BarrieVotes.ca 2026 municipal election · civic data and charts

Housing in Barrie

Barrie pledged to facilitate 23,000 new homes by 2031. The province keeps score, and its own numbers show the city clearing the 2023 target and missing the 2024 one. That reversal, and what the City can actually do about it, is the housing argument in this election.

What is Barrie's housing pledge?

In the City's own words: "In February 2023, the City of Barrie pledged to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to facilitate the construction of 23,000 housing units by 2031. At the time of the pledge, the City had 13,916 housing units approved."

The verb matters. A municipality approves; builders build. The City's own pledge page says so plainly, noting that "approximately 30% of all units approved since 2015 have been constructed". A council can change zoning, fees and process; it cannot start a crane.

Source: Municipal Housing Pledge (City of Barrie page), City of Barrie, dated February 1, 2023.
Original document. The pledge in the City's own words: 23,000 units by 2031, made February 2023, with 13,916 units already approved at the time. Also states that "approximately 30% of all units approved since 2015 have been constructed" — the City's own account of why approvals and completions are different measures. Retrieved August 11, 2026.

Is Barrie meeting its provincial housing target?

Barrie against its provincial housing target, from Ontario's published dataset
YearTarget ProgressPercentage Province's status
20231,6871,716101.72% Exceeded
20241,9171,45976.11% Not met
Sources: Ontario's housing supply progress, January–December 2023 (dataset), Government of Ontario — data.ontario.ca, dated December 31, 2023.
Original document. The province's own scorecard. Barrie row verbatim: "Barrie,23000,3991,1687,1716,101.72%,Exceeded". Ontario's housing supply progress, January–December 2024 (dataset), Government of Ontario — data.ontario.ca, dated December 31, 2024. Original document. Barrie row verbatim: "Barrie,23000,5450,1917,1459,76.11%,Not met". The same series that recorded 101.72% for 2023. All retrieved August 11, 2026.
Cumulative progress toward the 23,000 total was 3,991 units after 2023 and 5,450 after 2024, as published in the same dataset.
The 2023 cumulative figure is 2,275 units more than that year's progress of 1,716, so the province's running total includes units from before the first target year; the dataset does not say from when, and this site reproduces the figures as published. The province has not published a 2025 figure, so the table stops at 2024.

What did the 2023 result earn from the Building Faster Fund?

Clearing the target carried money. In March 2024 the province announced $6,344,201 for Barrie through the Building Faster Fund, on the basis that the city had "exceeded its 2023 housing target, breaking ground on a total of 1,716 new housing units last year". The fund pays municipalities reaching at least 80% of their annual target. Barrie's 2024 result of 76.11% falls below that threshold. Whether that cost Barrie a 2024-year Building Faster Fund allocation is the obvious next question; this site has not located a document stating whether an allocation was made or withheld, and says so rather than inferring one.

Source: Ontario Rewards Barrie With $6.34 Million for Exceeding 2023 Housing Targets, Government of Ontario — Premier's Office, dated March 15, 2024.
Original document. States the payment ($6,344,201), the 1,716 starts behind it, and the Building Faster Fund's 80%-of-target payment threshold. Retrieved August 11, 2026.

What can council actually do about housing?

Sources: Housing Community Improvement Plan (City of Barrie page), City of Barrie.
Original document. The City's affordable-housing incentive suite and its stated targets: 15% of new units city-wide, 20% within the Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Areas. Retrieved August 11, 2026. Municipal Housing Pledge (City of Barrie page), City of Barrie, dated February 1, 2023. Original document. The pledge in the City's own words: 23,000 units by 2031, made February 2023, with 13,916 units already approved at the time. Also states that "approximately 30% of all units approved since 2015 have been constructed" — the City's own account of why approvals and completions are different measures. Retrieved August 11, 2026. Barrie chops residential development charges in half to spur housing, BarrieToday (City of Barrie news release, published in full), dated September 18, 2026. Original document. The City's release: on September 16, 2026 council amended the development charge by-law to cut residential rates by 50%, effective September 17 and retroactive to building permits issued on or after March 30, 2026. Retrieved October 7, 2026. Mayoral decisions and directions, the signed documents (MD001-23 to MD0014-26, MDIR001-24 to MDIR007-26), City of Barrie. Original document. Every one of the ninety register entries links to a one- or two-page signed document; all ninety are archived and their text extracted. Retrieved September 15, 2026. (Update) $129 million from province to Barrie for development charge cut, Barrie 360, dated September 28, 2026. Original document. $129,184,724 to Barrie through the Development Charge Reduction Program, announced September 28 after the 50% cut made the City eligible. CompassNews (October 1) reports "up to $129.2 million from the federal and provincial governments" for cutting charges in half for three years. Retrieved October 7, 2026.

Does Barrie regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb?

Not as their own category. Barrie has no licence, registration or cap for short-term rentals; they fall under the same rules as any other home. The zoning by-law's nearest use is the bed and breakfast, which in residential zones must be in a detached, owner-occupied house with at most three guest rooms (five in the City Centre). A March 2025 staff report, using the provincial tourism ministry's data, counted 560 short-term rentals in May 2024 and 503 listings that December. Council's response, on April 9, 2025, was to send the report back to staff "to investigate a complaint-based enforcement model with options related to zoning and Official Plan"; no report back appears in the minutes this site has read.

