City unveils proposed plans for annex lands at open house public meeting

City residents got a look at proposed plans for the new annex lands in Barrie’s north end.

The open house public meeting took place at Barrie City Hall, where city staff greeted residents who were able to provide feedback. Multiple maps and information boards were on display.

Maps highlighted planned areas for land-use designation, community structure, mobility network, right-of-way widths, greenspace, vulnerable areas, cultural city features and conservation authority areas.

Other information presented included a proposed Partridge Road–Highway 400 interchange and plans for the Little Lake lands to be used for conservation purposes only.

Craig Flegel lives in lands once part of Oro-Medonte Township and attended the open house. He said he wasn’t happy about the annexation but wanted to gather information.

“I wanted to see the plans, and as far as engineering goes – looking at sewers, water, pumping stations, stuff like that,” he said.

“They have shown different roadways that could potentially be built, as well as new neighbourhood zones.”

Springwater Township resident Bryan, who did not want to share his last name, owns land in part of the new city lands. He said he supports the city’s plan to build more industrial areas to attract employers.

“We should attract more industrial — we need more in Barrie,” he said.

“Manufacturing is what we need. We need people building and making parts, things like that.”

Coun. Clare Riepma also stopped by the open house. Riepma represents Ward 1, which became larger when the former Oro-Medonte annex land officially became part of the city.

Riepma said while he heard a mixed response from residents about the annexation, he remains optimistic the lands will be developed properly.

“Mixed feelings — I would say that there’s some of that, but I think that it has decreased over time,” he said.

“I think everybody’s kind of holding their breath to see what’s going to happen with the lands. I’m hoping that any development that goes on there is going to be terrific and that it’s got real character – that it will be just as livable and walkable as the ward is now.”

Logan Juffermans, growth management and program manager for the City of Barrie, is overseeing the growth plans for the new lands. He said he and city staff were glad to receive feedback from residents.

“We heard a lot of good feedback that definitely needs to be incorporated into the plan,” he said.

“The development community is interested in building quickly on this, and they’re happy with some of the timelines. Residents are also concerned with change in their area, and we respect and recognize that, and we have to be realistic that infrastructure takes time to build out.”

Barrie officially annexed 1,216 hectares from Springwater Township and 457 hectares from Oro-Medonte Township, which became part of the city on Jan. 1, 2026.