Silence greeted a public meeting on two major development proposals in Barrie’s north end.
No residents attended — either in person or online — the March 11 meeting at Barrie City Hall regarding projects proposed by Barbay Holdings Inc. for 580 and 582 Bayfield St. and 49 Hanmer St. W.
The proposal for 580 and 582 Bayfield St. includes a 12-storey residential building, 12 townhomes and three towers ranging from 15 to 20 storeys, along with ground-floor commercial space.
The development proposed for 49 Hanmer St. W. includes 30 townhomes, a 10-storey residential building and a 20-storey mixed-use building.
Together, the projects would add nearly 1,300 residential units.
Nick Skerratt and John Albert, of Innovative Planning Solutions, presented an overview of the proposals and outlined key details.
Coun. Amy Courser, who represents the area, said she sees both positives and concerns with the projects.
“There’s some good, some bad” she said.
She raised several questions, including questions on affordable housing and privacy. Addressing affordability, Skerratt said units meeting city policies would be included.
“We’ve provided for obtainable housing on the development, and we will be adhering to city policies reflecting affordable housing for this development,” he said.
“Typically, attainable units that we define as smaller, maybe single bedroom — single bedroom, plus den, lower marketability units. Those could be marketed as more obtainable than say a three-bedroom or maybe the rear townhouse units that are separate.”
Courser also asked about traffic impacts along the Bayfield and Hanmer corridor. Michelle Banfield, the city’s executive director of development services, said further study is required.
“At a preliminary review, our traffic services team has suggested that the TIS (traffic impact study) needs to be augmented a little bit,” she said.
“That would include updated assessments to confirm all the development that’s happening in the area. There most likely will be an update required to that traffic impact statement.”
A neighbourhood meeting was held in July 2025, giving nearby residents an opportunity to share feedback on the proposals.
The area includes an existing 10-storey residential building at 30 Hanmer St. W., adjacent to the Bayfield Street site.
The Bayfield Street corridor is expected to see additional redevelopment proposals as city planners explore ways to create a more vibrant, mixed-use area.
The applications will now be reviewed by city planning staff.