What Barrie does do is tax short stays. A 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on stays under 30 days began on January 1, 2019, was extended to online platforms such as Airbnb that June, and is now 6%; the City's share goes to its Tourism Reserve.

One federal rule turns on what the City decides. Since 2024 the Income Tax Act denies expense deductions for a "non-compliant" short-term rental: one the municipality does not permit at that location, or one without the registration, licence or permit the municipality requires. Barrie requires none, so that part of the rule has nothing to apply to here; a registration system would change that.

Sources: Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141 (consolidated to July 31, 2026), City of Barrie.
Original document. Defines "Data Processing Centre" as "a building used for the input, processing and printing of computerized data" and permits it in the C1-C4 commercial zones (Table 6.2) and the BP, LI, HI and GI industrial zones (Table 7.2); site-specific provision 13.3.40 (By-law 2011-066) sets parking for 625 Veterans Drive while that zone "contains only a Data Processing Centre". Retrieved October 7, 2026. Short-term rentals in Barrie impact housing availability, hotel industry: Riepma, BarrieToday, dated March 24, 2025. Original document. Reports the March 2025 staff report: the provincial tourism ministry identified 560 short-term rentals in Barrie in May 2024, and 503 listings in December 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2026. General Committee Minutes, April 9, 2025, City of Barrie — General Committee, dated April 9, 2025. Original document. 25-G-061: the March 26, 2025 report on regulating short-term rentals referred back to staff "to investigate a complaint-based enforcement model with options related to zoning and Official Plan"; adopted by council the same day. Retrieved August 9, 2026. Municipal Accommodation Tax, Tourism Barrie. Original document. A 4% tax from January 1, 2019 on hotel, motel and short-term stays under 30 days; extended to internet accommodation platforms (council, February 11, 2019; Airbnb remitting from June 1, 2019); raised to 6% by council on March 27, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2026. Operating Budget and Financial Overview — 2026 Business Plan, City of Barrie. Original document. Retrieved August 9, 2026. Income Tax Act, s. 67.7 (non-compliant short-term rentals), Government of Canada (Justice Laws). Original document. Denies expense deductions for a "non-compliant short-term rental": one the municipality does not permit at that location, or one that lacks the registration, licence or permit the municipality requires. Retrieved October 7, 2026.

What does renting cost in Barrie?

Two official measures, two geographies, kept apart. CMHC's October survey of purpose-built apartments across the metropolitan area shows the average two-bedroom rent rising from $1,393 (2020) to $1,755 (2025) — up 26% in five years — while the vacancy rate more than doubled from 1.6% (2021) to 4.3% (2025), a statistically significant loosening. And the 2021 census, for the city proper: median tenant shelter cost $1,510 a month, with 42.5% of tenant households spending 30% or more of income on shelter (owners: 19.3%) and 26.1% of tenants in core housing need.

Average purpose-built apartment rents, Barrie CMA, October 2020–2025

1-bedroom 2-bedroom

$0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $2,000
CMHC October survey, Barrie CMA (which includes Innisfil and Springwater), purpose-built private apartments.
These are average rents across occupied and vacant units, not asking rents — a listing today runs far higher: the July 2026 Rentals.ca/Urbanation industry report (an industry source, not official) put Barrie asking rents at $1,874 for a one-bedroom and $2,164 for two. Vacancy, same survey: 2.1% (2020), 1.6% (2021), 2.1% (2022), 2.6% (2023), 3.4% (2024), 4.3% (2025).
Sources: CMHC Rental Market Survey data tables — Barrie CMA, October 2020–2025, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Original document. Six Octobers (2020 to 2025) of average rents and vacancy rates for purpose-built rental apartments in the Barrie CMA, which includes Innisfil and Springwater. These are average rents across all units, occupied and vacant. They are not asking rents for vacant units, and the two cannot be read as one series. Retrieved August 17, 2026. Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population — Barrie (City and CMA), Statistics Canada, dated May 11, 2021. Original document. Census day was May 11, 2021. Figures for both the city and the census metropolitan area (CMA), which also takes in Innisfil and Springwater: 147,829 and 212,856 people. Retrieved August 9, 2026.

What gets built in Barrie, and why the counts differ

The provincial target counts the city; the construction data counts the metropolitan area, which reaches past the city limits into Innisfil and Springwater. They answer different questions, so this site never adds them together — but the CMA series is the best available picture of whether the cranes are moving:

Housing starts and completions, Barrie CMA, by year

Starts Completions

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 891 974 2013 1,148 858 2014 1,016 1,007 2015 1,723 957 2016 1,378 1,297 2017 1,396 1,719 2018 784 1,015 2019 1,165 844 2020 2,225 806 2021 3,044 1,209 2022 2,308 2,410 2023 1,505 2,220 2024 802 2,024 2025
2013 891 974 2014 1,148 858 2015 1,016 1,007 2016 1,723 957 2017 1,378 1,297 2018 1,396 1,719 2019 784 1,015 2020 1,165 844 2021 2,225 806 2022 3,044 1,209 2023 2,308 2,410 2024 1,505 2,220 2025 802 2,024
Dwelling units, Barrie CMA — a larger geography than the city the provincial target measures.
Annual sums of CMHC's published monthly figures; the record, and the lag between a start and a completion, are on housing starts.

