BarrieVotes.ca 2026 municipal election

Property taxes

Every candidate will have a position on the tax increase. The useful questions are narrower than the slogan: an increase in what, measured against which base, paying for which of the three things the bill actually funds.

Start with the record, not the promise

The City has stated a tax increase every year since 2013, and this site publishes each one in the City's own words rather than as a bare percentage, because the phrasing is where the meaning lives. Some years quote the increase on the City portion alone; some quote a blended figure including the education and service-partner shares; some quote the effect on a "typical" home whose assessed value is itself a moving assumption. Two rows showing the same number can describe different things.

Stated as one figure Infrastructure component Operations component Service-partner component

Property-tax increase by year, per cent, segmented into the components the City stated Jeff Lehman · avg +2.69%/yrAlex Nuttall · avg +4.21%/yr 0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 3.30% 2013 2.00% 2014 3.19% 2015 2.90% 2016 3.09% 2017 2.75% 2018 2.88% 2019 2.96% 2020 0.92% 2021 2.94% 2022 2.89% 2023 4.85% 2024 4.28% 2025 4.80% 2026
Property-tax increase by year, per cent, segmented into the components the City stated Jeff Lehman · avg +2.69%/yrAlex Nuttall · avg +4.21%/yr 2013 3.30% 2014 2.00% 2015 3.19% 2016 2.90% 2017 3.09% 2018 2.75% 2019 2.88% 2020 2.96% 2021 0.92% 2022 2.94% 2023 2.89% 2024 4.85% 2025 4.28% 2026 4.80%
Per cent. Through 2018 and in 2021–2022 the City stated one figure, drawn whole; every segmented bar is a sum of stated components, derived. Segment meanings shift with the City's own wording: 2019's operations figure is "City services" alone, 2020's includes the service partners, 2023's infrastructure piece is the levy-funded half of a 2% rise, and the 2023–2026 partner components are requests the City never restated as approved (2024's release notes "several amendments"). Every year from 2013 to 2026 has at least one stated component, so no bar is missing. In 2017 and 2018 the City stated both a total and its City-services component, so those two bars draw split, with the infrastructure remainder its own arithmetic; infrastructure sits at the bottom of every stack so the eras compare like with like. The names above the bars are the mayor in office when each year's budget was set, from the results archive, with the average of the charted yearly increases over that mayor's budgets — an average of partly derived figures, derived itself. The full record, each year in the City's own phrasing: property tax increases.

Three bills arrive as one

A Barrie property tax bill funds the City, the service partners (police, library, county and health services among them) and the Province's education tax. Council sets the first, sets only the total for police (see policing), and does not set the education rate at all. A promise to "freeze taxes" therefore reaches only part of the bill, and a candidate should be able to say which part.

The 2026 property tax total, split the way the budget book splits it.

What pushes the number up

Sources: Infrastructure Investment Funding (2026 Business Plan & Operating Budget), City of Barrie. Original document. One page. States the $6.4M IIF contribution represents a 2% tax levy increase. Retrieved August 9, 2026. Service Partners Budget and Financial Overview 2026, City of Barrie. Original document. Covers the Barrie Police Service, County of Simcoe, library and other partner budgets as presented to the City. Retrieved August 9, 2026. Staff Report CCS-010-2026 — 2026 Tax Rates, City of Barrie — Legislative and Court Services, dated April 22, 2026. Original document. States verbatim that Council approved the City portion of the 2026 budget on 2025-11-12 under Motion 25-G-236 (as amended) and the Service Partner portion on 2025-12-10 under Motions 25-G-259 and 25-G-261 (as amended), and that both established the total property tax levy requirement at $338,922,579. Adopted by Council 2026-04-29 as motion 2026-A-071. Both approving motions were "as amended", so nothing about the per-line split survives from the requested documents without its own source. Retrieved August 11, 2026.

The 2026 caveat, narrowed. Council approved the City portion on November 12, 2025 and the service-partner portion on December 10, 2025, together setting the total property tax to be raised — the "levy requirement" — at $338,922,579. So the total is approved and the rates are approved. What is still unpublished is the approved breakdown: the budget documents describe a proposed split, both approving motions carried "as amended", and the minutes that would show the amendments fall inside a gap in the City's public meeting record. Per-line 2026 amounts on this site are therefore the requested ones.

Also relevant: water and wastewater rates, which are billed separately and rise on their own schedule, and what the next council will be paid.

