Simcoe Community Media
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Oro-Medonte Group Slams Barrie Annexation, Calls for Mayor Nuttall’s Apology Citing Hemson Report
Tensions ran high at last week’s Barrie City Council meeting as protestors from Oro-Medonte filled the chamber to oppose a proposed annexation of township land. The meeting featured a detailed presentation from Hemson Consulting Group, followed by impassioned pleas from residents and advocacy groups concerned about the plan's far-reaching implications.
Hemson’s presentation centered on Barrie’s long-term growth needs, as outlined in a comprehensive land needs assessment report. The findings highlighted the city’s challenges in meeting housing and employment land targets through 2051. Although Barrie has a theoretical surplus of employment land, the report stressed the critical shortage of market-ready, shovel-ready sites needed to attract businesses and spur economic growth.
The report also underscored the city's ambitious housing intensification strategy, emphasizing the need to build at unprecedented densities to achieve population targets in Barrie’s official plan. However, Hemson warned that the current rate of intensification falls short of the necessary trajectory, requiring significant adjustments in development patterns.
Oro-Medonte Residents Voice Strong Opposition
Protestors from Oro-Medonte expressed deep concerns about the annexation proposal during the public comment period. Jane Voorheis, a representative from the advocacy group Friends of the Future, described the annexation as a “short-sighted” approach to growth. She argued that it would destroy agricultural land, harm the environment, and erode the township’s rural identity.
“We’ve seen this before-Barrie annexed land from Innisfil over a decade ago, and much of that land remains undeveloped,” Voorheis said in an interview after the meeting. “The Hemson Report itself shows that Barrie has sufficient industrial land within its existing borders. Why is annexation the answer?”
Voorheis also noted that the proposed annexation would affect a small country road, a historic church and cemetery, and several residential neighborhoods near institutions like a college and a hospital. She called on Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall to apologize for initiating the annexation process, which she claimed had already cost Oro-Medonte taxpayers over $20,000.
Council Weighs Long-Term Growth Against Regional Impacts
Barrie City Councilors questioned the Hemson Report’s conclusions and debated the broader implications of annexation for both municipalities. Some members raised concerns about whether annexing additional land would solve the immediate challenges of infrastructure and market-readiness or merely defer them.
Deputy Mayor Robert Thompson proposed an amendment to increase Barrie’s land request to 4,000 acres. The amendment, which passed, includes provisions for protecting Little Lake and directs staff to expedite negotiations with neighboring municipalities and the province. A progress report on Stage 3 plans is expected by January 8, 2025.
Oro-Medonte’s Next Steps
Voorheis commended Oro-Medonte Council for its transparency and commitment to listening to community concerns. She emphasized that the council and residents would carefully review the Hemson Report’s findings on housing and population growth to ensure any future decisions align with the township’s values and priorities.
“This isn’t just about Oro-Medonte; it’s about protecting farmland, preserving the environment, and ensuring that growth is sustainable for the entire region,” she said.
As the dispute between Barrie and Oro-Medonte continues, the broader debate over balancing regional growth with environmental and community preservation remains a pressing issue for Simcoe County.
Переглядів: 6

