Grey clouds and icy branches once plunged Barrie into darkness, but today, the city’s influence flickers across Ontario’s energy future as mayor Alex Nuttall joins a provincial drive reshaping how electricity flows to homes and businesses.
Alex Nuttall, mayor of Barrie, now stands among energy heavyweights on Ontario’s new Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE). Announced by Stephen Lecce, minister of energy and mines, the panel is tasked with charting a stable, affordable path for electricity distribution that matches the province’s ambitions.
Alongside Nuttall, the panel includes Anthony Haines of Ontario Power Generation, Paula Conboy, and David MacNaughton, all guided by former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz. The goal is clear: ensure the infrastructure beneath the wires keeps up with surging demand, especially as electric vehicles and household electrification stretch capacity well beyond today’s limits.
Nuttall argues that while Ontario has poured effort into generating more electricity, the pressing question is not just how much power is made, but whether the system can deliver it where it’s needed most. He points to the ‘last mile’—the final stretch of distribution, mostly owned by municipalities like Barrie—as a weak link in the chain when storms hit or consumption spikes.
“It’s essential to ensure proper infrastructure is put in place inside of the last mile of delivery,” Nuttall stated, emphasizing how local ownership means municipalities are uniquely positioned to spot both opportunities and obstacles invisible to distant policy planners.
Having Barrie’s mayor on the panel signals a recognition that energy solutions must fit municipal realities. For Barrie, this is more than a seat at the table; it’s a chance to help steer decisions that shape the city’s resilience and keep citizens’ lights on, even when skies turn grey.
The PULSE panel’s work begins in days, with Nuttall determined to ensure that local insight carries real weight as Ontario debates how best to power its future.
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Barrie mayor joins Ontario panel to strengthen electricity distribution
