Experience versus change.
That is shaping up to be the central theme in Barrie’s Ward 5 municipal election race, where two-term Coun. Robert Thomson is seeking re-election against challenger Duarte Da Silva.
Thomson, who was appointed deputy mayor in November 2022, told Compass News he is running again because he believes several initiatives launched during his tenure deserve experienced representation to see them through.
“A lot has been accomplished over the past two terms, both in Ward 5 and across Barrie, and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together,” he said.
“I’m running for re-election because there’s still important work underway, and I believe Ward 5 deserves experienced and committed representation to see those initiatives through. I want to build on the momentum we’ve created, continue delivering practical results and remain accessible and accountable.”
Thomson pointed to several projects he says reflect his approach to representing Ward 5, including a new library branch in Letitia Heights, an outdoor library space connected to community gardens and an infill sidewalk project on Edgehill Avenue between Pringle Drive and Ferndale Drive.
“These are practical projects that make a difference in people’s everyday lives, and that’s the kind of work I want to keep doing,” he said.
If re-elected, Thomson said his focus will remain on neighbourhood safety, traffic calming and improving pedestrian connections through additional infill sidewalk projects.
“Residents want safe streets and connected neighbourhoods,” he said.
“I want to keep delivering practical improvements that make Ward 5 a better place to live. That’s what residents deserve.”
Growth will also be a major issue for the next council.
Thomson said Barrie needs more housing and economic development, but not at the expense of established neighbourhoods or residents’ quality of life.
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“We can accommodate growth while protecting the neighbourhoods that make Ward 5 a great place to live,” he said.
“Growth needs to be planned, balanced and sustainable – not growth for the sake of growth.”
With Barrie’s expanded boundaries and newly annexed lands, Thomson said the city should maintain a meaningful buffer between existing neighbourhoods and new development.
“We need to be thoughtful about where and how we grow,” he said.
“There is an opportunity to build employment and commercial capacity while giving existing residential communities the protection they deserve.”
Offering voters a choice
Da Silva, meanwhile, said his decision to enter the race was driven in part by a desire to give Ward 5 voters a choice.
“My decision to run for council was based on the people in my life having the sincere belief that I would make a good public representative,” he said.
Among Da Silva’s priorities are greater scrutiny of the city budget, a safety review of County Road 90 and additional traffic-calming measures, particularly around schools.
He also wants the city to carefully consider proposed development, including plans involving 49 Miller Dr. and weigh potential economic benefits against the interests of existing and future Ward 5 residents.
Da Silva said growth is important, particularly when it comes to attracting business and employment opportunities, but it should not come at the expense of residents’ quality of life.
“While growth is certainly important in attracting the right business development opportunities for Ward 5 and Barrie at large, it should never be at the expense of the quality of life of Barrie,” he said.
“The idea that we cannot responsibly develop Barrie while protecting our lands and the interests of citizens is simply false. It’s all about transparency and robust public consultation, in partnership with people-centric developers.”
Small-business support is another priority for Da Silva.
“For all of the talk around economic development in Barrie, I hear much less about the changing landscape of small businesses that are feeling the pressures of changing markets and corporate consolidation,” he said.
“I would support an expansion of small-business grants coordinated with Invest Barrie.”
Barrie voters will elect the next mayor, councillors and school trustees on Oct. 26.
