Mayor Alex Nuttall of the City of Barrie and Mayor Jennifer Coughlin of Springwater met on March 13, 2026, to discuss a major land deal that will bring more jobs and housing to the region. The meeting in Barrie, Ontario, focused on how the two communities will work together following the expansion of the city borders.
On January 1, 2026, more than 3,000 acres of land were moved from the townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte into the city. The Government of Ontario approved the change through a new law passed late last year to help manage local growth.
As part of the agreement, the City of Barrie will pay the Township of Springwater nearly $23 million in compensation through the year 2030. These funds are intended to help the township pay for its own local projects and community services as the region develops.
The mayors are looking at how to use the new land to support long-term economic growth for residents. Plans for the property include building new roads and utilities to attract businesses and provide more space for future housing.