Two limits on everything above, stated plainly. Nothing retrieved for this page explains why 2024 fell short of its target: interest rates, labour and material costs and the pace of private financing are not municipal decisions, and no document apportions the cause. A candidate who says the shortfall is entirely council's doing, or entirely not, is going past the record. And population — the other half of every housing argument — is at population, on the same geography caution.

What comes before a start is an application. On the City's own map of planning applications, 51 projects are under review or under appeal as of October 15, 2026, proposing 13,409 homes between them (each project counted once). Proposed is not built: development applications lists every project, ward by ward, with the council meetings that dealt with each.

Source: Planning Applications (open-data map service layer), City of Barrie.
Original document. Queried October 15, 2026 by tools/planning.py: 469 records in 429 file numbers, received 2014 to 2026; statuses Approved, Registered, Under Review and Under Appeal only (no refused or withdrawn files). Wards by the City's spatial query against its 2026 ward layer (WardsNov2026_WA_Dynamic). Raw reply kept in research/planning/raw/. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

How many homes are being added inside existing houses?

A second unit (a basement or rear apartment, now called an additional residential unit) adds a home without a new building. The City's map of registered two-unit houses holds 3,457 of them; the most are in Ward 2 (551), Ward 3 (529), Ward 1 (494). New lots split from existing ones go to the Committee of Adjustment, counted on development applications.

Registered two-unit houses by year the City opened the record, 2005–2026 (2026 to date)

0 200 400 600 141 2005 99 206 2007 69 66 2009 52 50 2011 36 40 2013 41 39 2015 134 232 2017 285 312 2019 187 474 2021 254 271 2023 215 127 2025 25
2005 141 2006 99 2007 206 2008 69 2009 66 2010 52 2011 50 2012 36 2013 40 2014 41 2015 39 2016 134 2017 232 2018 285 2019 312 2020 187 2021 474 2022 254 2023 271 2024 215 2025 127 2026 25
Houses on the City's register of two-unit houses, each counted once, in the year the City opened its file on it; a house is on the register once its second unit is registered, so this counts registered second units, not every one built.
The file changes over time: through 2019 it is mostly a second-unit registration (with change-of-use permits in 2017 and 2018), and from 2020 almost always a building permit, so the year marks a different step before and after. 2026 is the year to date, drawn in grey. Left out: 53 records dated January 1, 1111, a placeholder, and the 49 from 2004, when the layer's records begin in mid-March. Wards are the 2026 wards; each year's tooltip names its three busiest.
Source: Registered two-unit houses (additional residential units) (open-data map service layer), City of Barrie.
Original document. Queried by tools/opendata.py; raw copy kept in research/opendata/raw/. Counts and sums only are published; each record is a point, placed in the ward it falls in. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Where does the Official Plan direct new density?

The Official Plan's growth map marks 845 ha where the plan directs intensification, new housing and jobs at higher density: the Urban Growth Centre (122 ha), the areas around the Allandale and Barrie South GO stations (176 ha), and eleven strategic growth areas (546 ha). Wards 5 and 7 contain none of it. The map also draws 22 km of intensification corridors along Anne St N, Bayfield St, Bradford St, Burton Ave, County Road 27, Dunlop St W, Essa Rd and Yonge St. What is actually proposed in each ward is on development applications.

Official Plan growth areas by 2026 ward, hectares, as retrieved October 15, 2026

Urban Growth Centre Major transit station area Strategic growth area

Ward 1 101.8 102 Ward 2 122.5 46.4 169 Ward 3 136.5 137 Ward 4 21.6 22 Ward 5 0 Ward 6 41.2 41 Ward 7 0 Ward 8 65.4 171.5 237 Ward 9 78.7 27.3 106 Ward 10 31.9 32
Ward 1 101.8 102 Ward 2 122.5 46.4 169 Ward 3 136.5 137 Ward 4 21.6 22 Ward 5 0 Ward 6 41.2 41 Ward 7 0 Ward 8 65.4 171.5 237 Ward 9 78.7 27.3 106 Ward 10 31.9 32
The areas on the City's Official Plan Map 1 layers, each split between the 2026 wards it covers by this site's overlay of the two City layers, so the wards add to the City total; slivers under 0.1 ha where a boundary is drawn slightly differently on the two maps are dropped.
Touch a bar for the areas in that ward. The three kinds do not overlap. The layers cite the Official Plan 2022; the newest edit to the strategic growth areas is dated January 8, 2024. The intensification corridors are lines along roads that often form ward boundaries, so they are not split by ward. A designation sets where the plan allows and encourages density; it is not a count of homes approved or built.
Source: Official Plan Map 1: Urban Growth Centre, Major Transit Station Areas, Strategic Growth Areas and Intensification Corridors (open-data map service layers 78–81), City of Barrie.
Original document. Queried by tools/opendata.py; raw copy kept in research/opendata/raw/. Areas and lengths are the layer's own geometry measures. Ward splits are this site's overlay of each area on the City's 2026 ward layer through the City's geometry service, on the day queried. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

What the candidates have said

Verbatim, attributed, dated. Every passage below is copied exactly from an archived copy of its source — a campaign website, a news article, or the candidate's own social media post — and links to it. Nothing is paraphrased by this site and no for-or-against label is applied: read the words, follow the link. Passages from news coverage say whether they are the candidate quoted, the reporter's reported speech, or the reporter's characterisation.

