For Jennifer Coughlin, the next four years are looking bright.
The Springwater mayor won re-election on Oct. 26, defeating outgoing Deputy Mayor George Cabral, who challenged her for the township’s top job.
Coughlin captured 55.11 per cent of the vote, securing a second consecutive term after first being elected mayor in 2022.
In an interview with Compass News, Coughlin said she was grateful to residents for placing their confidence in her leadership for another four years.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the residents of Springwater for placing their trust and confidence in me to serve as their mayor for another term,” she said.
“I’m also very excited for our residents and to continue to work with township staff. I believe this is going to be a great four years.”
Coughlin said she believes voters want a more respectful political environment at the township’s council table after a term marked by argumentative debates and divisions among elected officials.
“I think our residents grew tired of the fighting and the negativity,” she said.
“Springwater residents want a council that is calm, respectful and focused – they want us to focus on moving Springwater forward in a positive way. That’s what they deserve and that’s what I want to do.”
The 2022 – 2026 council term was overshadowed by several disagreements over governance, development and, most notably, the City of Barrie’s expansion into Springwater and neighbouring Oro- Medonte Township.
Barrie sought land from the two townships to accommodate future residential, employment and industrial growth. The proposal became a major source of political tension.
Coughlin and councillors Matt Garwood and Brad Thompson took different positions from Cabral and councillors Danielle Alexander, Anita Moore and Phil Fisher on aspects of the process.
The provincial government ultimately passed the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025. The boundary change took effect Jan. 1, 2026, transferring approximately 1,216 hectares of Springwater land to Barrie. The township received $22.93 million as part of the deal.
In November 2025, as the boundary adjustment process neared completion, Coughlin told Compass News her priority remained representing the interests of township residents.
“As I’ve said before, my priority has always been – and will continue to be – serving the best interests of Springwater residents. Today, and for generations to come,” she said.
The 2026 election also brought significant change to council, with a new deputy mayor and several new faces in the ward seats.
Liz Grummett defeated Moore to become deputy mayor, while Garwood was re-elected in Ward 1. Greg Davidson defeated incumbent Alexander in Ward 2, Wanda Maw-Chapman won Ward 3 and Christine Spellman won Ward 4. Mike Campbell defeated incumbent Fisher in Ward 5.
With the new council set, Coughlin said she is encouraged by the prospect of working with a team she believes shares her vision for the township.
“This is a great team of council members,” she said.
“We are very much aligned on how we move Springwater forward. This is a group of people who are willing to compromise and work together to make sure we are making good progress.”
Coughlin said she wants the new council to focus on residents’ priorities and the work of municipal government rather than personal disagreements.
“We all want a calm, steady four years where it’s not about personal attacks,” she said.
“It’s not about one side versus the other side – we are a group that is coming together to do exactly what a council is supposed to do. We will be focused on what matters to residents and conducting municipal business.”
Springwater recorded a voter turnout of 31.98 per cent for the election.
