Title
DEPUTATION BY CATHY COLEBATCH CONCERNING MOTION 19-G-340, ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION - BARRIE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS INC. C/O WESTON CONSULTING INC. - 39-67 DUNLOP STREET WEST AND 35-37 MARY STREET (WARD 2)
Cathy Colebatch provided a Deputation in opposition to motion 19-G-340, Zoning By-law Amendment Application for Barrie Waterfront Development Inc. c/o Weston Consulting Inc., 39-67 Dunlop Street West and 35-37 Mary Street.
Ms. Colebatch discussed of the current zoning for the subject properties and noted that she felt that it is reasonable for this area. She discussed the proposed rezoning and special provisions for the application and noted that in her opinion the development is just way too large. Ms. Colebatch recognized that many residents, business owners and Council members are excited about the Development and the possibility of opportunities it would bring to Barrie’s Downtown, however she noted that many like herself feel that the Development is overwhelming due to the size. Ms. Colebatch addressed her concerns associated with demolition of the existing buildings and the Development not being built or only one phase being built. She discussed her concerns associated with the loss heritage buildings and the Uptown Theatre in the process. She commented on buildings being 12 storeys over the current zoning provisions. She commented on the Five Points Condominiums at 20 storeys and is not in keeping with other high rises in the area. Ms. Colebatch noted that she felt that this Development will not make for a human scaled pedestrian friendly area at ground level and that the massing and height of the building will dwarf everything in the surrounding area and across the bay.
Ms. Colebatch provided this year’s Barrie Film Festival statistics including the attendance of out-of-town and in-town visitors per day. She noted that she felt the Barrie Film Festival and the Uptown Theatre are economic drivers and provide cultural heritage to the Downtown and value to the residents of the City. Ms. Colebatch advised that she believes the Uptown Theatre is a landmark building and a business that deserves a home. She commented that this block in the Downtown does include a lot of history that should be either retained or built into the Development. Ms. Colebatch addressed her concern associated with the lack of affordable housing being proposed and the buildings impacting the natural heritage of the landscaped views from around the City and across the bay.
Ms. Colebatch questioned how two, 32 storey buildings is in keeping with the existing neighbourhood, if members of Council has viewed other properties by this developer, do they have appropriate funding, a good reputation and will the Development be built once demolition has taken place. Ms. Colebatch commented that she is not aware of a heritage study being completed as requested by the Heritage Barrie Committee. She read the comments and concerns from the Committee associated to the proposed Development and preservation of the heritage buildings and neighbourhood.
In conclusion, Ms. Colebatch requested that members of Council not approve the application for rezoning.