Compiled in a research batch dated October 15, 2026, reviewed by hand before publication on October 15, 2026.
Passages are capped at 60 words and listed newest first; undated campaign pages show and sort by the date archived. A candidate with nothing located on an issue is listed as such, with the date their sources were checked; a race is shown only once every candidate in it has been checked. See methodology.

Mayor

Alex Nuttall

  • All three candidates supported innovative seniors’ co-housing models, with Saari also calling for faster zoning approvals.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Barrie mayoral candidates debate key city issues, October 13, 2026 (paragraph 24). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage context

  • Complete 800 affordable housing units.

    Source: alexnuttall.ca, Commitments page, 'Homes and affordability', item 05 '800 affordable homes'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

Show 8 more passages

  • Reduced development charges by 50% for eligible home ownership projects in partnership with federal and provincial governments.

    Prioritized Barrie residents for Barrie affordable housing, including young people and seniors.

    Source: alexnuttall.ca, Term in Review page, 'Housing', fourth item; Term in Review page, 'Housing', second item. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

  • But it’s important that we put the signal to the market as to whether we were indeed proceeding with a 50% development charge reduction.

    Source: As quoted in Frequency News, Barrie Council Reduces Development Charges by 50%; Recognizes General Manager of Access Barrie, September 28, 2026 (paragraph 3, second sentence of quotation). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

  • By cutting residential development charges by 50 per cent, we are taking real action to increase the supply of housing and give Barrie families more opportunities to own a home,

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Barrie cuts residential development charges by 50 per cent, September 25, 2026 (paragraph 7). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Nuttall said this council has also added 800 future affordable housing units through incentives and the County of Simcoe.

    The record shows: The City reports its affordable-housing Community Improvement Plan has supported 248 affordable units since 2020; the site holds no City count of "future" units. What council controls in housing.

    And I will help people who are homeless find dignified housing – no one should live in a tent in Barrie.

    Source: As reported by BarrieToday, BARRIE ELECTION: Mayoral candidates asked about top issues facing city, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 6; paragraph 7, second quotation, last sentence). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage reported

  • He also framed affordability as a dual challenge – housing costs and access to local jobs – saying the city has reduced development charges to spur housing construction and is working to expand industrial lands to attract employers.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Nuttall kicks off re-election campaign in Barrie, May 6, 2026 (paragraph 14). Read September 10, 2026. Media coverage reported

  • He says the city has made investments leading to 779 new affordable housing units, while community improvement projects have helped fund 168 housing units and the city’s partnership with the County of Simcoe has led to the development of 155 housing units at 20 Rose St., the former location of the Barrie OPP detachment.

    Source: As reported by BarrieToday, Nuttall announces campaign for second term as Barrie mayor, May 5, 2026 (paragraph 11). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage reported

Tanya Saari

  • All three candidates supported innovative seniors’ co-housing models, with Saari also calling for faster zoning approvals.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Barrie mayoral candidates debate key city issues, October 13, 2026 (paragraph 24). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage context

  • Before supporting additional development charge reductions or waivers, I will require a public analysis showing the cost, the expected benefit, what taxpayers may have to absorb, and what results are expected in return.

    For City-controlled housing programs like the Community Investment Program (CIP), I will push for affordability measures that look at people’s incomes, not simply whether a unit is priced below the current market.

    Source: tanyasaari.ca, Commitments page, Commitment Four, under 'Making sure growth pays its fair share'; Commitments page, Commitment Four, under 'Defining affordability honestly'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

Show 5 more passages

  • Saari also raised concerns about whether the 50% reduction will be passed on to homebuyers.

    Source: As reported by Frequency News, Barrie Council Reduces Development Charges by 50%; Recognizes General Manager of Access Barrie, September 28, 2026 (paragraph 6, second sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage reported

  • More housing, but with the roads, transit, parks, and services to match so growth makes life better, not harder, for people already here.

    Source: tanyasaari.ca, Home page, Priorities, under 'Smart Growth'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • If we want fewer encampments, we need to give people somewhere else to go. That means more focus on permanent and supportive housing and working with the county, province, health-care providers and community organizations to make that happen.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, BARRIE ELECTION: State of emergency debated after full year in effect, September 10, 2026 (paragraph 6). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

  • If we want fewer encampments, we need to give people somewhere else to go. I want us putting more of our energy into long-term solutions that actually move people out of homelessness, particularly supportive housing.

