Janice Laking, the former mayor of Barrie, Ontario, died on September 30, 2026, at the age of 96. Her death was confirmed by local officials, who said she passed away after decades in public service. Laking, born Janice McCuaig, was first elected to Barrie City Council in 1972.
She became mayor in 1988 and held the office until 2000. During her time in office, she was a fixture in local politics, guiding the city through a period of growth and change.