Local business priorities. Mayoral candidate responses.
Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026
The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce is bringing a business and economic lens to Barrie’s 2026 municipal election. Our focus is on the decisions that affect local businesses, jobs, investment and our city’s economic future.
We are a non-partisan organization and do not endorse candidates. Our role is to raise issues that matter to the business community and help voters understand how candidates would address them.
We will invite all certified mayoral candidates to answer the same questions on our four business priorities. To give every candidate an equal opportunity, questions will not be provided before their interview. Their video responses will be shared here to help Chamber members and the broader community make informed voting decisions.
The next municipal election is Monday, October 26, 2026.
Mayoral Candidates (Alphabetical Order)
Mayoral candidate video responses will be added here as they become available.
Alex Nuttall
Tanya Saari
Kay Sayer
Russell Tighe
Four Priorities for Barrie’s Economy
The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce has identified four priorities to guide our engagement in the 2026 municipal election. They reflect issues facing local businesses and the role municipal leadership plays in shaping a strong, competitive Barrie economy. Together, they provide a framework for the questions we are asking mayoral candidates.
1. Economic Resilience and Trade
Barrie businesses are facing higher costs, disrupted supply chains and continuing uncertainty caused by the trade conflict with the United States. Global conflict, including the war involving Iran, is adding pressure through energy, fuel, freight and input costs.
Municipalities do not control tariffs or foreign policy. They do influence procurement, approvals, economic development, infrastructure and advocacy. The City must use those tools to help businesses adapt, diversify and remain competitive.
2. Fiscal Responsibility and Value for Taxes
Businesses and residents expect transparent, disciplined management of municipal finances and clear value for the taxes and fees they pay.
Council must protect essential services and infrastructure while reviewing spending, measuring results and recognizing taxpayers’ limited ability to absorb continuing increases. Budget decisions should explain not only what the City spends, but what the spending achieves.
3. Business Partnership and Municipal Competitiveness
Businesses invest considerable money, time and staff resources to meet municipal requirements. Development charges, permit and licensing fees, administrative processes and approval timelines all contribute to the total cost of opening, operating or expanding a business in Barrie.
The City should work closely and consistently with the business community to identify unnecessary costs and delays. Municipal fees and processes must be regularly reviewed and compared with other communities to ensure Barrie remains competitive and does not inadvertently deter growth and investment.
4. Strategic Employment Lands and Competitive Development
Barrie’s expanded municipal boundary and newly incorporated employment lands create an opportunity to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the municipal tax base.
Incorporating these lands into Barrie is only the beginning. The City must plan, service and market these lands while keeping development charges, municipal fees and infrastructure costs competitive. If projects become financially unworkable or servicing is unnecessarily delayed, Barrie risks losing investment to competing communities.