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Mayoral candidates’ visions for homelessness & affordability, August 28, 2026 (paragraph 16). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

  • We’re growing. We need more housing; we want new investment, new jobs

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Second candidate jumps into Barrie mayoral race, July 9, 2026 (paragraph 15). Read September 10, 2026. Media coverage

Russell Tighe

Show 6 more passages

  • Bridging the gap between low income and affordable housing through removing stigmatism surrounding this crisis.

    Source: As quoted in Simcoe.com, There are four candidates running for mayor of Barrie. Here's why they're running, what their priorities are, and why you should care, September 13, 2026 (under 'Russell Tighe', 'What are your priorities?', first sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Tighe said there needs to be a good place to live for everyone.

    We need to use every opportunity and gather more ideas to support low-income families, so a choice is never made to feed themselves or have shelter.

    Source: As reported by BarrieToday, BARRIE ELECTION: Mayoral candidates asked about top issues facing city, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 18; paragraph 19, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage reported

  • Affordable housing is likely his biggest issue.

    The housing initiative is probably my biggest one, I want to say,

    The low-income housing list is really something that’s been on my case for a while.

    Source: As reported by BarrieToday, Fourth candidate for Barrie mayor emerges, August 15, 2026 (paragraph 8; paragraph 9, first quotation; paragraph 9, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage context

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Kay Sayer. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 1

Shaughna Ainsworth

  • “And not repeat high density errors that have produced, for example, lack of parking and narrow roadways,” she said.

    “It is also my hope that these new development lands will take some pressure off intensification initiatives that insist on squeezing high density buildings into long established neighbourhoods,” Ainsworth said.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 1 candidates weigh in on how Barrie should develop 460 hectares of annexed land, October 9, 2026 (paragraph 16, first sentence; paragraph 17). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

  • Barrie is growing fast — but growth must work for existing residents, not just developers. I will work to ensure new development respects the character of Ward 1 and delivers the infrastructure our community needs.

    Source: ainsworth4ward1.ca, Platform page, section '02 Responsible Growth', intro paragraph. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • To be honest, I am not a cheerleader for the ‘bigger the better’ crowd, but I understand progress and opportunity and sometimes even need never stops knocking. I do stand firmly, however, that growth must pay for itself, and costs cannot be factored into the existing home tax levy.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ainsworth running on safety, accountability in Ward 1, August 25, 2026 (paragraph 7, after the 'Responsible growth:' label). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

Brent Bowser

  • More housing options and steadier costs, so young families and seniors can afford to stay.

    Source: brentbowser4ward1.com, Home page, 'Priorities', under 'Housing & affordability'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

  • Barrie needs rental housing. We also need rental properties to be safe, properly maintained and respectful of the neighbourhoods they’re part of.

    I am open to looking at additional measures if we identify a gap in the current system, including whether some form of proactive rental-property inspection would improve conditions. But I don’t want to introduce another program simply because another municipality has one.

    Source: brentbowser4ward1.com, Rental properties post, opening section, fifth line; Rental properties post, under 'Where Do We Go From Here?'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

Christian Cadera

  • “I would add additional green spaces, a more diverse mix of housing for a wider range of incomes in each neighbourhood and more medium-sized and smaller apartment complexes rather than overpriced towering condos.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 1 candidates weigh in on how Barrie should develop 460 hectares of annexed land, October 9, 2026 (paragraph 20, second sentence). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

Hafiz Rahman

  • I want to advocate for supportive housing initiatives that provide people with a safe place to live while connecting them with mental health services, nutritious meals, life-skills programs, and community support.

    Source: votehafiz.net, Home page, under 'Supporting Mental Health with Stable Housing', third bullet. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Pauline Stevenson

  • “Most of the land is designated residential and so the priority is making it a place where people actually want to live,” she said. “For me, that means respecting the east end’s character and creating housing options that people can actually afford.”

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 1 candidates weigh in on how Barrie should develop 460 hectares of annexed land, October 9, 2026 (paragraph 25). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

  • Barrie is growing. The question isn’t whether we grow, but how and where we grow.

    I will make sure development respects the character of our neighbourhoods and that infrastructure and services are in place to support growth.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Absentee landlords, speeding among top issues for Ward 1 candidate, September 13, 2026 (paragraph 5, first two sentences; paragraph 6, first sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • The question isn’t whether Barrie will grow. The question is how and where we grow.

    Residents must have a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their neighbourhood. Development must make sense, and when it doesn’t, I will be a strong advocate for change.

    I will also pursue an active partnership with Georgian College and look at best practices from other post-secondary communities to tackle recurring issues related to student housing.

    Source: stevenson4ward1.ca, Home page, priority 01 'Responsible Growth and Development', first paragraph; Home page, priority 01 'Responsible Growth and Development', third paragraph; Home page, priority 02 'Well-Maintained Neighbourhoods and Responsible Landlords', third paragraph. Page. Undated; archived September 11, 2026. Official site

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. Campaign website did not answer when checked (October 7, 2026): Stefano Agostino. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 2

Frank Casera

  • Once they're gone, they're gone. Protecting them means making thoughtful decisions about how and where our city grows and realizing what we might lose as well as what we might gain.

