Barrie operating budget approved with zero increase

Barrie City Council has approved the city's portion of the Mayor’s 2026 Budget with a zero per cent increase to the operating budget.

Barrie city council has approved the City of Barrie’s portion of the Mayor’s 2026 Budget. Council approved a zero per cent increase to the city’s operating budget for the fourth year in a row, while continuing the contribution of two per cent for the Infrastructure Investment Funding levy.

Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor legislation, the Mayor proposes a budget to Council before February 1 each year. The Mayor’s Budget outlines how the city plans to allocate resources to deliver the programs and services residents and businesses rely on every day.

“When I was elected, I promised to keep taxes stable and deliver real value for residents, and I’m proud that, for the fourth year in a row, we’ve been able to do exactly that. Once again, this Council has achieved a zero per cent increase to the operating budget, demonstrating our commitment to responsible fiscal management,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall.

“At the same time, this budget makes important investments in the projects and services that matter most to our community—from new recreation and library spaces to upgraded infrastructure—ensuring that Barrie continues to grow, thrive, and remain a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Highlights in the 2026 budget that will benefit residents and businesses include:

• Mixed-use recreation centre and library in south Barrie
• Performing Arts Centre on the waterfront
• New, improved facility for Sea Cadets
• Community collaboration projects such as Lakehead University’s Barrie STEM Hub and Georgian College location in downtown Barrie, the new YMCA in south Barrie, and the Regional Innovation Centre
• New Barrie Public Library satellite branch in northwest Barrie
• $41M per year is budgeted for transportation and construction, including the following projects: Yonge/Mapleview road expansion project; Huronia/McKay sewer improvements; and 16 neighbourhood renewal projects
• $19.8M invested in drainage and sewer projects
• Continued investment in road improvements to improve conditions, making it easier to get around the city and reducing traffic congestion
• Dunlop Street and Bayfield Street bridge replacements (Ministry of Transportation led projects)
• Continued electrification of City vehicles

Several city parks will be renewed and revitalized.