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Second candidate jumps into Barrie mayoral race

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:16:12 +0000

Then there were two.

Managing director of Redwood Communities and local realtor Tanya Saari has launched her campaign for mayor of Barrie, becoming the second candidate to enter the race for the city’s top political office.

Saari is seeking to unseat incumbent Mayor Alex Nuttall, who announced in May that he will seek a second term in the 2026 municipal election.

Saari has previous political experience, having twice run for Barrie city council in Ward 3. She was a candidate in the 2018 municipal election and again in the 2020 byelection following the resignation of former Coun. Doug Shipley. Shipley was elected as the Conservative MP for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte in 2019.

She later ran against Shipley in the 2021 federal election as the Liberal candidate for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte.

Saari said she entered the mayoral race because she believes residents need options as Barrie continues to grow and faces major decisions in how to run the city.

“The simple answer is that I believe Barrie deserves a choice,” she said.

“Barrie is growing quickly, we’re making significant financial decisions, and we’re facing complex challenges around housing, infrastructure, affordability and community safety.”

Saari said she has seen positive changes in the city, including new investment and development, but also hears residents raising concerns about affordability, traffic, infrastructure and how decisions are made at city hall.

“I believe residents deserve the opportunity to hear different ideas, compare different approaches and decide what kind of leadership they want for the future of Barrie,” she said.

Saari said her background in housing, community development, business, finance, real estate and the non-profit sector has shaped her approach to leadership.

“I don’t believe leadership is about being the best. I believe it’s about bringing the right people together,” she said.

Her campaign priorities include what she calls “honest affordability,” which would provide residents with a focus on taxes, fees, debt, reserves, user rates and future costs.

Saari is also campaigning on improving transparency at city hall, increasing public engagement, addressing community safety concerns, supporting responsible growth and ensuring that core services such as road maintenance, snow clearing, sidewalks and parks remain a priority.

She said one of Barrie’s biggest challenges is making sure the city’s rapid growth is matched with the infrastructure and services needed to support residents.

“We’re growing. We need more housing; we want new investment, new jobs,” she said.

“But we also need the roads, infrastructure, parks and services to keep up.”

On homelessness, mental health and addictions, Saari said solutions must focus on partnerships and proven approaches, including supportive housing.

“My experience in housing has shown me that people are experiencing homelessness for many different reasons,” she said.

“That’s why there isn’t one solution that works for everyone.”

Saari said a future administration under her leadership would focus on bringing the right partners together and supporting solutions that have been shown to work.

Barrie voters will choose their next mayor, councillors and school board trustees on Oct. 26, 2026.

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Ward 9 election race gains momentum

Stephen J. Donkers — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:40:41 +0000

A competitive race is taking shape in Barrie’s Ward 9 ahead of this fall’s municipal election.

Coun. Sergio Morales is seeking a fourth term in the south-end ward, where he has served since 2014. He faces challengers in the form of political newcomer Dave Weingarten and return candidate Norm Costello.

Morales said he decided to run again because he wants to build on what he considers to be the most effective council he has served on.

“This is the most collaborative, effective city council I have served on,” he said.

“There are a lot of major projects and policies I want to deliver for Ward 9 and work with my colleagues to deliver for Barrie as a whole.”

Among his priorities are advancing the planned multi-recreation centre and library branch at Huronia Road and McKay Road East, reviewing core municipal services and continuing efforts to address homelessness and drug-related issues.

Reflecting on his 12 years on council, Morales said he is proudest of helping shift the culture at city hall.

“I’m most proud of establishing a mindset of finding ways to get things done instead of finding excuses why it can’t or shouldn’t be done,” he said.

He pointed to bylaw enforcement, traffic-calming initiatives and improvements to Painswick Park as examples of work completed during his tenure.

Weingarten, a Ward 9 resident and local videographer, said rising property taxes and affordability concerns motivated him to enter the race.

“I was motivated by seeing the increases in our property taxes, and knowing that a great city like Barrie can do better for its residents,” he said.

“I also believe we deserve councillors who are easy to reach and will respond.”