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 September 11, 2026. Passages are capped at 60 words. Campaign pages are undated, so only the retrieval date is shown for them. 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

  • The mayor highlighted several financial measures, including the cancellation of a four-per-cent stormwater charge, the freezing of operational tax increases and a reduction of roughly 20 per cent in city debt.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Nuttall kicks off re-election campaign in Barrie, May 6, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

  • We’ve worked hard to keep costs down at City Hall. We eliminated the 4 per cent rain tax increase and delivered one of the lowest tax increases in the province

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Mayoral candidates’ visions for homelessness & affordability, August 28, 2026 (paragraph 5, first quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news

Show 3 more passages

Tanya Saari

  • Local households face soaring property taxes while public safety and infrastructure suffer. Barrie requires a mayor committed to financial transparency and honest talk, giving every resident a voice in our city's governance.

    Source: tanyasaari.ca, Home page, second block under the headline. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Our taxes are up 16% over four years. That’s the biggest increase in years.

    Source: tanyasaari.ca, Home page, Priorities, under 'Honest Affordability'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Show 5 more passages

  • Headline tax freeze, hidden cost increases

    Source: tanyasaari.ca, Home page, 'A different kind of leadership', under 'Current approach' (list item). Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Her campaign priorities include what she calls “honest affordability,” which would provide residents with a focus on taxes, fees, debt, reserves, user rates and future costs.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Second candidate jumps into Barrie mayoral race, July 9, 2026 (paragraph 12). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

  • I want us to take a hard look at what we’re spending, what we’ve already committed to, and what we can realistically afford over the next four years

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Mayoral candidates’ visions for homelessness & affordability, August 28, 2026 (paragraph 22). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • People are already feeling stretched. We can’t just keep adding things to the tax bill and assume people can absorb it.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: Mayoral candidates asked about top issues facing city, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 10, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • We need to focus on what matters most, spend carefully and sometimes be willing to say ‘not yet.'

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, BARRIE ELECTION: Mayoral candidates asked about top issues facing city, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 11, second quotation). Read September 11, 2026. news

Kay Sayer

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Russell Tighe. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 1

Stefano Agostino

  • We also need to rethink how the city generates revenue. Property taxpayers shouldn’t automatically be expected to carry the burden of rising costs year after year.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Ward 1 candidate says Barrie residents 'want action' on safety issues, August 28, 2026 (paragraph 10, first two sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • We need smarter ways to attract investment, generate revenue, improve efficiency and protect taxpayers while delivering the services residents rely on.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Ward 1 candidate says Barrie residents 'want action' on safety issues, August 28, 2026 (paragraph 10, third sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Shaughna Ainsworth

  • Every dollar matters. I am committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions that respect taxpayers and invest wisely in the services and infrastructure our community depends on.

    Source: ainsworth4ward1.ca, Platform page, section '03 Protecting Your Tax Dollars', intro paragraph. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Good government isn't about spending more, it's about spending smarter.

    Source: ainsworth4ward1.ca, Platform page, section '03 Protecting Your Tax Dollars', second bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Show 2 more passages

  • Residents deserve a council that spends wisely, plans carefully and puts community needs first.

    Source: ainsworth4ward1.ca, Platform page, section '03 Protecting Your Tax Dollars', third bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • I will always work to keep property taxes as low as possible and ensure taxpayers receive value for every tax dollar spent.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Ainsworth running on safety, accountability in Ward 1, August 25, 2026 (paragraph 6, after the 'Tax dollars:' label). Read September 11, 2026. news

Brent Bowser

  • Every tax dollar should have a purpose. Understand the need, consider the long-term cost, measure the results, and make sure residents are getting real value from the money the City spends.

    Source: brentbowser4ward1.com, Priorities page, 'Taxes & City Spending', My approach. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • Ask the hard questions about City spending. Understand the business case, long-term costs and expected payback before committing taxpayer dollars, then measure whether the investment actually delivers what residents were promised.

    Source: brentbowser4ward1.com, Priorities page, 'Taxes & City Spending', How I'll advocate. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

Pauline Stevenson

  • I will ask the tough questions at City Hall. Are we exploring other municipal revenue opportunities that don’t simply rely on property taxes?

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

  • Are there efficiencies that can be realized at City Hall through AI and other technological advancements?

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

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Christian Cadera. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (September 10, 2026): Hafiz Rahman. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 2

Frank Casera

  • Every dollar the City spends represents someone's hard work. Keeping property taxes as low as reasonably possible matters because people need to be able to afford to live, work and invest in Barrie.

