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The proposed annexation of Oro-Medonte land by Barrie and Orillia is not merely a boundary adjustment — it is a direct financial burden on the taxpayers of our township.
This move would strip Oro-Medonte of 772 hectares (1,907.65 acres) of tax-generating land, reducing our revenue base while leaving our ratepayers to shoulder increased costs for maintaining infrastructure, emergency services and community resources.
Residents must recognize that this annexation will lead to a permanent increase in their tax burden. With a smaller tax base, fixed costs must be spread over fewer contributors, inevitably leading to higher property taxes or reduced services.
Additionally, the township is being forced to engage in legal and administrative battles to defend its fiscal interests — an expense that ultimately falls on the shoulders of Oro-Medonte taxpayers.
Where is our provincial representation in this matter? Doug Downey (incumbent MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, and attorney general) and Andrea Khanjin (incumbent MPP for Barrie-Innisfil, and minister of the environment, conservation and parks) have failed to stand up for the ratepayers of Oro-Medonte.
The provincial government, under their watch, continues to facilitate these land grabs without ensuring fair compensation or long-term planning for the residents who will be left footing the bill.
This situation is yet another example of the Ford government's reckless approach to land-use planning, as seen in the Greenbelt fiasco. The mismanagement of environmentally sensitive land and the prioritization of developer interests over responsible growth have put municipalities like ours in jeopardy.
As minister of the environment, conservation and parks, Andrea Khanjin should be leading the effort to protect our natural spaces, yet she has remained silent. It is time for Simcoe County to be included in future provincial protections to prevent further erosion of our rural character and tax stability.
As we approach the next provincial election, I urge Simcoe County voters to remember that neither Downey nor Khanjin has lifted a finger to protect our interests. Their inaction speaks volumes.
If we want accountable leadership that prioritizes the financial well-being of our township, we must send a clear message at the ballot box: representatives who fail to defend their constituents do not deserve our votes.
Tim Taylor
Oro-Medonte