If elected, he said he would work with council to keep tax increases to a minimum while ensuring residents have a stronger voice on planning and development decisions.

He said his door-to-door campaign has been a positive experience so far.

“As I’ve gone door to door, introducing myself to the residents of Ward 9, it’s been an amazing experience to meet so many of my neighbours,” he said.

“Nearly everyone has been inviting and open to talking. And it’s been great to share concerns and learn about others.”

Costello, who also lives in Ward 9, is making his second bid for council after an unsuccessful campaign in 2022.

He said his campaign is “in full swing” and that conversations with residents have centred on speeding, homelessness, drug use and what he sees as a lack of communication from city hall.

“There have been a number of concerns from the Ward 9 residents that I have spoken to,” he said.

“The major ones in Ward 9 are lack of communication from current council, speeding vehicles, homelessness and drug use.”

Costello said that if he wins, he will push for improvements to Barrie’s snow removal program.

“I would like to see a much improved snow removal program along with the installation of windrow plows added to our current snow plows,” he said.

“And of course much-improved communication.”

Barrie residents head to the polls on Oct. 26, 2026.

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Ward 2 race heats up

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:52:47 +0000

Ward 2 is shaping up to be one of Barrie’s most closely watched races in the 2026 municipal election.

Incumbent Coun. Craig Nixon is seeking a second term, while challengers Shanicka Edwards and Tracy Strohm are vying to take the downtown ward seat. Both Edwards and Strohm ran against Nixon in the 2022 election.

Nixon told Compass News he decided to seek re-election because of what he sees as unfinished business at city hall.

“I am asking to be re-elected to continue the job of making Barrie a better community and to continue our efforts to revitalize our downtown core,” he said.

Nixon pointed to council’s financial management, infrastructure investments and support for major projects as key accomplishments during the current term. He highlighted the planned performing arts centre, Lakehead University’s STEM Hub and Georgian College’s downtown expansion.

“These are only possible when council works as a team with a common vision,” he said.

“As a team, we have the ability to make big things happen, and I have always believed that, to do so, you must be willing to compromise and listen to others. Often, you learn more from those you disagree with than from those you agree with.”

Looking ahead, Nixon said Barrie must remain prepared for growth while continuing the work that’s already underway.

“Barrie is still one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and we need to be ready to face the challenges that brings,” he said.

Edwards, who operates Shak’s World Community Centre downtown, said Ward 2 needs a stronger focus on downtown revitalization.

“I believe Ward 2 deserves leadership that is present, engaged and willing to do the hard work,” she said.

Edwards said many residents and business owners feel downtown Barrie has been neglected and that concerns about safety, cleanliness and economic vitality need to be addressed.

A Barrie resident for 20 years, she believes her experience working with young people, families and community organizations gives her a strong understanding of the ward’s challenges.

“What sets me apart is that I am both compassionate and results-driven,” she said. “I believe in helping people, but I also believe in accountability and practical solutions.”

If elected, Edwards said her immediate priority would be implementing a downtown action plan focused on safety, beautification, stronger community partnerships and support for local businesses.

“Residents should feel comfortable walking downtown. Business owners should feel supported. Families should feel excited to spend time in the heart of our city,” she said.

Strohm is also making downtown revitalization the centrepiece of her campaign.

A Ward 2 resident for more than 40 years, she said she has spent decades involved in community initiatives.

“I’m running to work with, and for, the citizens of Barrie to plan and begin the revitalization of our downtown and surrounding residential areas,” she said.

Strohm has been critical of past development decisions in the downtown core and said the city needs stronger policies to ensure that approved projects move forward in a timely manner.

While Kennedy’s Lakeside Grocery opened downtown in 2024, attracting another grocery store to the core remains one of her priorities.

“We need a plan for a grocery store in the downtown area,” she said.

“Apart from Kennedy’s and the Barrie Farmers’ Market, we now live in a food desert downtown – an area where many people must drive to obtain basic necessities.”

Strohm also called for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, including supervised modular washrooms downtown, expanded supportive housing and additional treatment programs.

Individuals interested in running for mayor, councillor or school board trustee have until Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET to register.