Відео

Year-End Barrie Council: Crime Stoppers Funding Under Review, Postal Strike Impact on Residents
Переглядів 159 годин тому
The Barrie City Council and General Committee meetings on December 11 addressed a variety of issues, marking the final sessions of the year. Key topics included a funding request from Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka, strategies to mitigate postal strike impacts, and recognition of a retiring city official. Crime Stoppers Funding Request Reviewed The Barrie Police Service is evaluating...
Barrie to Explore Northwest Library to Support Underserved Communities and At-Risk Youth
Переглядів 614 годин тому
The City of Barrie is moving toward establishing a boutique library branch in the city’s northwest, following the model of the successful Holly branch in the southwest. The proposal, aimed at addressing a lack of community services in the area, received unanimous support during last week’s Finance and Responsible Governance Committee meeting. Councillors highlighted the importance of expanding ...
Barrie Approves 2025 Budget With No Operational Increase; Outdoor Rinks Open Dec. 21
Переглядів 10День тому
During last week’s City Council and General Committee meetings at Barrie City Hall, Mayor Alex Nuttall recognized local artist Gerlin Hasselman, whose piece, “A Barrie Christmas Wonderland,” won the 2024 Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest. Council members and attendees applauded Hasselman’s work, which will appear on the official card distributed by the City. The council meeting also marked a trans...
"There's Nothing Gentle About It": Residents Oppose 19 Homes to Replace 2 as Gentle Intensification
Переглядів 10714 днів тому
Ward 6 Councillor Nigussie, in whose ward the development is located, emphasized the importance of balancing neighborhood character with development needs. He noted that under the draft zoning bylaw, similar projects could proceed with fewer approvals. FULL STORY - During the Affordability Committee meeting at Barrie City Hall, residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed development at 127...
Simcoe County at a Crossroads: Tackling Housing, Homelessness, and Mental Health Crisis with Experts
Переглядів 5214 днів тому
Barrie and Simcoe County's community leaders, doctors, and health and housing advocates gathered for a panel discussion last week. In the presence of an audience at East Bayfield Community Centre, they discussed the intersecting crises of housing, homelessness, mental health, and substance use, emphasizing community-centered solutions and the systemic challenges hindering progress. The session ...
Lakehead University to Open Downtown Barrie Campus: STEM Hub to Address Labor Gaps, Drive Innovation
Переглядів 1221 день тому
Lakehead University is coming to Downtown Barrie in the fall of 2026. Last week, during the General Committee Meeting at Barrie City Hall, representatives from the City and the university presented their plans. The new STEM-focused campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, and software engineering. This initiative aims to add...
Barrie Council Denies Dundonald St. Development After Residents' Objections, Adopts Safety KPIs
Переглядів 2821 день тому
During last week's City Council meeting at Barrie City Hall, two significant matters were addressed. The first involved a proposed residential development at 19 Dundonald Street, which faced strong opposition from residents. The revised proposal, reduced to six stories and 50 units after feedback, was still deemed unsuitable due to concerns about density and its alignment with the city’s offici...
Overnight Protest Outside Barrie City Hall Highlights Plight of Homeless as Council Meets Inside
Переглядів 39Місяць тому
Last Wednesday, protestors braved the cold outside Barrie City Hall to highlight the struggles of the unhoused as council met inside. Community leader Celeste noted no response to their invitation for council members to join them in pop-up tents and experience a night without shelter. Christine Naylar, of Ryan’s Hope, emphasized the event's goal of raising awareness through solidarity. Communit...
Barrie Police Chief Highlight Strategic Progress, Criticize Media’s Role in Public Perception
Переглядів 40Місяць тому
