Barrie Residents Voice Displeasure with the Proposed Multimillion-Dollar Land Sale

At the Affordability Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, February 27,  at City Hall, Michelle Banfield, the Executive Director of Development Services, presented conceptual plans for the development.

“So these are just concepts and really are used to as I said, articulate what the change in zoning really could show as possible for these properties,” she said. 

These parcels include two lots adjacent to the Downtown (50 Worsley Street) and Painswick (48 Dean Avenue) libraries and the former police headquarters (29 & 35 Sperling Drive).

At 50 Worsley Street, the concept includes erecting two towering structures, each reaching 33 stories. The plan aims to accommodate approximately 628 residential units, offering around 1,645 square meters of retail space and providing roughly 395 parking spots.

Meanwhile, at 48 Dean Avenue, a 10-story building is envisioned, with four levels facing Dean Avenue. This development is anticipated to house approximately 201 residential units and offer around 257 parking spaces.

Lastly, the plan for 29 & 35 Sperling Drive calls for 11 and 12-story buildings, encompassing approximately 2,119 square meters of non-residential space. The proposal aims to provide around 546 residential units and accommodate roughly 473 parking spaces.

Barrie residents convened at City Hall to voice their discontent regarding the City's intentions to sell three sizable plots of land for the construction of tall buildings. 

“Our neighbors worked hard and contributed dollars to have our Painswick library officially opened on March the 12th 2012. Our understanding was that the remaining area would be developed as green space with trees, not only to be pleasant for our walkable neighborhood, but also to address some of our changing climate issues,” said Irene Lowry, who lives near the library.  “Some of us are feeling very betrayed by our city.”

Even if the council proceeds with the sale of these lands, developers are not obligated to adhere to the presented concept designs and are free to pursue their own visions.

Last year, Mayor Alex Nuttall suggested that the sale of these three properties could potentially generate $35 million for the city, along with an annual tax revenue of $3.5 million. Furthermore, it's estimated that the development charges (DCs) from these properties post-sale could amount to $36 million.

Both Federal and Provincial governments are actively encouraging and incentivizing local authorities to enhance housing supply.

City staff will review all feedback received during the technical review and public consultation phases to finalize zoning standards. Subsequently, a staff report will be presented to the Council in March 2024 for deliberation.

Timestamps -

0:00 Intro

0:02:00 Feb 27 Affordability Meeting beginning

0:14:00 Land concept plan