Traffic safety, infrastructure, responsible growth and basic city services are among the issues being raised by candidates seeking to represent Barrie’s newly redrawn Ward 3.
Bryan Jones, Ben Hughes and Ryan Rijo are running for the council seat, alongside current Ward 4 Coun. Amy Courser.
The 2026 Barrie municipal election marks a significant change for Ward 3. The ward’s boundaries have been expanded and now incorporate a majority of the former Ward 4, while Ward 4 has been redrawn in south Barrie.
Jones, a prosecutor, said residents have told him traffic safety – specifically around local schools – is a major concern.
“Our ward needs someone who will listen, advocate for residents and champion their concerns at council,” he said.
“As I continue speaking with people across the ward, I’ve heard that traffic safety, particularly around our schools, is a major concern for our community. Through my experience as a prosecutor, I can effectively champion the installation of red-light cameras around our schools to help keep our kids safe.”
Jones also points to Barrie’s rapid growth as an issue for the next council.
“Our city is in a period of transition,” he said.
“Growth offers both opportunities and challenges, especially in Ward 3. I share the same goals as my neighbours: a city that is livable and has the amenities and infrastructure needed to ensure Barrie still feels like home.”
He said growth must be accompanied by attention to everyday services.
“Growth, if managed properly, can create the opportunities we want for ourselves and our families,” he said.
“A truly great city excels at the basics. That’s why I will work to make sure snow is cleared properly, potholes are filled and the city’s basic services are delivered at the level residents expect. If elected, I see Ward 3 residents as my bosses, so I want to champion the issues that matter to them. That’s what they deserve.”
Hughes, a local electrician, said his decision to run was driven in part by concerns about keeping infrastructure and transportation systems aligned with population growth.
“I understand why Barrie is pushing for growth,” he said.
“I don’t want that push for growth to become growth for growth’s sake. I want to make sure we’re properly growing our infrastructure and transportation systems at the same time, so we aren’t overwhelming what we currently have.”
Hughes also said he wants to support local businesses and strengthen employment opportunities.
“I’d also like to help businesses in Ward 3 and throughout Barrie grow and flourish,” he said. “I think a stronger job market helps residents through hard times and makes our community even stronger during good times.”
He also identified roads, sidewalks and snow removal as priorities.
“People are paying a lot to live in Barrie, and I think they have a right to expect their roads, sidewalks, snow removal and other basic services to be well maintained,” he said.
Rijo, a Barrie Baycats player and who previously ran for council in 2022, said his longstanding connection to the area motivated him to enter the race.
“I grew up in Ward 3, and my parents still live in the home I grew up in,” he said.
“This community is home to me, and I want to help shape its future.”
Rijo said his priorities include responsible growth, safer neighbourhoods, infrastructure and affordability.
“As Barrie grows, our roads, emergency services and infrastructure need to keep pace,” he said.
“Residents shouldn’t have to wait for problems to develop before we address them.”
He also pointed to the new annexed lands from Springwater and Oro-Medonte townships as big focus for him.
“The annexed lands are one of the biggest opportunities – and responsibilities – facing Ward 3,” he said.
“We need to make sure development is thoughtful and respects the residents, farms and rural communities already there. Residents should be involved early, not simply informed after decisions have been made.”
Compass News contacted Courser for comment but had received no response by publication time. Residents will elect the next Ward 3 councillor on Oct. 26, along with the mayor, other city councillors and school board trustees.
