Developer proposes higher, 32-storey building in downtown Barrie

New building to overlook Meridian Place

By Deepak Bidawi

Journalist with Barrie Community Media

September 21, 2022

BARRIE – Developer Weston Consulting presented a plan September 14 to increase the height of its proposed building at Collier and Owen Streets to 32 storeys, almost double its earlier proposal for an 18-storey building, and is requesting a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for it.

The neighbourhood meeting was hosted by the City of Barrie Development Services Department to allow neighbours to become familiar with the project and ask questions. Public comments and concerns arising from this meeting must be addressed by the developer before its final, formal proposal is submitted to the City of Barrie.

The 98-metre tall building – to front Collier and Owen Streets behind Hooligans sports bar on Dunlop Street – will have a total 253 residential units, 234 parking spaces and more than 1,200 square metres of retail space. However, there will be no dedicated commercial parking space as “the City’s zoning bylaw does not require it, and there is plentiful parking along the streets with the downtown area,” explained Michael Vani, planner for the developer.

The building is to include a minimum 0.92 parking space per dwelling unit, to be spread over five levels, including one underground parking garage and four levels above ground. The “soil conditions in the downtown area do not allow” more than one level of underground parking, said Andrew Shields, architect for the development. 

To attract different types of housing groups such as “those looking to downsize to single family households or those looking to enter the market”, one-, two- and three-bedroom units are being proposed. 

“At least over 10 per cent of the units are going to be three bedrooms, and a significant amount of two bedrooms, so to have a good range of larger units, which we think would be beneficial overall to the community,” Vani said. 

After the formal proposal is submitted by Weston Consulting, the City will conduct a full technical review, to be followed by a statutory public meeting. The developer must address the public’s comments and concerns, after which the city’s Planning and Development staff will produce a final report and recommendation, expected to come out mid to late next year. Construction is not expected to start before 2024.