The City of Barrie, Ontario, has released a detailed 10-year plan that outlines major construction, roadwork, and park projects starting in 2026. This project plan covers the years from 2026 to 2035 and shows exactly how local tax dollars and special fees will be spent on infrastructure like bridges and community buildings over the next decade.
The Barrie City Council approved a 0% increase to the city’s portion of the day-to-day operating budget for the fourth year in a row. However, the total property tax bill for residents is expected to rise because service partners, including the Barrie Police Service, the Barrie Public Library, and the County of Simcoe, have requested a combined 2.78% increase for 2026.
The city will continue to use a 2% infrastructure levy to fund building projects, and starting in 2027, a portion of this money will be moved to a new fund for partnerships with other levels of government. The first project to receive this funding is a $7.5 million investment for a new Georgian College campus hub located downtown at 55 Mulcaster Street.
Road construction and transportation projects are expected to cost about $41 million each year, which includes work on the Yonge Street and Mapleview Drive expansion. The city also reported saving roughly $172.5 million by combining south-end community facilities and implementing efficiencies for the Performing Arts Centre to avoid much higher costs.
