Janice Laking Obituary, Barrie Ontario Death at 97 – Former Mayor Remembered for Decades of Public Service and Civic Leadership
BARRIE, Ontario — Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking has died, prompting an outpouring of tributes for a longtime civic leader who devoted decades of her life to municipal government, education and community service.
Laking, whose age was reported as 97 by local outlets, served as mayor of Barrie from 1988 to 2000 after first entering municipal politics as a city councillor in 1972. Her death was reported by local Barrie media on September 30, 2026.
Her career coincided with a period of significant growth and transformation for Barrie, and her name became closely associated with several major civic initiatives that helped shape the city.
Remembering Janice Laking
Before entering municipal politics, Laking was an educator and coach in Barrie. She later brought that experience into public life, serving on Barrie City Council beginning in 1972.
After a 1978 unsuccessful mayoral campaign, she returned to council in 1980 and continued serving until she was elected mayor in 1988. She was acclaimed to another term in 1991 and returned to office through subsequent elections before leaving the mayor’s position in 2000.
Her 12 years as mayor placed her among Barrie’s longest-serving modern mayors.
Janice Laking’s Contributions to Barrie
Laking’s time in office included several initiatives that had long-term effects on the community.
She played an important role in the municipal purchase of the former CN rail corridor toward Bradford and Collingwood, helping preserve the railway route that later became important to GO Transit service between Barrie and Toronto.
She was also involved in efforts to transform the former Royal Victoria Hospital site on Ross Street into Victoria Village, a charitable, not-for-profit seniors’ community and mixed-use campus.
Other projects associated with her civic work included support for the relocation of the MacLaren Art Centre, development of a new police station and expansion of public library facilities.
A Lifetime of Community Service
Laking’s public service extended beyond City Hall. She later served as a citizenship judge and remained involved with organizations and causes connected to Barrie.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka previously honoured her longstanding contribution to the community, naming a space in its new facility in her honour. The organization described her as a former mayor, lifelong philanthropist and longtime supporter of the YMCA.
Even after leaving municipal office, Laking remained connected to Barrie and continued advocating for community issues, including matters affecting seniors.
Barrie Community Pays Tribute
Following news of Laking’s death, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall described her as a major figure in the city’s history and said her leadership helped define Barrie during years of substantial growth.
The City of Barrie also announced that municipal flags would be lowered to half-mast in her memory. Other political figures and former colleagues have also shared tributes recognizing her decades of service.
Her influence extended across healthcare, transportation, policing, libraries, the arts, education and community organizations.
Janice Laking Obituary and Legacy
Janice Laking leaves behind a legacy closely connected to the development of modern Barrie. From her first election to city council in 1972 through 12 years as mayor and her continued community involvement afterward, her public life spanned more than five decades.
While reports differ slightly on her age at death, local reporting described Laking as 97, while biographical records giving her birth date as December 23, 1929 would place her age at 96.
Her death marks the passing of one of Barrie’s most recognizable civic figures. For generations of residents, Janice Laking will be remembered for her determination, public service and lasting connection to the city she helped lead.
May Janice Laking be remembered with respect and gratitude, and may her family, friends, former colleagues and the wider Barrie community find comfort as they mourn her passing and celebrate her decades of service.