Title
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
a) Performing Arts Centre
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer and Rick Pews, Director of Corporate Facilities provided an update concerning the Performing Arts Centre including, location, site assessment, timelines associated with the project schematic design stage, design development, and reports back to Council. Mr. Pews did note that any substantial building on this site location could be a challenge given the close proximity to the water.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of City staff and received the following responses:
• A report back to City staff is anticipated in May, 2025, and report to Council expected late July/August, 2025 with more detailed design and renderings.
• Will maintain a relationship with the current architect.
• Election year of 2026 and the restrictive acts impacting members of Council and their decision making in Q2 of 2026 for the project.
• Lame duck is typically the 4th Friday in July after nomination day of an election year which can restrict budgets over $50,000. Staff report outlining lame duck period and delegated authority to the CAO is expected in spring, 2026.
• There will be a different conceptual site plan for this project as in the past.
b) Sports Field
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer provided an update concerning the Sports Field, and indicated that City staff are working with landowners of the former Barrie Central site.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of City staff and received the following responses:
• The anticipated timelines for a report back to Council is two months but that the negotiations with landowner have been fluid
c) Lakehead University
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer and Rick Pews, Director of Corporate Services provided an update concerning Lakehead University project. Mr. Prowse advised that the City and Lakehead University are working to translate Lakehead’s academic program requirements into a physical space development program.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of City staff and received the following responses.
• City staff will prepare a brief written summary of the updates.
d) Recreation Centre
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer provided an update concerning the Recreation Centre. Mr. Prowse advised that the City did receive affirmation from the Ontario Land Tribunal to support the City’s position, and it is anticipated that a confidential report back to Council will be provided on April 16, 2025.
Members of Committee did not ask any questions related to the Recreation Centre.
e) Cadets/Southshore
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer and Rick Pews, Director of Corporate Facilities provided an update concerning the Cadets relocation to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre. Mr. Prowse advised that the design and construction teams have been working through the expansion design options for the site location with a focus on minimizing disruptions for the existing facility users. He advised that the team expect to be able to report back to General Committee prior to summer break. It is anticipated that the Sea Cadets will be able to relocate to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre by the end of the 2026 boating season.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of City staff and received the following responses.
• Current tenants at General John Hayter Southshore Centre are providing input on the space within the facility.
• Former Barrie Tourism Office space at the facility is now occupied by the Barrie Sea Cadets.