The municipal election will take place on Oct. 26.

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Barrie to plant thousands of trees following 2025 ice storm

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:22:38 +0000

One tree at a time.

The City of Barrie plans to plant roughly 6,200 trees over the next two years following the major ice storm of 2025.

The March 2025 ice storm damaged approximately 46,000 municipal trees and forced the removal of more than 5,000 street and park trees. In response, city council approved a replacement planting program last June aimed at restoring the city’s tree canopy.

Around 1,400 trees have been planted this spring in parks, natural areas and along street boulevards. Planting will continue over the next three weeks, with more work scheduled for the fall and spring of 2027.

Mayor Alex Nuttall and Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson announced the initiative at Leacock Park in the city’s northwest end. Nuttall said the newly planted trees represent an investment in the city’s future.

“Recovery is not just about cleaning up after a storm, it’s about taking meaningful action to leave our community stronger than it was before,” he said.

“As a community we came together, we supported each other, we helped each other remove trees, get out of driveways and restore power.”

The overall cost of the city’s ice storm recovery is estimated at about $30 million, with roughly $2.1 million earmarked for the tree replacement program.

Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson said the storm left a lasting mark on Barrie, but praised the community-wide response that followed.

“While the damage was extensive, so was the response,” he said.

“City crews, contractors, community partners, residents came together immediately following the storm.”

The replanting program is aimed at creating a more resilient urban forest. Barrie plants between 600 and 800 trees each year, making the current initiative one of the largest tree-planting efforts in the city’s history.

Once the program is completed in 2027, the city expects to have more trees than it did before the 2025 ice storm.

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Ward 3 candidate Bryan Jones sees a bright future for Barrie

Stephen J. Donkers — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:36:54 +0000

Nothing but potential.

That’s how Ward 3 candidate Bryan Jones describes Barrie’s future.

“I look around this city and all I see is enormous potential,” he said.

“Barrie is a great city. Everywhere I go, I see opportunities. We just have to unlock that potential.”

A first-time candidate, Jones moved to Barrie from Pickering four years ago, although his family’s roots in the city stretch back decades. He says it did not take long for him and his wife Stephanie to develop a strong connection to Barrie and the Ward 3 community. This bond is what ultimately motivated him to seek a city council seat.

“What struck me was the sense of community and engagement with my neighbours,” he said.

“People actually talk to each other here. They get involved and they care about what happens in their city. They want to see Barrie continue to improve.”

Jones believes his professional experience and community involvement would allow him to be an effective advocate for Ward 3 residents.

“Loving this city as much as I do makes me want to give back,” he said.

“My job on council would be to bring residents’ concerns forward and make sure they’re heard. As far as I’m concerned, if I’m elected, the residents of Ward 3 would be my bosses. I’m accountable to them.”

Jones works as a prosecutor and says the role has equipped him with the skills and experience needed to serve effectively on council.

“The more I looked at the challenges facing Barrie, the more I realized they align with the skills and experience I’ve built throughout my career,” he said.

“As a prosecutor, I’ve spent years dealing with complex issues and finding practical solutions.”

With Barrie growing rapidly, Jones sees a future marked by thriving neighbourhoods, a vibrant waterfront and safe, family-friendly parks.

“This city has so much personality,” he said.

“It’s not a cookie-cutter town – it’s a true gem.”

At the same time, Jones says homelessness, addiction and public safety are among the biggest challenges facing the city. He believes residents and businesses want to see progress and says those issues can be addressed through strong governance and economic growth.

He sees major opportunities emerging from future employment lands in Barrie’s annexed area and supports Mayor Alex Nuttall’s efforts to attract defence manufacturing jobs to the city.

“Nobody ever went wrong with getting more jobs,” Jones said.

“More jobs mean more income for Barrie, more infrastructure and more resources. I support Mayor Nuttall’s efforts to build a stronger economy.”

While canvassing, Jones has been surprised by the response from residents.

“What shocked me was the positivity. People have been welcoming and I’ve really enjoyed the conversations,” he said.

His approach to meeting voters, he says, is straightforward.