    Growth should build on what makes our communities special and not simply add more density them.

    Source: buildbarriebetter.com, Pride page, paragraph beginning 'The unique places'; Pride page, paragraph after 'That means thoughtful planning'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

  • We need to be thoughtful about how we manage change, make good decisions and make sure our success works for everyone.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 2 candidate running on 'show up or hush up' principle, September 25, 2026 (paragraph 11, second quoted sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • We can make better use of planning and zoning tools to encourage housing, consider partnerships that create more accessible and affordable options, and support effective programs where they can make a measurable difference.

    Source: buildbarriebetter.com, Dignity page, paragraph beginning 'We can use the tools we have'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Shanicka Edwards

  • Growth must bring better housing, thriving businesses and safer streets while respecting the neighbourhoods that make our community special. Most importantly maintaining the integrity of our oldest streets.

    Building more housing matters, but approval alone are not success. We need homes that working families, seniors, young people and people living with disabilities can actually afford.

    Source: www.voteedwards.ca, Stats & Solutions page, under 'Barrie is Rapidly Growing.', closing paragraph; Stats & Solutions page, under 'Thousands of homes are proposed but affordability remains the question'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

  • Barrie needs more housing, but growth must be thoughtful. We need housing that is affordable, accessible, and appropriate for different stages of life.

    Source: www.voteedwards.ca, Compass News Responses page, answer to 'How do you balance the need for new housing'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • The biggest challenge facing Ward 2 over the next four years is ensuring that growth works for the people who already live here,

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 2 candidates cite addiction crisis, downtown Barrie safety as key election issues, July 9, 2026 (paragraph 16, first quoted sentence). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

Craig Nixon

  • Ward 2 is growing. I will ensure new development is well planned, protects our waterfront and neighbourhood character, and delivers the infrastructure and services our community needs.

    Source: nix2026.ca, Ward 2 Priorities page, under 'Managing Growth Responsibly'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Ajmal Noushahi

  • Review policies for secondary suites, home offices and other legal home-based uses. Reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining inspections and safety standards.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Barrie must find ways to generate more revenue, says Ward 2 candidate, September 23, 2026 (paragraph 9, after 'Simplify approvals.'). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Help residents use their properties for home-based businesses, second suites, and permits to earn more — and fight for genuinely affordable housing.

    Source: voteforajmal.ca, Platform page, under 'Home Business & Affordable Housing'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Tracy Strohm

  • Many of the developers are sitting on projects, leaving land vacant and continuing to flip their properties to increase the profits. Each time they are flipped, concessions are requested.

    We need to put limits and fines on holding lands for too long.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Change needed to fix downtown Barrie, says Ward 2 candidate, September 21, 2026 (paragraph 8, first two sentences; paragraph 8, third sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Strohm has been critical of past development decisions in the downtown core and said the city needs stronger policies to ensure that approved projects move forward in a timely manner.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 race heats up, June 24, 2026 (paragraph 18). Read September 10, 2026. Media coverage reported

Ward 3

Amy Courser

  • It means supporting responsible development without sacrificing green space, neighbourhood character or the infrastructure residents rely on.

    Source: amy4ward3.com, About page, under 'People First, Community Always', line 27, second sentence. Page. Undated; archived September 11, 2026. Official site

  • I focus on safer, walkable neighbourhoods, protecting parks, green spaces and the environment, supporting responsible growth and housing people can actually afford.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 3 candidate vows to be 'independent voice' on Barrie council, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 7, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

Ben Hughes

  • I believe growth should be judged by whether it makes Barrie stronger—not simply by population totals, development activity or additional revenue.

    I believe growth decisions should consider both the people arriving in Barrie and the people who already live here. New areas need proper services, while established neighbourhoods and existing infrastructure must continue to receive attention and investment.

    Source: benhughesbarrie.ca, Growth & Development position page, first paragraph after the summary, second sentence; Growth & Development position page, under 'Planning for Existing and Future Residents'. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

  • When housing, property taxes and everyday necessities become increasingly difficult to afford, the effects are felt throughout the city. Financial pressure can contribute to housing insecurity, homelessness, crime and greater demand on community services.

    Source: benhughesbarrie.ca, Affordability page, paragraph 1, sentences 1-2. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Ryan Rijo

  • As a homeowner, I understand the challenges facing working families today and how important it is to have a city where people can afford to put down roots and build a life.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Baseball helps shape Ward 3 candidate's attitude toward teamwork, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 4). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Bryan Jones. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 4

Iradat Ahmad

Lori Galeazza

  • Galeazza also wants greater communication between planners, developers and residents as new projects are proposed.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 4 candidates focus on safety, roads, growth and affordability, September 12, 2026 (paragraph 21, first sentence (section 'Speaking up about problems')). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage reported

  • 'I'll be the squeaky wheel at every development meeting, demanding growth that's planned for the people who already live here,' says Lori Galeazza

    We need smart, well-planned growth.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Listening, problem-solving 'second nature' to Ward 4 candidate, September 5, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived); paragraph 10). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

Arif Khan

  • I support growth, but only with clear checks and balances. Every project must demonstrate that it will improve the area and include the infrastructure and services it requires.