During a recent city council committee meeting, Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston and his team presented an in-depth overview of the Barrie Police Service’s alignment with the city’s strategic priorities. The discussion emphasized the integration of public safety goals with municipal initiatives to enhance community well-being. Johnston highlighted the importance of data-driven strategies and p...
Barrie city council OKs sports field relocation, residents demand permanent waterfront protection
Переглядів 10Місяць тому
Barrie residents and environmental advocates gathered at City Hall last week to support relocating the proposed sports field away from the waterfront. Brian Miller, representing the Friends of Allandale Station Park, backed moving the field to Barrie Central Collegiate Institute at 125 Dunlop Street West but opposed a minimum two-acre parking lot allocation by the waterfront. Since July, the Fr...
Metis Minute: Kooshkopayiw Hamilton Art Show
Переглядів 45Місяць тому
Join host Samantha Loney as she brings you to the opening of the Kooshkopayiw Art Show at the Hamilton Public Library.
Metis Minute: November Events
Переглядів 41Місяць тому
Host Samantha Loney rounds up events happening in Region 7 for the month of November and announces the end of Metis Minute. To follow the Travelling Metis podcast visit travellingmetis.ca.
Lives at Stake: Barrie rallies in die-in protest to save ontario's supervised consumption sites
Переглядів 31Місяць тому
Lives at Stake: Barrie rallies in die-in protest to save ontario's supervised consumption sites
Barrie march for homelessness: community rallies for encampment support after eviction by City
Переглядів 372 місяці тому
Barrie march for homelessness: community rallies for encampment support after eviction by City
A Better Tent City in Kitchener Offers Hope and Inspiration for Addressing Homelessness in Barrie
Переглядів 4622 місяці тому
A Better Tent City in Kitchener Offers Hope and Inspiration for Addressing Homelessness in Barrie
Legacy of resilience: Honoring residential school survivor’s journey on Truth and Reconciliation Day
Переглядів 292 місяці тому
Legacy of resilience: Honoring residential school survivor’s journey on Truth and Reconciliation Day
A Visit to A Better Tent City: A Community-Driven Solution for Homelessness in Kitchener
Переглядів 1312 місяці тому
A Visit to A Better Tent City: A Community-Driven Solution for Homelessness in Kitchener
Metis Minute: Reconciliation Through Art
Переглядів 562 місяці тому
Metis Minute: Reconciliation Through Art
Barrie police say data-driven traffic initiatives lead to a 53% reduction in collisions
Переглядів 242 місяці тому
Barrie police say data-driven traffic initiatives lead to a 53% reduction in collisions
Barrie Council faces pushback over new housing units; residents raise concerns about privacy, trees
Переглядів 282 місяці тому
Barrie Council faces pushback over new housing units; residents raise concerns about privacy, trees
Metis Minute: October Events
Переглядів 432 місяці тому
Metis Minute: October Events
Barrie faces $60,000 loss due to development charge concessions; Rinomata Group's payment deferred
Переглядів 203 місяці тому
Barrie faces $60,000 loss due to development charge concessions; Rinomata Group's payment deferred
Metis Minute: Nuclear Waste Management Organization Community Engagement Session
Переглядів 243 місяці тому
Metis Minute: Nuclear Waste Management Organization Community Engagement Session
$10-a-day child care program: Simcoe County prepares for new funding formula and transition support
Переглядів 183 місяці тому
$10-a-day child care program: Simcoe County prepares for new funding formula and transition support
Metis Minute: Gravenhurst Public Dock By-law Amendment
Переглядів 273 місяці тому
Metis Minute: Gravenhurst Public Dock By-law Amendment
Metis Minute: Super League Barrie Finals
Переглядів 733 місяці тому
Metis Minute: Super League Barrie Finals
Metis Minute: Inside Berczy Park Encampment
Переглядів 1833 місяці тому
Metis Minute: Inside Berczy Park Encampment
Enhancing governance or reducing participation: Simcoe council restructuring and leadership reform
Переглядів 83 місяці тому
Enhancing governance or reducing participation: Simcoe council restructuring and leadership reform

