Barrie City Council endorsed a Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CIHA) application for a site adjacent to the city's old fairgrounds during the General Committee Meeting on February 28 at City Hall.

The decision on the future of the 55.3-acre plot, poised to accommodate over 4,000 potential homes, now rests with the provincial authorities.

Ward 4 Councillor Jim Harris, representing the area, put forward several amendments that the council adopted, aiming to seek guidance from different ministries and tackle the development's challenges.

Harris wanted guidance from the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Education, and Transportation for a site that has been inactive for over 20 years, citing its complexity. Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasized the importance of public awareness and the need for provincial input on key development areas such as education and transportation. Clare Riepma of Ward 1 expressed concern over provincial delays and advocated for local control of the application process.

In the same meeting, the council lauded the city's water department for its exceptional service.

Councillor Gary Harvey introduced a bylaw amendment on behalf of Zelinka Priamo Ltd and Barrie Lifestyles Inc. This amendment allows for third-party sign panels at 406 and 436 Brine Drive, facilitating their display on existing ground signs at 60 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie. The purpose of this change is to ensure the sign, which hosts spaces for Farmboy, TD, and others, accurately represents the commercial cohesion and joint ownership of the sites. Passed unanimously, this amendment offers clear direction for both the property owners and city officials.

Mayor Nuttall also spotlighted Barrie's dedication to housing expansion, with a commitment to support the building of 23,000 housing units by 2031, having already approved 14,641 units.

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

0:02:40 CIHA application

0:18:00 Water Report

0:23:00 Sign by-law