Major investments

A performing arts centre, a recreation complex priced at $410 million across ten years of capital plan, a university STEM campus downtown, a new library branch. Barrie's capital plan commits the next council to decisions this one made, and the arguments about it are mostly arguments about which number is being quoted.

Why do two correct numbers disagree about the same project?

Almost every dispute about a Barrie capital project is a dispute between two correct numbers. A project cost can mean the total cost, the City's share, or construction alone; a plan figure can be a ten-year forecast, a previously approved budget, or a single year's request. Quoting one against another is how most wrong claims about these builds get made, in both directions.

Every figure on the capital tracker carries its basis for exactly that reason, along with the reason each estimate moved where the documents give one.

What is Barrie building, and what does each cost?

Performing Arts Centre redevelopment. The long-running one, and the one with a variance this site does not yet publish: see below.
South Barrie Mixed Use Recreation Complex and Library — the largest line in the plan, about $410 million across 2026–2035, roughly $120 million of it in the first five years. The capital plan overview puts that first-five-year share at approximately 37% of all Buildings funding.
Barrie North West Boutique Library — $4.9 million, development-charge funded; see libraries.
STEM Hub campus, Lakehead University, and the Georgian College downtown campus contribution, both partnership lines rather than City buildings.
Sea Cadets relocation.

Sources: 2026–2035 Capital Plan (summary tables), City of Barrie. Original document. Per-project ten-year spending tables: total spent to Aug 2025, previously approved budget, and 2026–2035 by year. Retrieved August 9, 2026. 2026 Capital Plan, City of Barrie. Original document. Retrieved August 3, 2026.

The stadium that is not in the plan

The project Ward 2 candidates are quoted debating below, a downtown stadium for Toronto FC II on the former Barrie Central Collegiate site, announced in July 2026 for a 2028 arrival, appears in none of the capital-plan documents this page draws on. The 2026 plan predates the announcement, and the same Barrie Central site carries the Performing Arts Centre line on the capital tracker. Until a staff report or budget document states the City's share, its basis and its effect on that line, this site publishes no cost figure for the stadium; the candidates' own words on it are below, and the news coverage they respond to is linked from each passage.

Source: 2026 Capital Project Detail Report, City of Barrie. Original document. 241 pages, one detail sheet per project with project numbers. Retrieved August 9, 2026.

What has the Performing Arts Centre cost changed to? Not yet documentable

The Performing Arts Centre's cost has moved, and by how much is the most-asked question about any Barrie capital project. The documents that would establish the current figure and the reason for the change are council minutes from December 2025, which fall inside a gap in the City's public meeting record: no meeting records of any type are published for the stretch between late October 2025 and mid-January 2026, though meetings were held — the November 12 and December 10, 2025 budget approvals among them. A records request to the City Clerk is outstanding.

Rather than publish a figure from news reports and attribute it to the City, the capital tracker omits that variance and says so. When the minutes arrive the figure goes up with its basis, like every other.

What does the next council actually decide?

Nothing in a ten-year capital plan is beyond a future council's reach: forecast years carry no spending authority, and each year's budget re-opens them. The annexation adds servicing decisions on top, and the renewal shortfall competes with every new build for the same reserve contributions. A candidate who supports both a lower tax increase and an accelerated build has to say which of those three gives way.

2026 capital figures are as set out in the proposed plan; the capital plan was approved alongside the service-partner portion of the budget on December 10, 2025, but no approved capital breakdown has been published. See the tracker for per-figure bases and council votes where a recorded vote exists.

What the candidates have said

Verbatim, attributed, dated. Every passage below is copied exactly from an archived copy of its source — a campaign website, a news article, or the candidate's own social media post — and links to it. Nothing is paraphrased by this site and no for-or-against label is applied: read the words, follow the link. Passages from news coverage say whether they are the candidate quoted, the reporter's reported speech, or the reporter's characterisation.

Compiled in a research batch dated September 11, 2026, reviewed by hand before publication on October 8, 2026. Passages are capped at 60 words and listed newest first. Campaign pages are undated, so only the retrieval date is shown for them, and they sort by it. A candidate with nothing located on an issue is listed as such, with the date their sources were checked; a race is shown only once every candidate in it has been checked. See methodology.

