Should 1,673 Hectares Move from Oro-Medonte and Springwater to Barrie?

Official title: Proposed Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025, to support growth in Simcoe County by transferring approximately 1,673 hectares of land located in the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater to the City of Barrie

Closed Legislation Finance & Consumer Housing & Communities
Bill 76 transferred about 1,673 hectares of land from the Townships of Oro-Medonte and Springwater to the City of Barrie. The transfer took effect January 1, 2026. This consultation closed on December 12, 2025, and the bill passed the Legislature on December 11, 2025.

Why This Matters

Live in the annexed area? Your property taxes could go up. Barrie's rates are higher than Springwater and Oro-Medonte. There's a phase-in period—5 years for most properties, 20 years for farms—but selling or changing how you use your property cancels that protection.

What Could Change

The land transfer is now complete. Barrie's bylaws and official plans now apply to the annexed area, though some existing township rules continue until Barrie changes them. Property tax increases will be phased in over 5 years (20 years for farms). Ward boundaries will be adjusted for the 2026 municipal election.

Key Issues

  • How should property tax increases be phased in for affected property owners?
  • What financial compensation should Barrie pay to Oro-Medonte and Springwater?
  • How should ward boundaries be adjusted for the 2026 municipal election?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Bill 76 was passed by the Legislature on December 11, 2025. Comments can no longer inform decision-making on the Bill.

What Happened

Bill 76, Barrie – Oro-Medonte – Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025 was passed by the Legislature on December 11, 2025. The public commenting function is now closed.