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STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
Jeff Schmidt, General Manager of Community and Corporate Services provided updates on the following items:
a) Performing Arts Centre
The schematic design and costing work has been completed, and a staff report with a project update and a virtual fly-through are to be included on the General Committee Agenda for December 10, 2025.
b) Sports Field
There was no update concerning the sports fields.
c) Lakehead University
The Barrie Police Service detachment has now been relocated to 55 Mulcaster Street. The interior construction at 24 Maple Avenue is currently underway. City Staff continue to work with Lakehead University personnel to finalize required agreements (Funding Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
d) Recreation Centre
There was no update concerning Recreation Centre.
e) Cadets/Southshore
The project team is currently finalizing the design package and are expected to be in a position to submit a formal site plan application package by March 2026. The start of construction is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026 as soon as weather allows.
f) Library
The landlord has advised that they do not foresee any significant hurdles with the project and they believe they are on track for spring construction. City and library staff are prepared to begin interior layout planning as soon as the expansion details are finalized.
g) Encampments
Since the implementation of the Emergency Order and following the last update presented to the Executive Committee on October 29th, the City of Barrie continues to make substantial progress in addressing encampments across the city. Working in partnership with the County of Simcoe and the Barrie Police Service, the City has successfully addressed 56 encampments on City-owned property. Additionally, County outreach efforts have resulted in 68 individuals transitioning from encampments to safe, indoor accommodations.
The County of Simcoe reported, as of Novemb...
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