News release - City of Barrie
A new poll by Mainstreet Research shows that 73 per cent of Barrie area residents support the city having sufficient land supply to attract new investments by major industry, while 77 per cent support allowing local manufacturers to expand locally, rather than move elsewhere. The results of the poll were first reported in iPolitics.
“Barrie has been one of the fastest growing cities in the Country for decades and we have the servicing and the ability to get this done,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “We need serviced employment lands to help our businesses to continue to grow and prosper and to create high-paying jobs for our region.”
The polling also showed that 65.5 per cent of Oro-Medonte residents support ensuring Barrie has enough land to spur industrial growth, including 38.8 per cent that strongly back the move.
“This is not about what’s best for Barrie – it’s about what’s best for our region,” added Mayor Nuttall. “Creating the future we all want for our children and grandchildren requires us to think beyond lines on a map. Decisions must be made based on what is right for the entire region. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has asked that Oro-Medonte work with the City, and we have formally extended the offer to the Township of Oro-Medonte to return to the table to find a local solution.”
The survey also found that 83 per cent of respondents support Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall’s efforts to bring more high-paying jobs to the area, while 60 per cent said the city doesn’t have a sufficient supply of good-paying jobs.
The automated telephone poll, conducted between Jan. 18 to 19, asked 742 Barrie and Oro-Medonte residents for their thoughts on local development and economic issues. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.6 per cent at the 95 per cent confidence level.
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360