“I say to people, ‘If I get in, you’re my boss. What do you want me to do? What’s important to you?’”

Jones says each conversation has reinforced his belief that Barrie has a bright future.

“The more I get to know Barrie, the more I love it,” he said.

Jones is facing Ben Hughes and current Ward 4 Coun. Amy Courser in the race for Ward 3. Incumbent Coun. Ann-Marie Kungl announced in May that she would not seek re-election.

Barrie residents will head to the polls on Oct. 26.

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Defence manufacturing could bring thousands of jobs to Barrie, says Nuttall

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:27:37 +0000

Mayor Alex Nuttall is optimistic about Barrie’s economic future.

Speaking with Compass News, Nuttall said the city is well-positioned to become a major player in Canada’s growing defence manufacturing sector — a move he believes could create thousands of local jobs.

“The opportunity is massive. It’s amazing stuff,” he said.

“We’re talking about thousands of jobs. There is nothing but opportunity for Barrie.”

On May 28, Nuttall joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CANSEC) tradeshow in Ottawa.

At the event, Nuttall announced Barrie is moving ahead with initiatives aimed at attracting defence-sector investment and accelerating development opportunities.

Nuttall said Barrie has several advantages over competing municipalities, including its proximity to Canadian Forces Base Borden, available infrastructure capacity and a growing supply of employment land.

The city’s recent annexation of 1,673 hectares from the townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater has significantly expanded the amount of land available for industrial and employment uses. The city intends to use 558 hectares for such purposes.

“We now have the land to accommodate major employers and large-scale manufacturing operations,” he said.

“That’s something many municipalities simply don’t have. We’re very aggressive about finding opportunities and bringing them here.”

Nuttall also pointed to Barrie’s growing education and innovation ecosystem as a key selling point.

“When you bring together business, government, education and innovation partners, it creates a very strong case for companies to invest here,” he said.

Local organizations have already given support to the initiative, including the business community, city council and military partners, Nuttall said.

“We’ve seen a lot of support from the Chamber of Commerce, strong support from council, and we’ve built great relationships with Base Borden and the military community,” he said.

Nuttall said Georgian College’s designation as a military-connected institution further strengthens Barrie’s ties to Canada’s defence sector. Beyond the economic benefits, Nuttall said strengthening Canada’s domestic manufacturing capacity is also a matter of national security.

“Canadian sovereignty is always top of mind. Anything we can do to ensure Canada can develop and produce what it needs domestically is incredibly important.”

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Residents push back against major Barrie south development proposal

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:24:30 +0000

How tall is too tall?

A proposed high-density development on Essa Road is facing strong opposition from area residents, who argue the project is too large for the surrounding neighbourhood.

During a June 3 meeting of Barrie’s Affordability Committee, several residents raised concerns about a proposal for 550-576 Essa Rd., near Mapleton Avenue. The area is primarily made up of low-density subdivisions, a commercial plaza and an eight-storey residential building currently under construction.

The proposal includes two residential towers of 16 and 18 storeys, six townhouse blocks, 806 residential units and 660 parking spaces.

Eric Brathwaite of MHBC Planning presented the application to councillors, city staff and residents. Ten residents spoke against the proposal during the meeting.

Nancy Tuckett, who lives near the site, said she supports residential intensification but believes the scale of the project is inappropriate for the neighbourhood.

“The height of 16 and 18 storeys on a site that’s 4.63 acres, with a proposal of 806 units at an FSI of 2.49, is extreme – it’s far too high,” she said.

Tuckett suggested developments of that scale would be more appropriate in Barrie’s downtown core or along the Highway 400 corridor.

Marian Wilkins, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, also questioned whether the towers would fit into the existing community.

“The proposal of 16 and 18 storeys just won’t look good in this neighbourhood,” she said.

Mark, who lives close to the site, said privacy is his primary concern.

“The prospect of a multi-storey building with direct sight lines into our living space, I find deeply troubling,” he said.

Nicole Murphy, whose property backs onto the development site, expressed concerns about increased traffic along the corridor.

