At a lunch event at the Liberty North facility in Barrie, Mayor Alex Nuttall announced the 2026 budget directions with a spotlight on a fiscal responsible approach.
Beginning in 2027, the city will redirect half of its current 2 per cent capital levy, equal to 1 per cent, to launch a new funding stream dedicated to joint projects with the other levels of government. The first main investment under this initiative is a $7.5 million contribution to Georgian College, supporting its planned expansion in Barrie’s downtown core.
Georgian College’s new creative hub will open at 55 Mulcaster Street in fall 2026 as part of a $32 million redevelopment project. Spanning 82,000 square feet across three storeys, the facility is expected to host more than 1,000 students annually.
Nuttall said the move is aimed at creating a stronger economic future for Barrie.
“The City of Barrie is a place where you can invest and create jobs — it’s a place where people are seeking opportunities,” he said.
Part of the budget direction focuses on avoiding new taxes by using existing funds. Nuttall emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure Barrie residents get the best possible return on their tax dollars.
“This is about ensuring taxpayers get maximum value for their dollars,” he said. “By reallocating existing funds instead of raising new ones, we’re building a stronger Barrie
while keeping costs stable for residents. Investing in partners like Georgian College helps drive economic growth, strengthen our workforce, secure real, lasting returns for the people of this city, and overall helps with the revitalization of our beautiful downtown.”
Coun. Gary Harvey, chair of the finance and responsible governance committee, said he believes the investment in Georgian College’s new hub will strengthen the downtown.
“I do think this will bring more strength and positivity to our downtown,” he said.
“This will help an area that needs assistance, and the building on Mulcaster that has been mostly vacant for far too long. Once Georgian College is settled into the new space, nearly 90 per cent of the building’s vacancy will be filled, which is great.”
Harvey said the more people who come to downtown Barrie, the better it will get.
“We have a great downtown so I think as more and more people come into our downtown, it creates a bigger, more positive vibe. It adds to the economic impact by providing more post secondary opportunities for students not only in Barrie but across Simcoe County.”
Council also secured more than $125 million in external funding and saved $80 million by merging recreation centres. The expansion of the Allandale Recreation Centre was canceled due to the new YMCA currently under construction, resulting in $45 million in savings.
Overall, city savings now total more than $250 million.
