The whole annexation process…

The whole annexation process was unneccessary. Barrie maintained that they needed the land to service new industry and supply housing for expected workers. Three points make that argument redundent. 1) An independent study showed that Barrie had sufficient industrial land for the next 5 - 10 years. 2) The surrounding townships (especially Innisfil) had commercial/industrial lands designated in their Official Plans so any new industrial requirements would be looked after. 3) The two Towenships in question have numerous (up to 20 years for buildout) subdivision plans on their books that will be more than adequate to answer demand. Does it matter were a business or residence is located as long as it is within the immediate area and close to amenities and within reasonable distance of job sites? We currently have people commuting from Midland to Alliston to work in the Honda plant and they have stated that they have no intention of relocating, quite happy with the commute.

Barrie's land grab is a brazen bare faced tax grab at the expense of the Townships of Oro-Mendonte and Springwater as well as Simcoe County. If you examine the history of Barrie 75-80% of it's boundary expansions over the last 100 years has been at the expense of Springwater (formerly Vespra) Township.
This whole thing has been nothing but political gamemanship at both the local and provincial level. The use of the "strong mayor powers" has divided councils and residence leaving a feeling of ill will in it's wake.