The City of Barrie says it is prepared to revive two delayed development projects along Bayfield St. North in Springwater Township if the township agrees to a proposed land-for-services boundary expansion deal.
In a July 14 letter to Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said the city is willing to assume responsibility for the two sites, located at 727 and 742 Bayfield St. North.
The proposal for 727 Bayfield St. North includes a modern, seniors-focused medical complex. The plan for 742 Bayfield St. North envisions a mixed-use community with seniors’ housing, medical offices, commercial, and retail space.
The letter follows Springwater council’s July 2 decision to request the reversal of minister’s zoning orders (MZOs) for the projects, despite previously supporting the MZOs in late 2023.
In the letter, Nuttall stated, “If Springwater Township chooses not to support this growth, then I believe those affected by this recent decision should be given the opportunity to grow under a jurisdiction that is willing and able to support them.”
He added that Barrie would be prepared to support the MZOs if the city’s boundary were
expanded to include the lands in question.
Coughlin, who did not support the motion to revoke the MZOs, emphasized her commitment to finding a reasonable solution with the boundary discussions.
“I remain firmly committed to ongoing discussions with Barrie and the Ontario government, with a clear focus on protecting the interests of Springwater and ensuring any final agreement is fair, responsible, and in the best interest of our community,” she said.
In the letter, Nuttall acknowledged Springwater council’s authority over local land-use planning but said the township’s decision raises concerns.
“The implications of this choice raise concerns about the future of much-needed housing and job growth in our region,” he said.
In 2023, Nuttall announced Barrie would seek to expand its northern boundary by annexing approximately 1,324 hectares from Springwater and 772 hectares from Oro-Medonte Township.
To support negotiations, the province appointed a facilitator in June 2024 to assist conversations between the municipalities. In May 2025, Barrie and Springwater released a draft land-for services agreement outlining the terms of a potential deal.
The Ontario government has set a deadline of Sept. 30, 2025, for the municipalities to reach a framework agreement.
