Barrie’s fall council session is shaping up to be a busy one, and Mayor Alex Nuttall says he’s ready to dive in.
The spring session saw major announcements, including Georgian College’s new downtown creative hub, the approval of new ward boundaries for the 2026 municipal election, the unveiling of a future site for a multi-use recreation complex, design approval for a proposed waterfront performing arts centre, and discussions on expanding the city’s northern boundaries.
This fall is expected to be just as eventful, with council returning to chambers Aug. 13.
“It’s going to be busy. It’s really about implementing projects around the city and ensuring sure we’re making good progress across Barrie,” Nuttall said.
In June, Nuttall announced a zero per cent increase on city operations — a promise he intends to keep during budget discussions.
“There are so many initiatives that we’ve been pushing forward to date and a big one is making sure we get our budget done for 2026, which I see zero per cent on the operating budget coming forward,” he said.
“We have to make some amendments to future budgeting in terms of our capital spends, and then really just making sure that the projects we’ve started are getting completed in the most effective, efficient way.”
Nuttall said he has heard from several residents and local businesses that enthusiasm is growing for everything the city is working on.
“I think people are getting excited about the future of our city — whether it’s more education options, building more homes, better healthcare, the performing arts centre, the multi-use recreation complex — the feedback has been strong and encouraging,” he said.
“We’ve got more work to do on providing services, working with the county on tackling homelessness — our council is determined to deliver. It’s important that we don’t sit on the sideline and that we work to make things happen. We live in the best city, and I want to keep building it up.”
The city will also continue discussions with the townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte regarding boundary expansion plans. The Ontario government has set a Sept. 30 deadline for a framework deal.
