Janice Laking Obituary: Former Barrie Mayor Dies at 97

The Barrie community is mourning the passing of former mayor Janice Laking, a longtime public servant who helped lead the Ontario city through a period of major growth. Laking died at the age of 97, according to reports from BarrieToday and tributes shared by local political figures.

Laking became a member of Barrie City Council in 1972, when councillors were known as aldermen. She later served as mayor from 1988 until 2000, becoming one of the longest-serving mayors in the city’s history.

Former councillor Dave Morrison remembered Laking as a remarkable public figure who combined determination with compassion. Former councillor Barry Ward also paid tribute to her dedication to Barrie, describing her as someone who consistently worked to make the city a better place.

Her death has prompted tributes from people who worked with her, knew her personally, and followed her decades of service to the community.

Janice Laking’s Political Career and Legacy

Laking was mayor during a period when Barrie experienced tremendous growth. She was re-elected in 1991, when she was acclaimed, and again in 1994 and 1997. Her final mayoral election came in 2000, when she lost the position to Jim Perri.

One of the major accomplishments associated with her time as mayor was the effort to preserve the railway line between Barrie and Bradford. When CN Rail planned to remove the tracks, Laking and the city worked with the provincial government to purchase the line. The province contributed $2 million while Barrie provided the remainder of the $3.1 million purchase price.

The effort helped preserve the rail connection that later supported GO Transit service to Barrie.

Laking’s public service extended beyond municipal politics. She was a teacher and physical education coach at Barrie North Collegiate from 1960 to 1988, leaving the school when she became mayor.

She also supported several community causes, including women in public office, the MacLaren Art Centre and the YMCA. A gallery at the MacLaren Art Centre bears her name.

Laking also contributed to the Sir Robert Barrie Project, which celebrated the city’s namesake and helped establish Sir Robert Barrie Day.

Community Remembers Former Mayor Janice Laking

Tributes following Laking’s death have highlighted both her public service and her personal warmth.

Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley said her leadership and dedication had made a lasting impact on the community and expressed condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew her.

Former Barrie mayor Jeff Lehman also shared a personal tribute, recalling that he had known Laking since he was a boy. He described her as a source of guidance and affection and remembered her warmth, humour and strong connection to Barrie.

Laking was also the daughter of Duncan McCuaig, who served as Barrie’s mayor from 1928 to 1931 and later represented Simcoe North in the House of Commons.

Her political career was followed by decades of community involvement, leaving behind a long record of service to Barrie.

As residents remember Janice Laking, tributes are focusing on her commitment to the city, her years in public office and the relationships she built throughout her remarkable lifetime.