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @ToastTea808
    @ToastTea808 14 днів тому

    Nimbys always have excuses

  • @leahdyck6127
    @leahdyck6127 19 днів тому

    Listening to what the County and City are doing to its residents is sickening. It's awful. It breaks my heart.

  • @BenMcneil-hk8xv
    @BenMcneil-hk8xv Місяць тому

    Did any of you people take any of the homeless in for the night? That’s what I thought

  • @JLeeSXO
    @JLeeSXO Місяць тому

    It's funny that the couple things they pointed out as perk have now become once had luxuries There is now a visitor policy in order to be able to be in the portable with the kitchen after 5:00 p.m. you have to have been approved by a resident and being given a bracelet in order to be in there and on top of that they are literally right now building a fence and getting us in.

  • @brettsullivan7462
    @brettsullivan7462 Місяць тому

    If India culture is that great , why you came all the way to Canada? A honest question from a ex-Indian living in Canada trying to assimilate with it.

  • @ToastTea808
    @ToastTea808 Місяць тому

    Safe Consumption Sites SAVE LIVES!

  • @SolarisZen
    @SolarisZen 2 місяці тому

    shame on "Grant Jessie" of "barrie ads" that runs the disgusting face book "group" "the concerned karens of facebook" and "at the scene" who have attacked our most vulnerable again and again

  • @ChrisPursel
    @ChrisPursel 2 місяці тому

    Such an awesome place and an idea that is catching on more and more. For all you NIMBY"S out there that say terrible things about cabin communities. Go and visit one and you will find a community of people that are helping each other and are happy. Thank you Nadene and all of you at A Better Tent City.

  • @CanadianFor1776--2
    @CanadianFor1776--2 2 місяці тому

    Liberals see Canadians living in sheds and tents and think "Hope and prosperity." Liberal/NDP supporters have totally lost the plot. 😂🤷‍♂️

  • @ToastTea808
    @ToastTea808 2 місяці тому

    so much for that "housing crisis"

  • @SolarisZen
    @SolarisZen 2 місяці тому

    Its not meta that banning news thats the problem. Its groups like "At the Scene" and "barrie concerned citizens" pushing propaganda lies and blatant racism and hatred that is the problem. Racism is against the law! Thus the police have an obligation to take these groups down and go after the admin, like any other CSAM material. The laws are the same!

  • @SolarisZen
    @SolarisZen 2 місяці тому

    Wrong on the speed cams. People have gotten tickets going BELOW the speed limit. Thus it is a toll!

  • @JuvyThaKid
    @JuvyThaKid 2 місяці тому

    Is the AGM open to non-citizen Métis as well or is it only for MNO citizens?

    • @SimcoeComMedia
      @SimcoeComMedia 2 місяці тому

      It is for MNO citizens in the Barrie catchment area.

    • @SimcoeComMedia
      @SimcoeComMedia 2 місяці тому

      You can contact tonymuscat@rogers.com to inquire about attendance.

  • @SolarisZen
    @SolarisZen 2 місяці тому

    NIMBY's at it again. If NIMBY's have the luxury to whine like this then the "housing crisis" is a myth

  • @JuvyThaKid
    @JuvyThaKid 3 місяці тому

    I live in Barrie, and right near Berczy Park, a big problem is that they keep eviciting people from areas but offer no real alternative for them, so they keep having to find a new place to camp and then inevitably get evicted from. The shelters are already overcrowded and underfunded, yet the city expects them to figure out more beds. Also, a lot of the shelters are only temporary placement for people. There's no permanent housing or program for houseless people. The city cares more about tourism and new condos than they do about helping the citizens that need help.

  • @theresafama4tlc
    @theresafama4tlc 4 місяці тому

    Thank you so much Samantha for sharing this.I've suffered with this for much of my life. I am from Thunder Bay Beach, Tiny, and, unbeknownst to me or my family, we spoke Michif Francais at home and in our community. I went to school in Lafontaine, and as said in the film, speaking Michif was frowned upon, and we were corrected. So we learnt the correct spelling and pronunciation, but it never felt natural, and we spoke Michif at home. I honestly had no idea we were speaking Michif until this past year. I was so happy when I discovered out that I printed a page of the French Michif language and shared it with relatives and friends. I explained that we weren't speaking awful French after all! WE WERE SPEAKING IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE: MICHIF! They were all startled, as well. I also have to admit that I probably wouldn't be able to write in Michif, but I can speak and read it. I look forward to getting more information and look forward to possibly join some of the classes when they are ready. “Miigwetch”