    Source: buildbarriebetter.com, Prosperity page, paragraph beginning 'Every dollar the City spends'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • That means looking at each investment on its merits, making better use of development charges and other funding opportunities, and being willing to ask difficult questions about how public money is spent.

    Source: buildbarriebetter.com, Prosperity page, paragraph beginning 'We need to ask whether the services'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Shanicka Edwards

  • These numbers point to a growing affordability problem. Residents deserve a councillor who will examine spending carefully, ask difficult questions and protect essential services while respecting the limits of household budgets.

    Source: www.voteedwards.ca, Stats & Solutions page, under 'Four Years. Four Property Tax Increases.', closing paragraph. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Affordability is one of the defining issues in this election. After four consecutive property-tax increases, residents deserve responsible oversight of city spending and a councillor who understands that every increase affects homeowners, renters, seniors and small businesses.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Ward 2 candidate says affordability among 'defining issues' this election, September 3, 2026 (paragraph 6). Read September 11, 2026. news

Ajmal Noushahi

  • Speak for residents and break down exactly where property tax dollars go — police, garbage collection and more — so every dollar is understood.

    Source: voteforajmal.ca, Platform page, under 'Budget Transparency'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Budget transparency isn’t a slogan — it’s a duty. I’ll break down every part of your tax bill, from policing to garbage collection, so residents understand their dollars and can hold City Council accountable.

    Source: voteforajmal.ca, Your Taxes page, under 'Where Your Taxes Go', first paragraph. 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 (September 10, 2026): Craig Nixon. No campaign website on the City's list: Tracy Strohm. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 3

Amy Courser

  • Residents deserve to understand how decisions are made, how their tax dollars are being used and how proposed changes will affect their neighbourhoods.

    Source: amy4ward3.com, About page, line 10 of the archived text, first sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • That means protecting taxpayers while recognizing that municipal services directly affect people’s quality of life.

    Source: amy4ward3.com, About page, under 'People First, Community Always', line 27, first sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

Ben Hughes

  • I will support responsible spending, careful taxation and practical decisions that help make life in Barrie more attainable.

    Source: benhughesbarrie.ca, Affordability page, paragraph 2, last sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Ryan Rijo

  • Municipal government has a responsibility to spend taxpayers' money carefully. Before increasing taxes, we should look for efficiencies, reduce unnecessary spending and duplication, and ensure essential frontline services remain the priority.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Baseball helps shape Ward 3 candidate's attitude toward teamwork, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 12, second and third sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Bryan Jones. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 4

Iradat Ahmad

Arif Khan

  • A commitment to responsible spending and common-sense decision-making

    Source: arifforward4.ca, Home page, under 'What I Will Bring to Ward 4', fourth bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. inferred site

  • When it comes to government; the city must serve the people effectively, efficiently, respecting value for hard-earned tax dollars, and act in the interest of the people it serves. This includes delivering on intelligent investment.

    Source: arifforward4.ca, Home page, under 'ABOUT ARIF', third paragraph. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. inferred site

No published statement on this issue located for 3 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Matthew Corbett, Patrick Harriott-Stewart. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (September 10, 2026): Lori Galeazza. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 5

Robert Thomson

  • I'm running for re-election to continue to be able to deliver results for the residents of Ward 5. Keeping property taxes low, paving roads, and focusing on our downtown's growth are the way we're going to keep Barrie as one of the greatest cities across Ontario.

    Source: thomsonward5.ca, Home page, quoted block under 'What we've accomplished together'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • ✔ Four consecutive years of 0% operational budget increases

    Source: thomsonward5.ca, Accomplishments page, 'Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure', first check item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • ✔ Achievement of Barrie's first-ever AAA credit rating

    Source: thomsonward5.ca, Accomplishments page, 'Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure', second check item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (September 10, 2026): Duarte Da Silva. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 6

Nigussie Nigussie

  • 0 % increase in operational budget (4 years)

    Source: www.votenigussie.ca, Results page, under 'Responsible Leadership', bullet 1. 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: Nasar George Nader. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (September 10, 2026): Christel Pena. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 7

Gary Harvey

  • 0% operating tax increase for four straight years

    Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'THE FIVE POINT PLAN', 'AFFORDABLE PLACE TO LIVE', first bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • Gained AAA credit rating while ensuring 0% operating increase

    Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'THE FIVE POINT PLAN', 'RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE', second bullet. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • Through his work as Chair the city has reduced debt by 20%, increased reserves by 57% and achieved a AAA credit rating for the first time in the city's history.

