Candidates running in Barrie’s Ward 10 are outlining competing approaches to traffic congestion, neighbourhood safety, development and the infrastructure needed to support a growing city.
Incumbent Coun. Bryn Hamilton is seeking a second term, while challenger Georgy Kapustin is running for the council seat. William Cadeau, who is also running in Ward 10, did not respond to Compass News in time for publication.
Hamilton, who has called Ward 10 home for 46 years, said she wants to build on the progress made during her first term while continuing to address residents’ concerns.
“I decided to run again because I believe there’s still a lot we can accomplish,” she said.
“I genuinely care about the people who live here and the direction our city is heading. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past four years, both in Ward 10 and across the city.”
She said her priorities for a second term include responsible growth, safer neighbourhoods and financial accountability. During her term, she has worked with residents and city staff on approximately 20 traffic-related reviews and wants to continue pursuing improvements around school zones, speeding and busy intersections.
Hamilton identified traffic safety in south Barrie as an issue requiring greater attention, particularly along Prince William Way and The Queensway.
She said roads, transit, parks, schools and recreation facilities must be coordinated with development approvals, while established neighbourhoods must also be considered.
“Ward 10 continues to grow, and we need to make sure our roads, parks, recreation facilities and other infrastructure keep up,” she said.
“We also can’t lose sight of our existing neighbourhoods and the challenges residents are already experiencing. Traffic and road safety will continue to be a big focus for me. Growth isn’t just about building more homes – it’s about building functional neighbourhoods where people can get around safely, access services and enjoy a good quality of life.”
Kapustin, a Ward 10 resident who also works part-time as an Uber driver throughout Barrie, said his experiences on local roads have reinforced his concerns about congestion and transportation planning.
He said Barrie needs housing but should not measure growth solely by the number of units approved.
“Council needs to examine those consequences before approving projects, not after problems begin affecting existing residents,” he said.
Kapustin’s priorities include community safety, traffic congestion, winter snow removal and protecting established residential neighbourhoods while ensuring responsible growth.
“Barrie needs housing, but growth should not be measured simply by the number of housing units approved,” he said.
“We also need to consider how residents will get around, whether public transit can serve them reliably, and whether essential services are within walking distance. When public transit is inconvenient and everyday necessities are not available nearby, people have little choice but to rely on cars.”
Kapustin wants increased police visibility, stronger traffic enforcement, safer road designs and three rapid bus lines supported by connector routes.
“I want to see greater police presence in our communities and more consistent traffic enforcement to address speeding and dangerous driving,” he said.
“Road design should also help discourage excessive speeds and reduce the risk of collisions. To address growing traffic congestion, I would champion the introduction of three rapid bus lines, supported by loop and connector routes.”
For new high-density developments, he proposes a 700-metre walkability standard for essential services, ground-floor commercial space and more green space and play areas for families.
Both candidates support coordinating growth with infrastructure, but Hamilton emphasizes her experience and work with residents, while Kapustin proposes more prescriptive development requirements and expanded transportation and safety measures.
Voters will elect Ward 10’s councillor for the next four-year council term on Oct. 26.
