Simcoe County raises concerns over Barrie’s boundary push, saying plan could cost taxpayers

Simcoe County council says it’s worried about the province’s push to expand Barrie’s boundaries, warning the move could cost taxpayers millions in lost revenue and limit future opportunities for the region.

Last week, boundary negotiations between the County, Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte and the province wrapped up after the City submitted its final offer.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall stated he feels the deal is fair and benefits all sides, but the County has other thoughts on the matter.

In a statement released Sept. 25, County Warden Basil Clarke said councillors have “serious concerns” about the latest annexation proposal, which would see large sections of land shift from surrounding townships into the City of Barrie.

The City proposed annexing a significant section of land from Springwater in exchange for water and wastewater servicing, economic development funding, phased-in tax arrangements, recreation access, and waterfront parking passes.

But in contrast, Springwater Township lawyers described the proposal as “unfair.”

The County argues the process has moved too quickly and without enough consideration of local input, adding the proposed changes could harm the county’s economy, environment and ability to provide services.

“Any lands developed outside the County’s municipal boundary provide no direct tax revenue benefit to the townships or County,” the statement said. “This threatens millions in future lost revenues that help fund hospitals, education and services for all residents.”

Council pointed to estimates suggesting employment lands along Highway 400 could generate up to 22,000 jobs and $85 million a year in tax revenue for the county. It argued those opportunities would disappear if the province supports Barrie’s expansion instead.

The County also claims Barrie already has enough employment lands to last two decades, while rural municipalities are facing shortages now. Losing more land, it stated, limits the ability to invest in regional projects such as the airport, which council describe as an “economic driver.”

County council stressed it wants to work with the City and the province to address growth, but it said the current plan has “lost control” of its original goal of finding a fair, win-win solution.

The province is expected to review the facilitator’s recommendations before making a final decision on the annexation.

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