OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in reference to a story titled 'Oro-Medonte deputy mayor slams provincial process around Barrie border talks,' published Feb. 27.
The evidence against the annexation of Oro-Medonte and Springwater land has never been clearer.
With economic uncertainty rising, and tariffs looming, and the Hemson report confirming that Barrie has sufficient employment land until 2051, it is time to withdraw from facilitation talks and formally reject the proposed annexation.
At a time when local economies must adapt to new challenges from imposing tariffs, we cannot afford to waste energy on a land dispute that serves no clear benefit.
Instead of being caught in an exhausting cycle of defending our communities against shifting narratives, we should focus on sustainable economic collaboration that strengthens both Barrie and its neighbours while respecting local decision-making and land-density priorities.
Rather than annexation, we should be fostering economic partnerships that capitalize on the unique strengths of each municipality.
Barrie’s urban appeal and Oro-Medonte’s outdoor tourism offerings create a complementary regional destination — one that drives tourism, strengthens local businesses and encourages long-term economic resilience.
Working together, we can support smart, sustainable growth without compromising the integrity of our communities.
It’s time for responsible leadership from Oro-Medonte, Springwater, the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie to take action. Let’s call for an immediate withdrawal from annexation discussions and a renewed commitment to economic co-operation that benefits all parties involved.
Our focus, more than ever given the impact of tariffs and a predicted economic downturn, needs to be on strengthening our local economies — not on unnecessary land annexation.
Jane Voorheis
Oro-Medonte
