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Dance, dine and play.

That’s the vision city staff have for the future of Centennial Park along Lakeshore Drive, with feedback from residents set to help shape final plans. The goal is to reinvent the park as an accessible destination that supports everyday use while accommodating events and boosting local economic activity.

The Centennial Park Food and Activity Hub proposal includes new food and dining areas, gathering spaces and family-friendly activities. They are organized into three zones: dance, dine and play.

Two concepts have been presented. Market Grove is an open-air, tree-lined space featuring rotating food trucks and seasonal vendor stalls. Lakeside Pavilion is a permanent waterfront hub designed for year-round dining, events and community gatherings in a pedestrian-focused setting.

Residents were invited to provide feedback through an online survey and a series of pop-up events. On Saturday, April 25, Jordan Lambie, senior urban design planner for the City of Barrie, spoke with residents at a pop-up held during the Barrie Farmers’ Market at City Hall. He said feedback has been largely positive, with some concerns raised about the park’s future.

“We’ve heard lots of interesting ideas and some issues,” he said.

“Parking was obviously a big one for residents. We’re looking at ways to maximize available parking without making significant changes. There is also general excitement about having more food options on the waterfront.”

Lambie said the city is focused on making better use of waterfront spaces.

“It’s a city priority to look at how we can more efficiently and effectively use the spaces at Centennial Park to benefit residents, businesses and visitors,” he said.

The project builds on the city’s 2023 waterfront strategy. If approved, detailed design and construction could begin as early as 2027.