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DEPUTATIONS CONCERNING MOTION 24-G-046, COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSING ACCELERATOR (CIHA) ORDER FOR 175 AND 199 ESSA ROAD AND 50 WOOD STREET (WARD 8)
The following individuals provided Deputations concerning motion 24-G-046, the Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CIHA) Order for the properties known municipally as 175 and 199 Essa Road and 50 Wood Street:
1. On behalf of Vision Barrie, Craig Busch advised that the deputation will provide the vision that Vision Barrie sees as the best options for developing the lands at 175 and 199 Essa Road, and 50 Wood Street.
Mr. Busch discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• Illustrations of the proposals for the development of the fairgrounds site;
• A comparison of the proposals;
• An example of an Urban Village Project in Mumbai, India;
• Comparisons of development without an urban village and local jobs versus the revenue from development fees and Province as related to:
o Road Building;
o Safety and policing;
o Reduced property values and taxes;
o Mental and emotional health and addiction;
o Climate change from extra car trips;
o Affordability;
o Urban decay from MonoBuild;
o Happiness of Barrie residents;
o The City’s reputation;
o Loss of economic adaptability and versatility;
o Lost multiplier effect of income spent on gas versus local purchases;
o Lost Opportunities for local entrepreneurs;
o Lost productivity due to travel time;
o Lost recruitment opportunities; and
o The community.
• Vision Barrie’s suggestions for the site, including a pedestrian urban village, the centre road being changed to a service road running along Essa Road and Hwy 400 with a pedestrian area, and an inclusive plan for public transport for road and rail that will benefit the City.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Mr. Busch and City staff and received responses.
2. On behalf of the Barrie Curling Club, Norman Speake advised that the Club does not oppose the development on the site and has no opinion on the density of the development or housing. He highlighted that the Barrie Curling Club is a self-supporting non-profit institution and has been a part of the community for approximately 150 years.
Mr. Speake discussed concerns about the new CIHA process and questioned what it would mean to the City of Barrie after submission and the decision from the Province. He noted that the Barrie Curling Club has yet to reach an agreement with the developer on several issues, including the footprint as shown on the developer's master plan. He noted that he felt that a lot of work must be done to sort these issues out.
Mr. Speake commented that the Barrie Curling Club has received assurances from the municipality recognizing its importance and value and has identified a methodology to support the Club within the framework of the CIHA regarding any alterations.
Mr. Speake discussed further concerns with the Barrie Curling Club incurring additional expenses or operating costs due to this development which could impact the Club's operation. He expressed that the municipality and stakeholders must be committed, imaginative, and flexible regarding this development and that all parties need to work together to move this project forward.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Mr. Speake and City staff and received responses.
3. On Behalf of Greenworld Construction Inc., Ryan Windle advised that Greenworld Construction Inc. supports motion 24-G-046 concerning the Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CIHA) Order for 175 and 199 Essa Road and 50 Wood Street and is moving it through the CIHA process with the Province of Ontario.
Mr. Windle discussed Greenworld Construction Inc. belief in this development proposal as it supports the City’s strategic priorities and housing pledge. He described the proposed development as a pedestrian-friendly, high density build that encourages different types of housing, includes greenspace, supports active transportation, and redevelops the Brownfield lands located within the intensification corridor.
Mr. Windle commented on the developer's willingness to work with the community, as per the changes made to the original and current proposals. He stated that the proposal for the subject lands was created by experienced planners, engineers, and an internationally renowned architect.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Mr. Windle and City staff and received responses.