Mayor

Alex Nuttall

Complete the recreation centres and Performing Arts Centre.

Source: alexnuttall.ca, Commitments page, 'Community, education and jobs', item 07 'Recreation and the arts'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. inferred site
I have a plan to advance these community infrastructure projects including a new south end recreation centre, two new libraries and a hospital expansion that will not create an undue burden on property taxpayers.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Nuttall hopes to 'stay the course,' see plans through, October 2, 2026 (paragraph 10). Read October 7, 2026. news

Show 7 more passages

Keep taxes low, deliver on projects including a new performing arts centre, soccer stadium and south Barrie recreation centre.

Source: As quoted in Simcoe.com, There are four candidates running for mayor of Barrie. Here's why they're running, what their priorities are, and why you should care, September 13, 2026 (under 'Alex Nuttall (incumbent)', 'What are your priorities?', first sentence). Read October 7, 2026. news
Nuttall says examples include reducing the budgeted performing arts centre from $167.5 million to $90 million, saving the taxpayer $77.5 million, while still delivering a state-of-the-art facility.

Source: As reported by barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 19). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
I don’t make promises I cannot afford to keep. The citizens of Barrie have asked for these investments and council listened,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 18, first quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news
Our council has taken a prudent financial approach to managing taxpayer’s money. I have led the budget planning process to ensure these investments are affordable.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 18, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news
Investments to public infrastructure should include recreation, parks and trails – not offices,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 21). Read September 11, 2026. news
Nuttall also pointed to more than $135 million in funding from other levels of government, along with investments in infrastructure including roads, a planned mixed-use recreation complex on a 100-acre site, two new library branches and support for a permanent YMCA location in the city’s south end.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Nuttall kicks off re-election campaign in Barrie, May 6, 2026 (paragraph 9). Read September 10, 2026. news reported
Nuttall outlined a vision for downtown Barrie that includes a planned performing arts centre, expanded post-secondary programming with Georgian College and upcoming Lakehead University STEM hubs, and additional cultural programming aimed at bringing people back to the core.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Nuttall kicks off re-election campaign in Barrie, May 6, 2026 (paragraph 13). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

Tanya Saari

Why would we spend tens of millions on vanity projects Downtown when people can't even get down their street in the winter?

Source: tanyasaari.ca, Commitments page, Commitment Three, intro block. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. site
Can we afford this now or is it something that needs to wait?

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Cost of living and taxes dominate Barrie mayoral Q&A at Grace United Church, October 7, 2026 (paragraph 8, second quoted sentence). Read October 7, 2026. news

Show 5 more passages

This might get controversial, but I would say not yet to the rec center,

Source: As quoted in Barrie 360, Barrie mayoral candidate Tanya Saari promises transparency, affordability focus and collaborative leadership, September 17, 2026 (paragraph 15, under subhead 'Affordability and spending under scrutiny' (subheads not counted)). Read October 7, 2026. news
Saari says these projects are not just a matter of want and need.

Source: As reported by barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 11). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
Every major project announcement seems to come with another significant investment attached to it, and I am genuinely concerned about what all of those commitments add up to.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 12, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news
It is whether we can afford all of them, at the same time, while still maintaining the roads, infrastructure and everyday services people rely on.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 14, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news
I am not prepared to say today that every project should move ahead on the current timeline,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 16, first quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news

Kay Sayer

We don’t have a money problem. We have a receipt problem,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news
The solution, Sayer says, is to put every project to a 24-hour public vote on individual cellphones.

Source: As reported by barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 9). Read September 11, 2026. news reported

Show 2 more passages

Defund politicians and businessmen. Defund $800 hammers,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 10, first quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news
If the 99 per cent vote yes, we build it. If not, we don’t.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 10, second quotation, first two sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

Russell Tighe

I am excited, but I’m also cautious about all of these buildings,

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 26, first quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news
All of these facilities going up in the same period of time, there’s questions in regards to locations, sacred grounds.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: How do mayoral candidates weigh high project costs with affordability?, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 26, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news

Ward 1

Pauline Stevenson

Every new capital project comes with a future operating cost. We need to understand the full cost to taxpayers before we commit.