  • @laquestionmetis
    @laquestionmetis 4 місяці тому

    Il faut parle la langue pour l`apprend et la rappelez

  • @laquestionmetis
    @laquestionmetis 4 місяці тому

    très intéressant je comprend tous ca

  • @theresafama4tlc
    @theresafama4tlc 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing Samantha ❤

  • @AbigailLeBlanc-r1t
    @AbigailLeBlanc-r1t 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for this video, Region 7 is my home and its a powerful healing place and it all comes from community & traditions :) Miigwetch & Marsii

  • @uglmetis8768
    @uglmetis8768 5 місяців тому

    Samantha, if you send me an email I will forward the documents which pertain to Peter's claim on Hibou. Jim Stranks

  • @mickibelcourt7539
    @mickibelcourt7539 5 місяців тому

    Peter Coture has done more for the nation then most...marsee.

  • @V-gw8jt
    @V-gw8jt 5 місяців тому

    All your hard drugs are toxic, are you telling me nobody overdoses on your so called safe supply, lady i'm a recovered drug addict and i tell you the more they get the more they need to do, that's how they are overdosing, i spent 10 years addicted to painkillers and if i had been given a steady supply i sure as fuck would be dead already, instead i went to a recovery house, and not the 90 crap, it was long term. I spent 11 months in there, going on 14 years clean now. So don't tell me feeding them more drugs is the solution

  • @bennyblanco2523
    @bennyblanco2523 5 місяців тому

    just say no

  • @thedon5810
    @thedon5810 5 місяців тому

    gotta have palestine flag hangin.....lol....

  • @neurountangled
    @neurountangled 5 місяців тому

    Placing a stranglehold on a resource as valuable as the public library is ill-considered and strikes me as utterly tone deaf. Surely Council has more important things to do than hobble library staff?

  • @chunyanmi5643
    @chunyanmi5643 6 місяців тому

    Nowadays it's cheap to build a basic simple container, cabin shelter, or tiny house, without electricity and water is totally fine. At least it's safe and a place to call home. Why can't we allow people to have these simple cabins to call home? why leave people sleep on the street or in shelters that are full of violence and drugs? Cold is not the only threat, the violence, the drugs, the threat spread of desease... are all what homeless have to face,too. More mental health service is NOT helpful. People in addictions need a home to go back to, and always have a home. Having a home in their back, he will stop his addiction in his own strength. Mental health therapy is not his strength. Don't use mental health help to make it look like people are getting help. Mental health services are not helpful. Shelters are NOT helpful. Shelters are full of drugs, stabbings, aids, violence, spread of disease, stealings,...it's not an option and it's not hope, it's not home. People need HOME, not sleep outside, not mental health services, not shelters. People's recovery strength does not come from mental health services, or having a shelter to go to. Their recovery strength is from havivg a forever home. it's a forever safe place they can back up to whenever they need it. Don't lie and say that people are getting help because there are shelters and there are lots of mental health services. Stop these big lies. These young people who are in trouble of addictions and homeless will stay falling apart without home in their back and if their option is only about shelter and mental health services. People need HOME for life, not any temporary solution. Nowadays with the technology, it's easy to build a basic cabin out of plastic, wood, or steel. everyone can own one to call home for life, give the space to back up to at anytime.

  • @Christopher-d3z
    @Christopher-d3z 6 місяців тому

    Free chili

  • @ImaD-wp7mq
    @ImaD-wp7mq 6 місяців тому

    Hello

  • @gregmunro1137
    @gregmunro1137 6 місяців тому

    Barrie does not feel safe anymore , I won’t go out on my Own after dark..I have seen Barrie grow from 23,000 to what it is now. It’s a horrible place now, over priced under serviced- don’t move here unless you have deep pockets and want to live in fear . It use to be Torontos bedroom, now it’s a cesspool

  • @carmenmccauley585
    @carmenmccauley585 6 місяців тому

    Can't understand .

