Springwater Township could transfer 4,373 acres of land to the City of Barrie for long-term residential and employment growth. In exchange, the city would provide municipal and wastewater services to 453 acres in Springwater.
Details of the proposal were presented in a joint news release on Friday afternoon.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall says the development of these share principals is a critical step forward on this important issue for the region.
"We are running out of shovel-ready employment lands, which limits our ability to attract new businesses and create high-quality jobs for residents. This opportunity for Barrie to determine the use of our water and wastewater capacity in exchange for additional supply of employment and residential land is mutually beneficial to Barrie and Springwater, and I look forward to securing more employment lands to create more jobs for our area," Nuttall stated in the news release.
A key pillar of the framework is a commitment to environmental sustainability by confirming the mayor of Springwater as a member of the Little Lake Conservation Trust, which will ensure the long-term preservation and protection of these lands.
“Mayor Nuttall and I met to develop draft principles for a possible agreement between our two communities. These draft principles reflect discussions of Springwater Council this term and ensure overall benefit to Springwater Township. The principles include preserving and enhancing Little Lake conservation area, investments in Economic Development, cross border servicing and access to recreation for our residents," stated Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin.
Coughlin added that the deal will be presented to Springwater council and residents for discussion.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack praised Barrie and Springwater on "working together to deliver better results for the people they serve."
In the news release, Flack stated that mayors know the needs of their communities best.