Source: stevenson4ward1.ca, Home page, priority 05 'Responsible Financial Leadership', first paragraph. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site
Barrie is entering an important and exciting period of growth, with major community investments and infrastructure decisions ahead. We must balance planning for the future with our obligation to protect taxpayers.

Source: stevenson4ward1.ca, Home page, priority 05 'Responsible Financial Leadership', second paragraph, first two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site
Can projects be phased or delivered differently to reduce pressure on taxpayers?

Source: stevenson4ward1.ca, Home page, priority 05 'Responsible Financial Leadership', third paragraph, fourth sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for 5 candidates. Campaign website did not answer when checked (October 7, 2026): Stefano Agostino. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Shaughna Ainsworth, Brent Bowser, Hafiz Rahman. No campaign website on the City's list: Christian Cadera. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 2

Shanicka Edwards

An important part of my mission as councillor is to create a sense of community in our downtown, and a new stadium is exactly the type of investment our growing city needs, so I'm excited about it.

Source: www.voteedwards.ca, Stadium Announcement Response page, first paragraph of answer. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site
Parking, traffic congestion, and noise must be carefully planned for from the outset.

Source: www.voteedwards.ca, Stadium Announcement Response page, third paragraph of answer. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Show 3 more passages

Candidate Shanicka Edwards also supports the project, saying it aligns with her goal of creating a stronger downtown community.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 11). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
An important part of my mission as councillor is to create a sense of community in our downtown, and a new stadium is exactly the type of investment our growing city needs, so I’m excited about it.

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 13, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news
Parking, traffic congestion, and noise must be carefully planned for from the outset.

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 19, second quoted sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Craig Nixon

I'll continue supporting investments like the Barrie Stadium, Performing Arts Centre, post-secondary campuses, festivals, and events that attract people, grow local businesses, and create year-round activity.

Source: nix2026.ca, Ward 2 Priorities page, under 'A Stronger Downtown'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site
We have begun an incredible, positive transformation. The performing arts centre, a new stadium, Georgian College and Lakehead University campuses are just some of the initiatives that will bring new life and vitality to downtown.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, 'Incredible' work being done to improve downtown, says Ward 2 incumbent, August 29, 2026 (paragraph 9). Read September 11, 2026. news

Show 4 more passages

Incumbent Coun. Craig Nixon, who is seeking a second term, said the stadium will add new energy to downtown Barrie while building on the site’s sporting history.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 5). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
This stadium will be a huge part of revitalizing our downtown, especially the western portion,

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 6, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news
The stadium will attract thousands of people to the area on a regular basis and will result in many new opportunities for those who will choose to invest in new businesses within walking distance.

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 7, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news
Nixon pointed to council’s financial management, infrastructure investments and support for major projects as key accomplishments during the current term. He highlighted the planned performing arts centre, Lakehead University’s STEM Hub and Georgian College’s downtown expansion.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 race heats up, June 24, 2026 (paragraph 5). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

Ajmal Noushahi

Candidate Ajmal Noushahi said the stadium could become an economic driver for Barrie if successful.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 24). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
In my opinion, this investment has the potential to bring more jobs, attract visitors, create new business opportunities, and contribute to the long-term growth of our city.

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 26, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news
How will increased traffic, parking demands, noise, and large crowds be managed? What happens if attendance is lower than expected?

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 29, first two quoted sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

Tracy Strohm

Tracy Strohm, another Ward 2 candidate, said redeveloping the former Barrie Central site represents a major opportunity for the city and downtown.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 20). Read September 11, 2026. news reported
My initial reaction to having the Barrie Central property developed is what a great opportunity for the city and especially the downtown,

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 21, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news
I have received calls from residents with noise concerns. With modern sound technology this concern can be minimized.

Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 2 candidates back new stadium, but raise questions, July 18, 2026 (paragraph 23, quoted words). Read September 11, 2026. news

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Frank Casera. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 3

No published statement on this issue located for 4 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Amy Courser, Ben Hughes, Ryan Rijo. No campaign website on the City's list: Bryan Jones. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 4

No published statement on this issue located for 5 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Iradat Ahmad, Lori Galeazza, Arif Khan. No campaign website on the City's list: Matthew Corbett, Patrick Harriott-Stewart. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 5

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Duarte Da Silva, Robert Thomson. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 6

No published statement on this issue located for 3 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Nasar George Nader. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Nigussie Nigussie, Christel Pena. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 7

Gary Harvey

New mega 100 acre recreation centre coming to Barrie south

Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'GARY GETS THINGS DONE', twelfth item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site
Advanced a new downtown Performing Arts & Convention Centre and sports field with Toronto FC II relocating to Barrie

Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'THE FIVE POINT PLAN', 'INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS', fifth bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site
With the new south end community centre being merged into one mega 100-acre location this has saved tax payers $44M all the while providing more services than two smaller locations.

Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'ABOUT GARY', paragraph 3, first sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Michael Lewis. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 8

Amanda Fellows

Strong scrutiny of major spending decisions and long-term financial commitments.

Source: amandafellows.ca, Home page, 'My Platform', under 'RESPONSIBLE SPENDING', second bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Samina Alim, Jim Harris. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 9

Sergio Morales

Finally, we’ve been able to finally deliver on Barrie’s largest rec centre ever constructed, 90 per cent paid for by development charges, which is under construction as you read this.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Ward 9 incumbent says local parks have seen 'historical investments', September 17, 2026 (paragraph 7). Read October 7, 2026. news
Deliver on Ward 9’s overdue rec centre

Source: vision4ward9.ca, Home page, under 'Strong Vision', second item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. searched site
Among his priorities are advancing the planned multi-recreation centre and library branch at Huronia Road and McKay Road East, reviewing core municipal services and continuing efforts to address homelessness and drug-related issues.

Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 9 election race gains momentum, July 7, 2026 (paragraph 6). Read September 10, 2026. news context

Asmar Naveed

I will advocate for advancing a multi-purpose community and recreation facility serving southeast Barrie and Ward 9.

Source: asmarforward9.com, Ward 9 Forward page, item 1 'Advance a Southeast Community & Recreation Centre'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Dave Weingarten

Before we spend hundreds of millions on projects that benefit the few, we need to ensure we’ve taken care of the residents who gave us that money.

Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Councillors have power to keep Barrie affordable, says Ward 9 candidate, September 7, 2026 (paragraph 10, first sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Norm Costello. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 10

Bryn Hamilton

One of the most significant community investments ever made in south Barrie. The new facility will bring much-needed recreation, aquatic, library and community space closer to home for residents in our growing neighbourhoods.

Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'Delivering Results For Ward 10', under 'South Barrie Recreation Centre & Library'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site
Moved forward Barrie’s long-awaited new Performing Arts Centre

Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'Delivering For Barrie' list, fifth item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site
Brought professional soccer to Barrie – Toronto FC II will relocate to the city in 2028, with a new purpose-built downtown stadium.

Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'Delivering For Barrie' list, seventh item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: William Cadeau. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Georgy Kapustin. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

School board trustees

None of the 19 trustee candidates across 7 races has a located statement on this issue; trustees do not decide it. Their statements are on the education page, and each candidate's own page says what was checked.

Common questions

What major projects is Barrie building?

The capital plan's big lines: the Performing Arts Centre redevelopment, the South Barrie Mixed Use Recreation Complex and Library, the Barrie North West Boutique Library ($4.9 million), the Lakehead University STEM Hub and Georgian College downtown campus partnership lines, and the Sea Cadets relocation. Each figure's basis is on the capital tracker.

How much will the South Barrie recreation complex cost?

The South Barrie Mixed Use Recreation Complex and Library is the largest line in the capital plan: about $410 million across 2026–2035, roughly $120 million of it in the first five years. Forecast years carry no spending authority — each year's budget re-opens them.