    Barrie lost sight of the fundamentals by focusing on unit targets and embracing the flawed belief that growth will pay for itself. Mapleview construction and this year’s record snowfall exposed the consequences of poor planning, including compromised safety and avoidable cost overruns.

    While ensuring development pays for itself should be an objective, it is vital to ensure that our city's growth aligns with both provincial mandates and our local priorities.

    Source: arifforward4.ca, Priorities, 03 'Responsible Growth', under 'My Plan'; Priorities, 03 'Responsible Growth', under 'What Residents are saying'; Home page, under 'PRIORITIES', item 02 'Responsible growth', first paragraph. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Matthew Corbett, Patrick Harriott-Stewart. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 5

Duarte Da Silva

  • At 49 Miller Dr., 611 new homes are planned with only two entrances on the same street, the kind of problem that needs catching early.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 5 hopeful looks to bring 'new era of politics' to council, September 14, 2026 (paragraph 9, second sentence, counting the editor's note). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

  • 49 Miller Drive: Getting development right for the neighbourhood around it, not just the developer’s timeline.

    Source: duarteforward5.ca, Home page, 'The Major 5 in Ward 5', third bullet. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • He also wants the city to carefully consider proposed development, including plans involving 49 Miller Dr. and weigh potential economic benefits against the interests of existing and future Ward 5 residents.

    While growth is certainly important in attracting the right business development opportunities for Ward 5 and Barrie at large, it should never be at the expense of the quality of life of Barrie

    The idea that we cannot responsibly develop Barrie while protecting our lands and the interests of citizens is simply false. It’s all about transparency and robust public consultation, in partnership with people-centric developers.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 5 race pits experience against change, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 21; paragraph 23; paragraph 24). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage reported

Robert Thomson

  • ✔ Nearly $100 million secured for housing, infrastructure, and community safety initiatives

    ✔ Supporting the Province's goal of building 23,000 new homes in Barrie by 2031

    Source: thomsonward5.ca, Accomplishments page, 'Housing, Growth and Investment', first check item; Accomplishments page, 'Housing, Growth and Investment', second check item. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • Thomson said Barrie needs more housing and economic development, but not at the expense of established neighbourhoods or residents’ quality of life.

    We can accommodate growth while protecting the neighbourhoods that make Ward 5 a great place to live

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 5 race pits experience against change, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 12; paragraph 13). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage reported

Ward 6

Nasar George Nader

Nigussie Nigussie

  • 176 -unit affordable housing project approved

    Source: www.votenigussie.ca, Results page, under 'Housing & Growth', bullet 1. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Christel Pena

  • Housing affordability requires a balanced approach. We need more housing options including starter homes, townhomes, rental units, and housing for seniors, while ensuring new development is accompanied by roads, parks, schools, and community services.

    Growth is inevitable. Poor planning is not.

    Ward 6 residents consistently tell me they want responsible growth that protects neighbourhood character, green spaces, and quality of life. Future development should support complete communities where people can live, work, shop, and enjoy recreation without overwhelming existing infrastructure.

    Source: votechristel.ca, FAQs page, first answer to 'How can we manage growth without losing what makes Barrie special?'; FAQs page, second answer to 'How can we manage growth without losing what makes Barrie special?', first line; FAQs page, second answer to 'How can we manage growth without losing what makes Barrie special?', second paragraph. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

Ward 7

Gary Harvey

  • “to provide accountability and transparency of their spending of public dollars,”

    Source: As quoted in Simcoe.com, A $3-million loan for Redwood Park supportive housing complex construction remains unpaid, 30-day resolution proposed, October 10, 2026 (paragraph 12, under 'Resolution on the horizon, says Redwood'). Read October 15, 2026. Media coverage

  • $80M invested in housing through DC waivers

    779 affordable homes approved

    The record shows: The City reports its affordable-housing Community Improvement Plan has supported 248 affordable units since 2020; the site holds no City count of units "approved". What council controls in housing.

    Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'THE FIVE POINT PLAN', 'AFFORDABLE PLACE TO LIVE', fourth bullet; Home page, under 'THE FIVE POINT PLAN', 'AFFORDABLE PLACE TO LIVE', fifth bullet. Page. Undated; archived September 11, 2026. Official site

Michael Lewis

Ward 8

Samina Alim

  • Affordability varies from person to person. I support practical solutions that make stable housing more accessible and help people experiencing homelessness move into shelter, supportive or permanent homes.

    Source: saminaalim.ca, Home page, 'My priorities for Ward 8', under '03 Housing, homelessness & addiction', introduction. Page. Undated; archived October 7, 2026. Official site

Jim Harris

  • “If there is one issue that deserves continued attention from the next council, it is attainable and affordable housing,”

    “Not housing in the abstract, but homes that a young family starting out, a senior on a fixed income, or a worker trying to get a foothold in Barrie can afford.”

    On development, Harris said growth should enhance rather than overwhelm existing communities.

