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Ontario is helping ensure families in the Simcoe area enjoy livable communities and strong economic growth over the next 20 years.

The Simcoe area is growing. By 2031 the population is forecast to be 667,000 people. In addition, 73,300 new jobs are forecast for the Simcoe area between today and 2031. The province is proposing to help support the expected growth in the area by:

• Identifying six urban areas where major growth can be focused;
  
• Providing population and employment growth forecasts for all Simcoe-area communities;
  
• Requiring communities to assess the land they need to meet forecasted growth, and managing the supply of land available for development;
  
• Identifying industrial employment areas along Highway 400 to support job creation, particularly for manufacturing and industrial activities;
  
• Identifying economic employment districts that can support significant local employment.
  

The government is seeking feedback on these proposed changes. Interested parties and individuals are invited to share their comments by January 31, 2011. Opportunities to comment on the proposed changes will ensure that today's Simcoe area residents have a chance to make their voices heard.

The proposed changes are part of the Open Ontario plan to help create jobs, limit sprawl and strengthen municipalities in the Simcoe area. They will also protect the environment and reduce the pressure on local natural areas and agricultural land.

 “The proposed amendment seeks to implement the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, while balancing the diverse needs of Simcoe County and local municipalities in such a way that all residents may realize the benefits of future growth. At the same time, the proposed amendment will protect the environment from the potentially harmful effects of unmanaged growth.”
- Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

“Through the proposed amendment, the province has taken a leadership role in ensuring a strong, livable and prosperous Simcoe now, and for generations to come.”
- Aileen Carroll, MPP for Barrie

“I am very encouraged by the Government’s release of the Proposed Amendment.  Acting now will ensure that we grow in a sustainable manner that protects our valuable resources and preserves the quality of life we enjoy in Simcoe County.” 
-- Michael MacEachern, Mayor of New Tecumseth

“We are pleased to see that many of the County’s comments on the Vision paper have been incorporated in the Province's proposed amendment.  We feel there is more work to be done but we look forward to participating and moving ahead. “
-- Cal Patterson, Warden of Simcoe County

• The forecasted population of 667,000 by 2031 in Simcoe would be an increase from 437,100 in 2006.
• Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth was released in June 2009. It received more than 100 submissions from a broad range of interested parties, including municipalities, Aboriginal communities, landowners and developers, the environmental sector, the agricultural sector, provincial ministries and residents.
• The Simcoe Vision paper builds on the award-winning Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006. It proposes a strategy for the Simcoe area including Simcoe County, the City of Barrie and the City of Orillia. It provides direction on managing the rapid growth that is occurring in this complex area governed by multiple municipal governments.
• The Simcoe area has a diverse economic base that includes agriculture, resource-based industries, manufacturing, research and creative industries and a strong service sector.

LEARN MORE

Read the Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

See what the Government’s vision is for the Simcoe area.

Guiding Growth in the Simcoe Area