The City of Barrie is taking the next step toward expanding its employment lands. Mayor Alex Nuttall is moving forward with a proposal to rezone a 17.5-hectare parcel at 131 Lockhart Road from agricultural to general industrial use.
The proposed rezoning, which also keeps a portion of the site under Environmental Protection zoning, was introduced at the latest Council meeting on April 9, 2025. A public meeting is scheduled for April 30 at 6 p.m., where residents can weigh in on the changes.
The site — currently designated as Agricultural General (AG) and Environmental Protection (EP) under the Town of Innisfil’s old zoning by-law — sits on the south side of Lockhart Road, west of Rawson Avenue. It features approximately 94 metres of road frontage and falls within lands annexed to Barrie in 2010.
The zoning change would bring it under Barrie’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141, which regulates how land can be used within the city. It sets out what types of buildings and activities are allowed on each piece of land, along with rules for things like:
Permitted uses (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional)
Building heights
Setbacks (how far buildings must be from property lines)
Parking requirements
Lot sizes and coverage
The by-law was passed in 2009 and has been updated regularly through amendments, like the one Mayor Nuttall is proposing now for 131 Lockhart Road, to reflect changes in planning priorities, land needs, and provincial legislation.
In the case of the Lockhart Road property, the city’s proposal would allow industrial development, like a manufacturing facility, to proceed—pending site plan approval.
Mayor Nuttall has invoked special strong mayor powers granted to direct staff to prepare the rezoning bylaw. The legislation allows mayors in certain municipalities to fast-track bylaws related to housing and economic development.
“The purpose of the amendment is to support the development of a new industrial manufacturing building,” Mayor Nuttall said. “This means more jobs for our residents and more land available for employment uses.”
While no site-specific zoning exceptions are being requested at this time, a future Site Plan Control application will be required to proceed with development.
The rezoning is being reviewed by the city’s Affordability Committee and will undergo the statutory public consultation process as required under Ontario’s Planning Act. The public meeting will be held both in person at City Hall and online via virtual participation.
The city has not yet disclosed the potential tenant or the type of manufacturing operation planned for the site, but the move signals a broader push by Barrie’s leadership to attract more industrial employers to the area.
Residents or stakeholders interested in commenting on the proposed amendment can do so by attending the April 30 public meeting or submitting written comments in advance to the City Clerk’s Office.
