He served in that capacity until 1985, when he went back to his family's business – an insurance brokerage company established by his father in 1964 – following the death of the elder Barrow. After just over a decade outside politics, he made a comeback in 1997 when he was elected to the York Regional Council. Barrow voted against giving himself and fellow councillors a salary increase of 54 per cent in 1998, stating that it was "not sending a very good message" to municipal staff and the public.
He occupied that role until 1985, when he returned to his family's business – an insurance brokerage firm established by his father in 1964 – following the passing of the elder Barrow. After about a decade away from politics, he made a comeback in 1997 when he was elected to the York Regional Council. Barrow voted against granting himself and fellow councillors a salary increase of 54 percent in 1998, stating that it would "not be sending a very good message" to municipal staff and the public.