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STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
Rick Pews, Director of Corporate Facilities, provided an update on the following items:
a) Performing Arts Centre
Herrari Pontarini Architects are continuing to work through the design development and costing for the facility in collaboration with the City’s Recreation, Development Services, Parks Planning and Corporate Facilities Teams. This includes additional design development and costing work related to the restaurant and waterfront park elements. Staff expect to bring final recommendations to the October 29th General Committee meeting for approval.
b) Sports Field
c) Lakehead University
With the opening of the new Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal at 20 Essa Road, transit services have now relocated to the new facility. Transit staff will maintain a presence at 24 Maple Street until the end of day Sunday to redirect commuters who are not aware of the relocation. The fit-out of space at 55 Mulcaster Street to replace Barrie Police’s current downtown detachment is underway, and we expect Barrie Police to be able to relocate to this new space in October. Interior demolition work at 24 Maple Street will start shortly and significant redevelopment work is expected to be completed throughout the fall and early winter months. Design development plans are currently under review by the City’s Building Department for the additional space required by Lakehead. Staff continue to work with our Lakehead colleagues on financial and operational details. To this end, members of Council will receive a staff report for review and consideration at the October 1st General Committee meeting.
d) Recreation Centre
The purchase of property for the new South Barrie Mixed Use Recreation Centre and Library Complex is now finalized. The immediate focus for staff is on planning for the necessary site services to support the development. Staff also anticipate starting property site due diligence work and studies required to advance the development.
e) Cadets/Southshore
With Council’s final endorsement of the recommended development plan at last week’s City Council meeting, the Team is working on the facility’s design development package in advance of a pre-consultation meeting scheduled for October 16th. The full detailed design and development of construction documentation is expected to be completed by late November. Fieldwork for site investigations is complete, and the staff and design team are awaiting the final reports. A draft project schedule has been developed which will be further refined through the pre-consult and construction document development process. The final schedule will be shared with General Committee when available, and a project-specific website is currently being set up to keep the public informed of progress along the way.
f) Library
A lease for space at 420 Leacock Drive has been executed and the landlord is currently working through their own design development and review process. That work will help to inform project details and, importantly, the project schedule. A memo outlining the general terms and conditions of the lease terms will be provided to Council shortly.
Wendy Cooke, City Clerk/Director of Legislative and Court Services provided an update on the Encampments.
g) Encampments
Since the declaration of the State of Emergency on September 9, 2025, coordinated efforts between the City and the County of Simcoe have led to measurable progress in addressing encampment-related challenges on City owned property. Outreach teams have prioritized compassionate engagement, offering shelter options throughout the County and storage tailored to individual needs.
As of today, September 24, the County has provided outreach services to several encampment sites throughout the city, and has been successful in providing alternate shelter at the following locations:
• Mulcaster Street: Encampment has been fully addressed, and 39 of 44 individuals have secured alternate shelter and storage for their belongings. City operations have successfully completed the cleanup efforts of boulevards and roadways.
• Sam Cancilla Park: One tent has been cleared and the individual has secured an alternate shelter.
• Bradford Street: Action has been taken to address multiple encampments along Bradford Street. Outreach has confirmed that 10 of 18 individuals were supported with appropriate spaces. Those who accept support and offers of indoor spaces include both individuals and couples, as well as those with pets. As of this afternoon, all individuals have left the site and cleanup is underway.
• Clean up on the south side of the former Anne Street encampment has been cleared and the contractor is wrapping up on the north side which should be completed by next week.
City staff, along with our partners at the County of Simcoe and Barrie Police, will continue to work collaboratively in addressing further encampments in the City. Staff will continue to provide weekly updates to Council during this emergency order.