Barrie's tip-top credit rating will last a while longer.
The City of Barrie confirmed on Wednesday that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has reaffirmed its AAA credit rating, the highest rating the agency gives.
In 2025, the city achieved AAA status for the first time, which allows it to borrow at lower interest rates, and reduce costs on major infrastructure projects.
“Barrie continues to be one of the few municipalities in the country to have the highest possible credit rating, thanks to continued work by our Mayor and Council,” Michael Prowse, the City of Barrie's chief administrative officer, said in a release.
“The City makes sound financial decisions, allowing us to maintain this strong credit reputation. Barrie is managing its budget while planning for future growth—this is supported by clear policies, a smart approach to capital planning, and skilled staff to help ensure the City's debt and available funds are well managed.”
Maintaining the high credit rating will help the city close an infrastructure gap that city staff estimates to be at $108 million.
The S&P report highlights Barrie's adjacency to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a reliable tax base to support city services and investments, and recent boundary expansion to support expected growth as traits that point toward its financial stability.