  • @janetbartholomew4227
    @janetbartholomew4227 7 місяців тому

    People please help them they don’t want to be homeless it’s what they have right now God bless them ❤️🇨🇦❤️

  • @petertrafford7677
    @petertrafford7677 7 місяців тому

    Wake up people .... when they got money for to kill people overseas & not for own ...... we gots a problem

  • @SuziBethBezeraj
    @SuziBethBezeraj 7 місяців тому

    God Bless

  • @gaylesuemedley-barton4217
    @gaylesuemedley-barton4217 7 місяців тому

    These people are in my prayers. 😢

  • @mickibelcourt7539
    @mickibelcourt7539 7 місяців тому

    I have a very hard time believeing anything this man says

  • @MarcMantha-k4j
    @MarcMantha-k4j 7 місяців тому

    Thank you Samantha. Appreciated reviewing harvesting with our Captain of the Hunt Greg. Well done.

  • @TheTradosaurus
    @TheTradosaurus 7 місяців тому

    Wearing a mask outdoors. 😂

    • @fauna3989
      @fauna3989 3 місяці тому

      Probably hiding a bunch of sores all over his face.

  • @annfoster6116
    @annfoster6116 7 місяців тому

    Canadians !!!

  • @JorgePerez-gj2iq
    @JorgePerez-gj2iq 7 місяців тому

    This guy is part of the problem probably paid by democrats who keep making up useless bureaucracy in order to justify their jobs in the guise of benevolence towards the poor or mentally ill.

  • @jamesdickson2422
    @jamesdickson2422 7 місяців тому

    We the homeless are not thought about if you have no addictions you cant get help its crazy they cant make money off you so its left up to you,i been homeless 6 yrs now been sober over 3 years did this own my own no help and work most my life gave money to help others now i need help not a chance they worry about every one else they let into our country its big money for them go to food bank what you see people new cars best dressed top line phones it crazy

  • @millyslife9170
    @millyslife9170 7 місяців тому

    Americans should be 1st

    • @8notoriusinquisitorius87
      @8notoriusinquisitorius87 7 місяців тому

      Barrie, Ontario...they are experiencing similar hardships to us here in America. Citizens FIRST, no matter which country. We pay taxes, we support our economy, we pay for the programs, we want citizens first.

  • @SamprazDoodles
    @SamprazDoodles 7 місяців тому

    I met a homeless girl last week. Asked her to walk a 5 min walk so we can chill in the park and she said 'is it okay if take the bus and meet you there'?😅😂😂😂😂😂 All in all my heart goes out to you lazy bastards.❤

  • @richthetrashpicker-upper5244
    @richthetrashpicker-upper5244 7 місяців тому

    I was homeless. I got me a job. Got back on my feet. Bought a car, you guys could do it too. Just get off your a**** Go to work like I did.

  • @2jow
    @2jow 7 місяців тому

    You shouldn't be there? You're not providing any "support"

  • @leeworsdell1410
    @leeworsdell1410 7 місяців тому

    money grab

  • @MarcMantha-k4j
    @MarcMantha-k4j 7 місяців тому

    Hi Samantha, having some really great feedback on the interview. Not just in the Métis Community, but the greater community at large who have viewed this! How adversity was turned into positive change, with an opportunity to get know the Métis side of Marc, and how it relates to how we support our community, and the greater community at large. Bravo on your series of interviews. See you down the river!

  • @musicalkayla16
    @musicalkayla16 7 місяців тому

    Jessica truly encapsulates all of the skills of a great leader. She’s a strong, empathetic, and determined advocate for the people. Her bright personality, intelligence, dedication, and passion sets her apart from the rest. I know she would excel in this role, and I hope she gets that chance! Vote for Jessica!

  • @MarcMantha-k4j
    @MarcMantha-k4j 7 місяців тому

    Thank you Marie Francis for sharing with us how to make this a better place for everyone. And thank you Samantha, see you down the river!

  • @karenlediard5298
    @karenlediard5298 8 місяців тому

    Well said