    Source: garyharvey.ca, Home page, under 'ABOUT GARY', paragraph 2, third 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 September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 8

Jim Harris

  • I will make sure that our money is spent efficiently and properly, with plenty of public feedback .

    Source: votejimforward8.ca, Key Issues page, under 'Efficient Services & Quality Facilities (Your Taxes)', sentence 3. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Everyone should expect value for their tax dollar.  One way of demonstrating this is ensuring the City provides it citizens quality facilities and efficient public services.

    Source: votejimforward8.ca, Key Issues page, under 'Efficient Services & Quality Facilities (Your Taxes)', last two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Amanda Fellows

  • Barrie residents are facing increasing costs everywhere they turn. Property taxes are part of that pressure, and Council has a responsibility to demonstrate that residents are receiving real value for the money they contribute.

    Source: amandafellows.ca, Home page, 'My Platform', under 'RESPONSIBLE SPENDING', paragraph 1. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Responsible spending doesn't simply mean cutting services. It means setting priorities, measuring results and being willing to question spending when the value isn't clear.

    Source: amandafellows.ca, Home page, 'My Platform', under 'RESPONSIBLE SPENDING', paragraph 2. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Investment in core infrastructure and services before unnecessary extras.

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

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Samina Alim. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 9

Norm Costello

Show 2 more passages

Asmar Naveed

  • Residents deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used responsibly. I will scrutinize City spending, support responsible budgeting, and consider the impact that tax and fee increases have on residents before voting at Council.

    Source: asmarforward9.com, Priorities page, under 'Affordability & Responsible Spending'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Dave Weingarten

  • “I was motivated by seeing the increases in our property taxes, and knowing that a great city like Barrie can do better for its residents,”

    Source: As quoted in CompassNews, Ward 9 election race gains momentum, July 7, 2026 (paragraph 11). Read September 10, 2026. news

  • Weingarten , a Ward 9 resident and local videographer, said rising property taxes and affordability concerns motivated him to enter the race.

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

Show 5 more passages

  • If elected, he said he would work with council to keep tax increases to a minimum while ensuring residents have a stronger voice on planning and development decisions.

    Source: As reported by CompassNews, Ward 9 election race gains momentum, July 7, 2026 (paragraph 13). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

  • 'Overall, I am an advocate for using our tax dollars to benefit Barrie residents. Not tourists. Not developers,' says Dave Weingarten

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Councillors have power to keep Barrie affordable, says Ward 9 candidate, September 7, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Councillors have the power to keep Barrie affordable by keeping property taxes as low as possible, and that’s what I intend to do. Property taxes barely increased in 2021.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Councillors have power to keep Barrie affordable, says Ward 9 candidate, September 7, 2026 (paragraph 3, first two sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Secondly, I will advocate for financial austerity, spending our tax dollars more wisely, and do everything within my control to keep our property taxes as low as possible. That means voting "NO" on wasteful initiatives and unnecessary projects that cost millions and raise our property taxes.

    Source: daveweingarten.ca, Home page, paragraph 3, first two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • During a time when inflation has caused us all to tighten our belts, work harder, and sacrifice more, I believe that government should also be held to those same restraints, rather than spending our tax dollars freely and causing our property taxes to increase.

    Source: daveweingarten.ca, Home page, paragraph 3, third sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (September 11, 2026): Sergio Morales. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 10

Bryn Hamilton

  • Respect taxpayers by challenging unnecessary spending, looking for efficiencies and ensuring City investments deliver value while protecting the services residents rely on.

    Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'My Commitment', under 'Affordability & Responsible Spending'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Delivered four consecutive years of 0% operational budget increases

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

  • Increased City reserves by 25% while reducing debt by 25% over the past four years

    Source: brynforbarrie.ca, Home page, 'Delivering For Barrie' list, third 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 (September 10, 2026): Georgy Kapustin. Indexed news coverage checked September 11, 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

Has Barrie raised property taxes every year?

The City has stated a tax increase every year since 2013. This site publishes each one in the City's own words rather than as a bare percentage, because the phrasing is where the meaning lives — the full record is at property tax increases.

What does a Barrie property tax bill pay for?

Three things arriving as one bill: the City, the service partners (police, library, county and health services among them), and the Province's education tax. Council sets the first, sets only the total for police, and does not set the education rate at all — the split is at the budget page.

Why do candidates quote different tax increase numbers?

Because the same year's increase can be stated on different bases: some years quote the City portion alone, some a blended figure including the education and service-partner shares, some the effect on a "typical" home. Two numbers that disagree can both be correct descriptions of different things.