As federal and provincial governments prepare new rounds of infrastructure funding, Barrie is putting forward a list of priorities focused on unlocking housing supply, attracting jobs, and enriching community life — starting with critical upgrades to the city's wastewater systems.
Mayor Alex Nuttall said the city's top funding request is for the expansion of its wastewater treatment plant and related water infrastructure, describing it as a “no-brainer” investment that would directly accelerate housing development and economic growth.
“There are projects around the city where, if we can just get 500 meters of pipe in the ground, we could unlock thousands of new units,” said Nuttall. “These are developments that are already approved. All we’re waiting on is servicing.”