City Hall Update: Senior Care Home Proposes Expansion to Reduce Wait Times.

Four new developments were proposed during the March 2nd Affordable Committee meeting at City Hall.

377 Big Bay Point Road

On 377 Big Bay Point Road, a development is proposed for 29 condominium townhouses. The proposed density of 51 units per hectare is higher than the current zoning allows but it is in line with the Official Plan. 

Residents raised questions regarding privacy, the cutting of trees, and the disruption of rainwater flow. Michelle Banfield, Director of Development Services for the City of Barrie, said the meeting was one of the first related to this project and the city would also evaluate the final proposal before it came to council for a vote.

 49 Collier Street

A 32-storey mixed-use high-rise building is proposed for downtown Barrie. Located at 49 Collier Street, the building will feature 253 units and five levels of parking providing 234 spaces. 

Victoria Village

Victoria Village is a not-for-profit organization that provides long-term care. Currently, it has more than 600 seniors on its waiting list with an average wait time of over five years. A new proposal would allow the organization to provide 128 new units and to gain access to additional grants.

844 Veterans Drive

On 844 Veterans drive, 80 floor-storey street townhouse units are proposed on 1.53 hectares land. The property is currently occupied by a single detached dwelling, which is not habitable in its current condition and a demolition permit has been issued by the city. 

In many cases, the developers move very slowly to build after the proposal is approved, submitting revised applications and causing further delays. This issue was raised at the previous council meetings, and the council can do little to make developers expedite the process and address the housing shortages.