Council and the Barrie Professional Firefighters Association (BPFFA) have approved an agreement for a five-year deal. City Council put their stamp of approval on the agreement at last night’s Council meeting. BPFFA ratified the agreement yesterday (July 23) as well. The agreement was reached between both parties on July 11, 2025, but remained tentative until ratified by both the Association members and City Council.
The agreement is from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028 and includes the following wage increases:
| 2024 | 4.4% |
| 2025 | Jan. 1, 2.25% and July1, 2.15% |
| 2026 | Jan. 1, 1.75% and July 1, 1.75% |
| 2027 | Jan. 1, 1.75% and July 1, 1.75% |
| 2028 | Jan. 1, 1.75% and July 1, 1.25% |
The increases are comparable to other fire departments in Ontario that have negotiated agreements beyond 2028. The contract also includes minor benefits increases.
"This agreement reflects a strong spirit of collaboration between the city and the Barrie Professional Firefighters Association,” said Barrie Fire Chief Kevin White. “It provides long-term stability, ensures our firefighters are supported while continuing to deliver excellent public service, and demonstrates what can be achieved through mutual understanding and a shared commitment to avoid a lengthy and costly arbitration process."
“The BPFFA is happy to have been able to work with the city to avoid a costly arbitration process with an agreement that continues our long-standing wage relationship with the Barrie Police, while also paying respect to recent freely negotiated settlements in the fire sector,” said Dan Speight, BPFFA President. “Our members value the stability this agreement provides and are looking forward to continuing to serve our community with professionalism and a dedication to public safety.”
The terms of the agreement represent a negotiated settlement that is within the parameters established by City Council, and which create stability until the end of 2028. By coming to an agreement, the BPFFA and the City avoided the need to go to arbitration, which can be a lengthy and costly process for each party.
Barrie Fire and Emergency Services responded to over 11,000 calls in 2024. In addition to Fire Protection, the Department delivers Fire Prevention, Public Education, Technical Rescue and Dispatch Services to the City and other municipalities resulting in revenues to the City.
