Barrie residents will elect their next City Council on October 26, 2026, and Ward 1 will have a new representative.
Current Ward 1 Councillor Clare Riepma is not seeking a third term, making the 2026 election an open race for Ward 1.
According to the certified candidate list, six candidates are running for Ward 1 Councillor in Barrie:
- Stefano Agostino
- Shaughna Ainsworth
- Brent Bowser
- Christian Cadera
- Hafiz Rahman
- Pauline Stevenson
With a new councillor being elected, Ward 1 residents have an important decision to make about who they want representing their neighbourhoods at Barrie City Hall for the next four years.
Brent Bowser for Ward 1 Councillor
I’m Brent Bowser, and I’m asking Ward 1 residents for the opportunity to be their next City Councillor.
I’m not running because I believe I have all the answers.
I’m running because I believe good decisions start by listening to the people affected by them, understanding the current situation and doing the work necessary to find practical solutions.
I spent 27 years at Honda Manufacturing, beginning on the production line before moving into engineering, quality and eventually factory-side project management.
That experience shaped how I approach problems today.
Learn. Understand. Act. Measure. Communicate.
It’s the same approach I want to bring to Barrie City Hall.
What Matters in Ward 1?
Throughout this campaign, I want to hear directly from Ward 1 residents about what is happening on their streets and in their neighbourhoods.
Some of the issues I’m hearing about include:
Public Safety
Residents should feel safe walking through their neighbourhoods, parks, trails and public spaces.
Public safety also means dealing thoughtfully with difficult issues such as homelessness, encampments, drug use and discarded drug paraphernalia.
I believe we need compassion for people who need help while also recognizing that our public spaces need to remain safe and accessible for everyone.
Responsible City Spending
Every tax dollar comes from someone who worked to earn it.
Before supporting major spending decisions, I want to understand the need, the long-term cost, the expected result and how we’re going to measure whether the investment actually delivered what residents were promised.
That doesn’t mean assuming City Hall is doing something wrong. It means asking good questions and making informed decisions.
Housing and Responsible Growth
Barrie needs housing, but growth affects existing neighbourhoods too.
Roads, transit, infrastructure and City services need to keep pace as our community grows.
When development is proposed, I believe residents should have an opportunity to raise their concerns and understand how those concerns are being addressed.
Roads, Sidewalks and Infrastructure
Taking care of what we already have matters.
I want to better understand the condition of Ward 1 infrastructure, identify the gaps residents experience every day and make sure priorities are based on actual need.
Parks, Trails and Public Spaces
Ward 1 contains some incredible public spaces.
My family regularly uses the North Shore Trail, and I’ve seen firsthand some of the issues residents have raised regarding vegetation, garbage, encampments and discarded drug paraphernalia.
These spaces belong to the community, and keeping them safe, clean and accessible should matter.
Accountability Shouldn’t End on Election Day
One of my biggest priorities isn’t a specific project.
It’s accountability.
If I’m elected Ward 1 Councillor, I want residents to be able to see what I’m working on and whether we’re actually making progress.
That means regular Ward 1 updates, accessible communication with residents, explaining important Council decisions and publicly tracking priorities and commitments.
If something is working, residents should know.
If something isn’t working, residents should know that too.
And if something we committed to can’t be accomplished, residents deserve an explanation.
Why I’m Running in Ward 1
My connection to Ward 1 is personal.
Although I live just one street outside the ward boundary, my children attend Codrington Public School, our family regularly walks the North Shore Trail, and much of our family’s everyday life takes place in Ward 1.
I want my children to grow up in a Barrie that is safe, well managed and full of opportunity.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to step forward.
I’m Starting by Listening
During this campaign, you’ll see me knocking on doors throughout Ward 1.
I’m not coming to your door with a list of promises.
I’m coming with a question:
What’s the one thing you’d most like to see improved in Ward 1?
I want to understand what’s happening on your street, what you believe City Hall is doing well and where you think we can do better.
Because whoever becomes the next Ward 1 Councillor in Barrie should understand the people they’re being elected to represent.
I’m Brent Bowser, and I’m asking for the opportunity to represent Ward 1.
Working for Ward 1. Together.
