Representation for the Township of Springwater has suggested it go ahead with the option of the Midhurst Expansion plan instead of the City of Barrie's proposal that would have it annex land from the Township in an effort to gain area for development.
The legal opinion came from Loopstra Nixon LLP in a letter, dated July 11, 2025, concerning the City of Barrie’s proposed boundary adjustment. Three potential options were outlined, which include the "Barrie Proposal," the "Midhurst Expansion," and a hybrid option.
In its conclusion, the firm said the compensation offered by the City of Barrie does not align with the potential value of the lands to the Township.
"Development of the Proposed Lands could likely proceed more efficiently and at a lower cost if they remain in the Township of Springwater," it said in its letter to Springwater council.
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Details of the annexation proposal were announced in May after it was presented to Springwater Council by Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall in September 2023.
The offered compensation in exchange for 4,373 acres of land included:
- Water and wastewater servicing to 453 acres of Springwater Township
- $7,500 per developable acre annexed, estimated to be 13,582,500.00
- Later increased by the City of Barrie on July 2 to $12,500 per developable acre annexed, estimated to be $22,600,000.00
- Investments of $100,000 per year, for five years, in dedicated economic development resources for Springwater
- 500 City of Barrie waterfront parking passes, valued at $90 each, for five years
- Access to City of Barrie recreation programs and facilities for five years
- Confirmation of the Mayor of Springwater as a member on the Conservation Trust for Little Lake.
In addition to falling short on compensation, Loopstra Nixon also concluded that the Midhurst Expansion option can effectively provide housing for Barrie, without annexing the proposed lands.
There were also other concern with Barrie's proposal, which include:
- No identified user or urgent need for annexed lands
- Compensation excludes non-developable land
- No ongoing tax revenue or other compensation
- Barrie’s ability to service Springwater’s 453 acres has not been demonstrated
- The same housing and employment uses can be provided by Springwater, and no explanation as to why Barrie must provide it
- No consideration of the fact that housing and employment should be considered
on a regional market area basis
A poll from January 2024 suggested that 73 per cent of Barrie area residents supported boundary expansion, which was seconded by 65.5 per cent of Oro-Medonte residents.
Loopstra Nixon referenced multiple precedents including that of the St. Thomas–Central Elgin transfer of 1,500 acres. In that case, an incoming Volkwagen gigafactory represented the urgent need for development, as 3,000 jobs were expected to be added to the area.
WHAT IS THE MIDHURST EXPANSION?
The secondary option is Springwater’s alternative growth plan. It would expand the Township's settlement boundaries around Midhurst to meet housing and employment needs, rather than letting Barrie annex and control those same lands.
Technical studies by the Midhurst Landowners Group (MLG) argue the expansion is faster and cheaper than Barrie annexation, while still meeting regional housing and employment needs.
According to the letter to council, the plan will provide a strategic location for employment lands along Highway 400, and balanced development potential for housing and job growth.
The Midhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) can also be expanded to accommodate the new growth. That would offset part of the City's offer to service the area north of Hanmer Street flanked by St. Vincent Street and a border parallel to Anne Street.
"The Barrie proposal is not fair, is not in keeping with principles applied in other
municipal boundary adjustments," says Loopstra Nixon.
It adds that this option offers more control and long-term benefits for Springwater, of which its resident will reap the financial benefits. However, further analysis and technical information will be needed.
