Defence manufacturing could become Barrie’s next economic frontier.
Mayor Alex Nuttall says Barrie is positioning itself to become a hub for defence and advanced manufacturing as both federal and provincial governments increase military and security spending.
Speaking at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ CANSEC trade show in Ottawa, Nuttall announced that the city is moving ahead with measures aimed at attracting defence-sector investment and accelerating development opportunities.
The conference brings together leaders in the defence, aerospace, security and advanced manufacturing sectors. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also attended the announcement.
Nuttall’s recent ideas include proposed zoning changes to accommodate defence-related industries, financial incentives through the city’s Employment Development Community Improvement Plan and a new concierge model intended to speed up development approvals.
With $50 million earmarked for incentives, Nuttall said Barrie is well-positioned for industrial growth.
“Barrie’s geography is matched by capability – Barrie is the easy button for companies looking to invest, to expand and to grow,” he said.
Nuttall highlighted the city’s proximity to Canadian Forces Base Borden in neighbouring Essa Township, available employment lands and investments in post-secondary education as key advantages in attracting new industry.
“We offer shovel-ready, serviced employment lands and a single point of contact through our CAO,” he said. “Our focus is to make Barrie a greater security hub and make it easier for companies in Barrie to expand, grow and, more importantly, facilitate readiness for action.”
Nuttall noted that Barrie has invested in engineering, as well as skilled trades training through Georgian College and Lakehead University to help build a workforce for the defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The city also announced a $2.5-million investment over two years to support defence-focused education programs at Georgian College’s Barrie campus.
Ford said Ontario is preparing to capitalize on rising defence spending amid global instability and growing economic protectionism.
“We need to step up to defend ourselves, protect our workers and our businesses, and to pull our weight in the global alliances that keep us secure,” he said.
“We’re protecting Ontario from economic uncertainty driven by tariffs and protectionism. We’re protecting Ontario from the threats to our national and global security.”
The province said the proposed 10-year strategy could create as many as 43,000 jobs, add $6 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and generate more than $400 million in yearly provincial tax revenue by 2035.
According to the province, Ontario’s defence sector currently comprises more than 300 companies employing over 13,000 workers and contributing upwards of $5 billion annually to the economy.
