Barrie is advancing a rezoning plan for lands surrounding Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Directed by Mayor Alex Nuttall, the initiative is intended to give city staff greater flexibility to plan for future growth while keeping residents’ health-care needs at the forefront.
The proposed zoning changes would permit uses currently restricted under existing rules, including residential and mixed-use development, as well as expansions that support hospital operations and related services.
Nuttall told Compass News the city will take what he described as a practical, people-focused approach to the rezoning.
“Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre raised timing considerations that required attention,” he said.
“By working together in good faith, we were able to find a practical way forward that keeps residents at the centre of the decision. At the end of the day, this is about people — families, seniors, and workers who rely on timely, reliable care close to home.”
He said ensuring access to health care as the city grows remains a priority.
“Our focus is ensuring residents have access to health care for all their personal health care needs, both now and as our community continues to grow,” he said.
“Cutting red tape and aligning processes helps remove delays and keeps critical services moving forward for those who depend on them most.”
The affected properties include 201 and 348 Georgian Dr., 366 and 384 Penetanguishene Rd., 135 and 145 Dunsmore Ln., 31 Quarry Ridge Rd., and 15 Gallie Crt. The lands include both former Springwater Township properties and parcels within Barrie’s municipal boundary.
Recently, officials with RVH purchased nearly 27 hectares of land near Georgian Drive and Penetanguishene Road to accommodate up to 1,000 parking spaces.
City officials say the rezoning supports a broader vision tied to the Strategic Employment and Economic District designation in Barrie’s official plan, aimed at encouraging employment, health care and mixed-use development in key areas of the city.
Officials say the changes are intended to help the hospital and surrounding lands expand more efficiently while supporting timely and reliable services for a growing community.
