There is now an official race to be Barrie's next mayor.
Tanya Saari announced on Monday that she has thrown her hat into the ring.
In a media release, Saari said she is offering residents a practical, community-focused alternative rooted in honest affordability, safer communities, smart growth, stronger partnerships, and leadership that listens.
"Barrie is growing, but growth has to work for the people who live here," Saari explained in her news release. "Residents are paying more, but too many aren't seeing the improvements they expect in their neighbourhoods, on their streets, in our downtown, or in the services they rely on. Barrie deserves leadership focused on results residents can see and feel in everyday life.
Alex Nuttall filed his nomination papers in May, seeking a second term as mayor. He won the October 2022 municipal election and was sworn in as mayor the following month.
Saari's states that she brings experience in finance, business, housing, governance, and community leadership.
Her background includes nearly a decade in banking, small-business ownership, work in affordable housing and community development, board leadership, and years of involvement with local organizations across Barrie and Simcoe County.
"This campaign is not about being anti-growth, anti-business, anti-anyone," Saari stated in the news release. "it is a better way forward: practical, compassionate, financially responsible, and community centred."
The news release indicates she intends to focus her campaign on five key priorities:
- Honest Affordability — giving residents the full picture on taxes, fees, debt, reserves, user rates, and future costs.
- Leadership That Brings People Together — restoring trust, improving public engagement, respecting council, and making City Hall more transparent and collaborative.
- Safer Communities — creating safer public spaces for everyone, addressing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addictions with proven solutions.
- Smart Growth — making sure growth is planned responsibly, matched with infrastructure, and focused on livability.
- Services That Work for You — prioritize the everyday services residents depend on, such as road maintenance, snow clearing, sidewalks, and parks.
"Barrie families want a city that is affordable, safe, well-planned, and focused on people," Saari said. "Residents are telling me they are frustrated with the current direction of City Hall and want a more practical, collaborative approach. They want honest budgets, safer neighbourhoods, housing people can afford, infrastructure that keeps up, and leadership that listens before decisions are made."
Municipal election day in Ontario is on Oct. 26, 2026.
