ArturVerkhovetskiy / Depositphotos.com
The Ontario government has introduced the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025, which would transfer about 1,673 hectares of land from Oro-Medonte and Springwater into the City of Barrie to support future growth.
The move is expected to unlock up to 8,000 new homes, enable major economic investments, and align with regional transportation projects including the Barrie GO Line expansion and the Bradford Bypass. The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator would oversee discussions between the municipalities and determine financial compensation.
Officials say Barrie urgently needs more developable land, with the city projected to run out of residential space by the 2030s and employment land by the 2040s. The province notes Barrie already has water and wastewater capacity available, allowing construction to begin quickly if the land transfer is approved. The adjustment could eventually support homes for 23,000 additional residents.
The government introduced the legislation after 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations among Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Springwater and Simcoe County. The boundary changes would take effect January 1st, or upon Royal Assent. If passed, the bill would also give the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing authority to manage ward boundary updates and transitional issues such as phasing in property tax changes.
