Simcoe--Grey

Simcoe--Grey is a large riding in central Ontario that straddles the western portion of Simcoe County and the eastern edge of Grey County, surrounding the city of Barrie to the north and west. The riding encompasses the towns of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and New Tecumseth, the municipalities of Clearview, Springwater, Essa, and Adjala-Tosorontio, and the Town of the Blue Mountains. It is a diverse mix of rural agricultural communities, small-town Ontario, and rapidly growing resort and retirement destinations along the southern shore of Georgian Bay.

Candidates

Terry Dowdall (Conservative) is the incumbent, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021 and 2025 for a third term. Born in Kitchener-Waterloo, Dowdall came to Simcoe County roughly 35 years ago when he purchased a general store in Baxter, which he still owns. He began his political career as a school board trustee before being elected councillor, then deputy mayor, and finally mayor of the Township of Essa. He served as a Simcoe County councillor for 15 years and finished his municipal career as Acting Warden of Simcoe County. He also served three terms on the board of directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. In Parliament, he has been a member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Bren Munro (Liberal) is a community activist, small business owner, and education professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. Born in Hamilton, she holds a degree from the University of Waterloo in English and psychology and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. Her career has included oversight of the Canadian Overseas Secondary School in Hong Kong, work as a union negotiator, and financial roles at CIBC and the Bank of Montreal. She has also served as a political researcher at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and written policy for the Ministry of Education. Active in the community, Munro has volunteered with the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, and the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club. She previously ran for the Liberals in Simcoe--Grey in 2021.

Jasleen Bains (NDP) stood as the New Democratic Party candidate in the riding.

Allan Kuhn (Green Party) and Giorgio Mammoliti (People's Party) also stood as candidates. Mammoliti was a long-serving Toronto city councillor and former Ontario NDP MPP who had crossed the political spectrum over his career.

About the Riding

Simcoe--Grey's economy is built on a combination of agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and the construction trades. The southern Georgian Bay shoreline, anchored by Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and the Blue Mountains, is one of Ontario's premier four-season recreation destinations, drawing skiers, cottagers, hikers, and beachgoers. Collingwood has transformed from its shipbuilding and industrial roots into a lifestyle and tourism hub, with a growing population of retirees and remote workers drawn by the area's natural beauty. Wasaga Beach, home to the world's longest freshwater beach, sees its population surge during summer months.

Further south, the riding shifts to a more agricultural and small-town character. The townships of Essa, Clearview, and Adjala-Tosorontio are defined by farmland, rural hamlets, and a growing number of commuters drawn by relatively affordable housing within reach of Barrie and the GTA. New Tecumseth, anchored by the towns of Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham, has experienced significant residential growth and is home to a Honda manufacturing plant that is a major employer.

In 2025, the riding's key issues reflected its diverse geography. Affordability and housing dominated the conversation, as rising home prices in the Georgian Bay corridor pushed out younger residents while the southern communities struggled with the infrastructure demands of rapid growth. Healthcare access was a persistent concern, with physician shortages and hospital capacity pressures felt across the riding. The US trade dispute generated anxiety among workers in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, particularly at the Honda plant in Alliston. Tourism operators and seasonal businesses navigated rising costs and labour shortages.