Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking, a major figure in the city’s political history, has died at age 97.
Laking served as Barrie’s mayor from 1988 to 2000, steering the city through a period of growth and change. She was first elected to city council in 1972 and served 16 years before being elected as mayor in 1988.
Before entering politics, Laking spent over 25 years as an educator and coach in Barrie.
Her mayoral tenure included several initiatives. She played a key role in the municipal purchase of the CN rail corridor to Bradford, which paved the way for GO Transit rail service between Barrie and Toronto. She also supported the transformation of the former Royal Victoria Hospital site into Victoria Village, the relocation of the MacLaren Art Centre and development of new police and library facilities.
Laking also ran unsuccessfully for the federal Liberals in Simcoe Centre in 1993, losing to Reform candidate Ed Harper. She was defeated by Jim Perri in the 2000 mayoral election.
Mayor Alex Nuttall ordered flags across Barrie to be lowered to half-mast in Laking’s honour. “Janice was a titan and a giant in this community,” he said.
“Somebody who defined this city through our highest growth years, who has given us what we enjoy today here in the city of Barrie.”
Former mayor Jeff Lehman, who served from 2010 to 2022, described Laking in a social media post as a mentor and maternal figure in his life.
“Janice was so much more than Mayor Laking to me,” he said.
“I first met her when I was a boy, and over four decades, I relied on her common-sense advice and her boundless love for Barrie.”
Barrie South–Innisfil MP John Brassard released a statement regarding Laking’s passing. He said Laking helped build the institutions and infrastructure that allowed the community to grow.
“Janice helped shape the Barrie we know today,” he said.
“Her contributions extended well beyond City Hall. She was a strong supporter of health care, policing, library services, the arts and Georgian College, and played an important role in helping build the institutions and infrastructure that have enabled our community to grow.”