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 8 candidates focus on growth, safety and a changing city, September 25, 2026 (paragraph 11; paragraph 12; paragraph 13, second sentence). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Advocating for more affordable and supportive housing funding from provincial and federal levels of government and exploring  innovations that reduce housing costs will be needed to ensure Barrie has affordable housing for all residents.

    Source: votejimforward8.ca, Key Issues page, under 'Affordable & Supportive Housing'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Amanda Fellows

  • Barrie is growing quickly, and I’m not opposed to growth. But I think we need to ask harder questions about how and where that growth happens.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, 'Harder questions' must be asked about Barrie’s growth, says Ward 8 newcomer, September 16, 2026 (paragraph 5). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • More affordable and diverse housing options, including supportive and non-market housing.

    A stronger focus on housing options that people at different incomes and stages of life can actually afford.

    Barrie is going to grow, and Ward 8 will be part of that growth. I support development that adds needed housing and contributes positively to our city, but every development needs to be considered within the bigger picture.

    Source: amandafellows.ca, Home page, 'My Platform', under 'PEOPLE-FIRST LEADERSHIP', first bullet; Home page, 'My Platform', under 'THOUGHTFUL GROWTH', fifth bullet; Home page, 'My Platform', under 'THOUGHTFUL GROWTH', paragraph 2. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Ward 9

Asmar Naveed

  • I support adding housing and accommodating Barrie's growth, but development needs to be accompanied by the infrastructure required to support it.

    Source: asmarforward9.com, Ward 9 Forward page, item 2 'Infrastructure That Keeps Pace With Growth'. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

  • This is a substantial development for the neighbourhood. As it moves forward, I'll continue following the project, including issues such as traffic, parking, neighbourhood impact and infrastructure, and provide updates here when new information becomes available.

    Source: asmarforward9.com, 'What's Happening in Ward 9' page, '468-Unit Rental Development' entry, 'What this means' paragraph. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Dave Weingarten

  • There are appropriate ways for Barrie to scale into a larger city, but not by over-developing our already congested downtown, and not by placing that financial burden on residents who are already struggling to get by.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Councillors have power to keep Barrie affordable, says Ward 9 candidate, September 7, 2026 (paragraph 10, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. Media coverage

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Norm Costello, Sergio Morales. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 10

Bryn Hamilton

  • Approved 779 new affordable housing units

    The record shows: The City reports its affordable-housing Community Improvement Plan has supported 248 affordable units since 2020; the site holds no City count of units "approved". What council controls in housing.

    Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'Delivering For Barrie' list, eighth item. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

Georgy Kapustin

  • We need new housing, but growth should not simply be about meeting development numbers. Infrastructure, roads, public transit, services and neighbourhood quality all need to keep pace.

    Source: As quoted in BarrieToday, Ward 10 candidate wants more thought put into Barrie's rapid growth, September 15, 2026 (paragraph 5, last two sentences). Read October 7, 2026. Media coverage

  • Barrie needs housing and investment, but growth decisions must account for transportation capacity, public services, neighbourhood impact, and the real cost of infrastructure.

    Establish a rental property licensing program. Rental licensing should hold landlords accountable, reduce disruptive temporary rentals, and protect family-suitable homes.

    Require food and grocery services inside medium- and high-density developments. Everyday needs should be available within the building or development site to reduce app-based food delivery traffic and short car trips.

    Source: georgyk.com, Priorities page, under 'Responsible Growth', introductory paragraph; Priorities page, under 'Responsible Growth', fifth bullet; Priorities page, under 'Responsible Growth', first bullet. Page. Undated; archived September 10, 2026. Official site

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: William Cadeau. Indexed news coverage checked October 15, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

School board trustees

None of the 19 trustee candidates across 7 races has a located statement on this issue; trustees do not decide it.
Their statements are on the education page, and each candidate's own page says what was checked.

Reporting on this issue

Local reporting on housing from this site's media index, newest first: 501 stories since 2006.
A story is filed here because it is about this issue, not because it mentions it. The index was built election by election, so reporting between campaigns is thinner, and it is not complete.
493 more stories

Boards and committees on this issue

Appointed bodies whose work bears on this issue, with everyone this site has on record as serving on them:

Common questions

Did Barrie meet its provincial housing target?

It did in 2023 and did not in 2024, on the province's own dataset: 1,716 units against a 1,687 target in 2023 (exceeded), then 1,459 against 1,917 in 2024 — 76.11%, marked not met. The province has not published a 2025 figure.

What is Barrie's housing pledge?

In February 2023 the City pledged to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to facilitate the construction of 23,000 housing units by 2031. The verb matters: a municipality approves, builders build — the City's own pledge page notes about 30% of units approved since 2015 have been constructed.

How much is rent in Barrie?

CMHC's October 2025 survey puts the average purpose-built two-bedroom rent in the Barrie metropolitan area at $1,755 and a one-bedroom at $1,582 — averages across occupied and vacant units, not asking rents. A listing today runs higher: the July 2026 Rentals.ca/Urbanation industry report put Barrie asking rents at $1,874 for a one-bedroom and $2,164 for two.

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