The City of Barrie confirmed on Wednesday that former Mayor Janice Laking passed away. Born in 1929, Laking was a teacher at Barrie North Collegiate. She was first elected to council in 1972 and served as mayor from 1988 to 2000. “Mayor Janice Laking was a giant for Barrie,” said Mayor Nuttall in a statement to CTV News. “She dedicated so much of her life to this city and helped shape Barrie into the community it is today. Her impact will be felt here for generations. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.” Reaction from dignitaries Online reaction from other community leaders continued to pour in throughout the afternoon. “Her leadership and dedication have left a profound impact on our community,” said Doug Shipley, Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MP in a social media post. “Her legacy will not be forgotten.” John Brassard, Barrie South–Innisfil MP, highlighted Laking’s role in securing the rail corridor that eventually brought GO Transit service to Barrie. “Janice’s service to Barrie was extraordinary, but her legacy is also found in the countless people and organizations she supported, encouraged and advocated for over the decades,” said Brassard in part of his social media statement. “Barrie is a better community because Janice Laking cared so deeply about it and gave so much of herself to its people.” Former Mayor Jeff Lehman, who served from 2010 to 2022, says he referred to Laking as ‘Mum.’ “Janice was so much more than Mayor Laking to me. I’m not sure when I started calling her ‘Mum,’ but I’m sure her warmth, guidance, humour, and endless energy was why,“ said Lehman in his social media post. ”I have so many stories, but for today, I’m just remembering that smile and that outrageous laugh. Thank you for a remarkable lifetime of service, Barrie’s favourite daughter." One of Laking’s most notable recent public appearances was when she was honoured at the site of the city’s up-and-coming YMCA last year. “It was really important for us to be a part of this,” said Sandra Chalmers, Laking’s daughter, during the ceremony on June 24, 2025. “My mom was on the committee when they first started talking about building the new ‘Y’ a number of years ago. The ‘Y’ has always been a part of our life growing up, and I know she was really keen on it getting built and providing all the opportunities that it has for people.” Mayor Alex Nuttall confirmed that the city will be placing flags at half-mast for the rest of the week to honour her memory. She passed away at 96.