“The traffic issue is significant. This is not even taking into account that further south on Essa Road there are more buildings coming,” she said.

Coun. Gary Harvey, who represents the area, noted that Mayor Alex Nuttall has consistently advocated for directing the city’s tallest and densest developments to specific areas.

“It’s important to highlight that on several occasions throughout this term, the mayor has been quite clear when it comes to development – that high-density developments need to be in the downtown, near transit hubs and near Highway 400,” Harvey said.

“I don’t see this meeting any of those check boxes.”

Council has not made a decision on the proposal yet. City staff will report back later with a recommendation after reviewing the application.

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Lakehead STEM hubs move closer to completion in downtown Barrie

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:50:13 +0000

Progress continues on Lakehead University’s future STEM hubs in downtown Barrie.

The City of Barrie says interior construction at the 24 Maple Ave. site is nearing completion, while work at 5 Ross St. is advancing steadily.

At Maple Avenue, interior construction is reaching completion, with millwork, vestibule framing and window installations in progress. Mechanical and electrical systems are being commissioned, while lab equipment and furniture continue to arrive ahead of the hub’s opening. The city says exterior work should continue through the summer.

Whereas on Ross Street, demolition work is complete and framing for new classroom entrances and interior partitions is nearly finished. Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continue as crews carry out additional installation and coordination work throughout the building.

In April, Mayor Alex Nuttall toured the locations and talked about the progress so far.

“This isn’t just about a university improving the private sector, improving the way the government and education and business work together,” he said. “It’s also about our young people having access to education in an affordable way and one that’s going to put them onto that path of hope and opportunity.”

In late 2024, the City of Barrie and Lakehead University announced plans to establish a STEM hub in the former Barrie Transit Terminal at 24 Maple Ave. This past winter, they officially added a second hub location at 5 Ross St. to their plans.

The Maple Avenue hub will house specialized teaching and research labs focused on robotics, motors, instrumentation, machines and mechatronics. The Ross Street hub will feature flexible classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, student services, social areas and graduate student offices.

The two hubs are slated to open this fall and will accommodate more than 700 students over their first five years.

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Nuttall says Barrie is ready to become a defence manufacturing hub

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:01:25 +0000

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.

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Barrie pushes future job growth as unemployment rate rises

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 27 May 2026 22:34:15 +0000

Unemployment may be high now, but city leaders are hoping future job growth will bring that number down.

Barrie was tied for the highest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities in April, according to new labour force data released by Statistics Canada.

The city’s unemployment rate climbed to 9.2 per cent in April, up from 8.5 per cent in March. Barrie recorded an estimated 13,200 unemployed residents, while overall employment dipped slightly.

Across Canada, the unemployment rate rose to 6.9 per cent in April, as more people searched for work.

Despite the latest numbers, Mayor Alex Nuttall expressed optimism, saying the city is positioning itself for long-term employment growth through new industrial and employment lands.

“We’ve been clear from day one that Barrie needs jobs. For too long, too many residents have been stuck on the highway commuting to work,” he said.

On Jan. 1, 2026, Barrie officially annexed 1,216 hectares from Springwater Township and 457 hectares from Oro-Medonte Township, for a total of 1,673 hectares.

In December 2025, the provincial government passed Bill 76, the Barrie–Oro-Medonte– Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025.

The city intends for the new lands to help accommodate as many as 8,000 new homes while also unlocking new infrastructure and employment lands.

“Through Bill 76, the city has new employment lands that will be transformational for Barrie’s future, and I want to thank Premier Doug Ford and the provincial government for recognizing the importance of creating jobs in growing communities like ours,” Nuttall said.

Nuttall added that he expects the lands to make the city more attractive to business in the coming years.

“These lands will help attract major employers, industrial investment, and thousands of new jobs to Barrie,” he said.

“Council has pushed hard to ensure we are ready to compete for investment, because when companies are looking to expand, we want them choosing Barrie. This is about creating opportunity – better jobs, shorter commutes and a stronger local economy where residents can live and work right here in the City of Barrie.”

Other Ontario cities posting high unemployment rates included London, Windsor, Oshawa and Toronto.

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