Midhurst/November 4, 2025 – County Council has officially passed a resolution regarding the City of Barrie’s proposed annexation of lands in Springwater and Oro-Medonte Townships.
Following extensive discussions, Council voted in favour of the annexation, conditional on key requirements that safeguard the economic interests of County taxpayers. These include continued consideration to remove key employment lands from the annexation process; full, unconditional compensation to the County if these lands are not removed; two critical regional approvals from the Ontario Government to help offset anticipated economic losses; and continued infrastructure support. These conditions are outlined in full in the official resolution provided below.
This decision reflects Council’s support to the local municipalities making decisions about their housing lands, while protecting the County’s long-term economic stability. Council emphasized that failing to take a position now could have led to greater economic impacts to the region.
Council remains committed to working with the Province to build more homes, create jobs, and support thriving communities.
To view more details on the reports and Council meeting, please click here.
Basil Clarke,
Warden, County of Simcoe
Approved Resolution:
That the County of Simcoe supports its continued partnership with the Province in building more homes and investing in the regional economy; and
That the County of Simcoe respects its partnership with the City of Barrie in delivering services to our collective residents and businesses, with a desire of maintaining opportunities for collaboration that foster mutual growth and prosperity; and
That the County of Simcoe conditionally supports a boundary adjustment by the City of Barrie for community area lands, as outlined in the framework agreements, which removes the Highway 400/11 employment lands and provides for an area of community lands that satisfies housing needs to 2051; and
That it is further noted that the support for a boundary adjustment is contingent on the County receiving two Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) for employment lands in the Highway 400/Forbes Rd and Craighurst areas; and
That, if the Province approves the annexation of Highway 400/11 employment lands south of Partridge Road to the separated City, the County of Simcoe be provided $5M by the City without conditions and the two MZOs referenced above be issued prior to the lands being transferred; and
That Council requests the Province provide financial support for highway and airport infrastructure, as outlined in the report; and
That Council requests the opportunity to finalize its negotiations on this matter through Warden Clarke with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
That the City of Barrie, Township of Oro-Medonte, Township of Springwater, the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator and the Honourable Rob Flack (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) be advised of County Council’s decision.