point, but I’m glad Bill 76 has passed,” she said.
“I’m feeling optimistic for Springwater’s future. We have so much good happening here and there is a lot to be excited about. Springwater truly is and will always be the gem of Simcoe County.”
Coughlin said the boundary certainty will allow both municipalities to plan more effectively for growth, adding that economic development opportunities are already emerging.
“I’m hopeful we will see more jobs coming to the region in the not-too-distant future, with Barrie and Springwater working together as both good partners and great neighbours,” she said.
Under negotiated terms between Barrie and Springwater, a $22.93-million compensation package is expected to be provided by the city, along with $850,000 over five years for economic development. While the legislation does not legally require Barrie to pay that compensation, Coughlin said she is confident the city will honour the commitment, citing her constructive working relationship with Nuttall.
“The compensation isn’t part of the legislation, no — however, I am confident Springwater will get the negotiated compensation,” she said.
“I base that off the great working relationship Springwater has with Barrie, and Mayor Nuttall has been a good partner throughout this. He was also the Member of Parliament for Springwater for a period of time, so he knows this community.”
Nuttall served as MP for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte from 2015 to 2019.
Coughlin said she hopes finalizing the adjustment will allow both municipalities to refocus on long-term planning, economic development and “growing in a way that benefits residents on both sides of the boundary.”
Barrie Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson also welcomed the expansion, saying the added land represents a significant opportunity.
“This is a great step forward in working toward bringing more jobs to Barrie,” he said. “The fact is, Barrie is growing, and we need to make sure we’re bringing in more good-paying jobs to this region. I feel confident the city is poised to become an even stronger economic driver.”
Oro-Medonte Mayor Randy Greenlaw has previously stated he expects his township to be compensated $15,000 per developable acre.
