Municipal News Archives - CompassNews

City unveils sign at future performing arts and convention centre site

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:32:08 +0000

Call it a sign of a major transformation in Barrie’s downtown.

A new sign now stands along Barrie’s waterfront, marking the future home of the city’s planned performing arts and convention centre.

Mayor Alex Nuttall joined several city councillors, Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley, Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey and other dignitaries at 11 Simcoe St. to unveil the sign at the proposed waterfront site.

The project is planned for the current Sea Cadets property beside the Spirit Catcher sculpture and waterfront parking lot. The Sea Cadets are expected to relocate to a new facility next to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, with construction scheduled to begin this summer.

Plans for the approximately 60,000-square-foot facility include a 600-seat main performance hall, a 200-seat rehearsal studio space, backstage areas, a coffee shop, a new restaurant and event facilities. The Spirit Catcher would also be relocated closer to Simcoe Street as part of the redevelopment.

City staff estimate the project will cost upwards of $85 million, although the final price tag will depend on the completed design and any additional space added to the facility.

Nuttall said the project represents a key investment in Barrie’s future.

“This project represents a major investment in the future of our city and reflects council’s commitment to supporting economic growth, tourism, culture and community development,” he said.

“The performing arts and convention centre will become a central destination for arts, entertainment, conventions, community events and cultural programming in the City of Barrie – it’s going to transform our waterfront.”

Downtown Coun. Craig Nixon said the project could help attract investment and visitors to the city’s core.

“Investments like this help encourage further private investment, support tourism, and create opportunities for community events, cultural programming and economic growth,” he said.

“This is about building a downtown that is active, welcoming and positioned for long-term success.”

A waterfront performing arts facility has been discussed in Barrie for decades through various proposals. Downey said the current council deserves credit for advancing the project.

“I do appreciate the collaboration because this council has a way of presenting a purpose, finding a path and actually doing it,” he said.

“For decades, we’ve heard about this project and it was never done.”

The Simcoe Street location was first proposed in 2024. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for late 2029.

City staff and council continue to pursue provincial and federal funding to help offset construction costs.

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New Barrie Sea Cadets waterfront facility breaks ground

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:49:21 +0000

A long-awaited new waterfront home for Barrie’s Sea Cadets is one step closer to reality.

City officials and community leaders gathered on May 9 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Barrie Sea Cadets facility and parade grounds next to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre at 205 Lakeshore Dr.

Construction on the project is expected to begin this summer.

Among those attending the ceremony were Mayor Alex Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson, councillors Clare Riepma, Craig Nixon and Jim Harris, former mayor Dave Aspden and Diane Chislett, branch president of the Navy League of Canada.

The project includes the new 600 square metre Sea Cadets facility estimated to cost $6.7 million, along with a ceremonial parade ground budgeted at $777,000.

Plans for the facility include training rooms, offices, boat storage space, washrooms and a walking path connecting the site to the waterfront.

The Sea Cadets are currently based at a facility on Simcoe Street near Bayfield Street in downtown Barrie.

Nuttall said discussions about relocating the facility began roughly 20 years ago during his first term on council as a councillor, when Aspden was mayor.

“I was elected in 2006 as a councillor for Ward 10 and, at that point, Mayor Aspden had been elected mayor, and the two of us were placed on a committee to look at moving the facility somewhere better,” he said.

“We didn’t get it done back then, but there was a focus on it for a long time. What today represents is all those years of work from so many people.”

Nuttall said the project represents an investment in youth and community infrastructure.

“This project reflects our commitment to investing in community infrastructure that serves young people, supports volunteers and strengthens Barrie’s connection to both the waterfront and our youth,” he said.

Aspden told Compass News he was pleased to see the project finally moving ahead.

“It’s a good location for this. It’s nice to finally see a new facility coming,” he said.

“By the looks of it, it’s going to be a nice building. It’s exciting.”

Chislett said the groundbreaking marked a milestone after decades of advocacy for a new building.

“This is a historic moment for us – we’ve been waiting for over 30 years,” she said.

The relocation is tied to future plans for a new 45,000-square-foot performing arts centre on the current Sea Cadets property. Construction on the performing arts centre is expected to begin in spring 2027.

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City announces three new neighbourhood parks, improvements to two others

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 20 May 2026 21:24:21 +0000

Three new neighbourhood parks have been unveiled.

Mayor Alex Nuttall announced Phoenix Park, Nottingham Park and Gateway Park, along with the revitalization of East Bayfield Park and Eastview Community Park.

The three new parks are in Barrie’s rapidly growing southeast-end subdivisions, while the upgraded parks are situated in the city’s north end.

Nuttall said the projects are aimed at creating welcoming public spaces where residents can gather and stay active.

“Across Barrie, residents want safe, welcoming public spaces where kids can play, neighbours can gather, and families can enjoy the outdoors together,” he said.

“Whether it’s a new basketball court, a playground filled with young people, open green space for recreation, or shaded areas for families to connect, these parks are built for the people of Barrie.”

He added the city is focused not only on expanding park space but also reinvesting in parks already heavily used by families.

Phoenix Park and Nottingham Park will each include playgrounds, green space, shade structures and basketball courts. Gateway Park will feature a playground, shaded seating areas and activity space.

Construction on all three parks was completed in 2025. Revitalization work at East Bayfield Park was also completed in 2025.

Eastview Community Park has been transformed through a $1.1-million redevelopment project featuring upgraded tennis courts, new playground equipment, improved walking paths and a new half basketball court.

The revamped north-end park now also includes four pickleball courts, soccer fields and expanded play areas for children. An additional $25,000 contribution from Coun. Clare Riepma helped fund construction of the new basketball court.

Barrie has more than 100 neighbourhood parks spread throughout the city.

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Nuttall kicks off re-election campaign in Barrie

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:19:38 +0000

Mayor Alex Nuttall is ready for round two.

On May 5 at the Mill Creek Community Centre with supporters gathered, Nuttall officially kicked off his re-election campaign for a second term, positioning himself as a steady, fiscally focused leader.

Nuttall, who grew up in Mill Creek, a social housing complex in Barrie’s south-east end, said returning to the neighbourhood for his campaign launch carried personal significance.

“It’s pretty cool to see us all here today – back in a place I call home,” he said.

Nuttall said the past four years have been about “restoring order,” improving decision-making and rebuilding Barrie’s reputation with other levels of government.

He thanked council for its work during the term, saying differing views have not undermined a shared focus on the city’s priorities.

“While council doesn’t agree 100 per cent of the time, and that’s a good thing, we all know that we’re here to do what’s best for Barrie,” he said.

The mayor highlighted several financial measures, including the cancellation of a four-per-cent stormwater charge, the freezing of operational tax increases and a reduction of roughly 20 per cent in city debt. He said reserves have increased and Barrie has maintained a AAA credit rating.

Nuttall also pointed to more than $135 million in funding from other levels of government, along with investments in infrastructure including roads, a planned mixed-use recreation complex on a 100-acre site, two new library branches and support for a permanent YMCA location in the city’s south end.

Public safety was a key focus. Nuttall emphasized a tougher approach on illegal drugs and crime, including efforts to shut down illegal cannabis dispensaries and opposition to a proposed supervised consumption site.

“Strong action on drugs and criminals today is a brighter future tomorrow,” he said.

He also announced commitments tied to his Mill Creek roots, including plans for new park development in the area and bursaries for students attending Georgian College and Lakehead University.

Nuttall outlined a vision for downtown Barrie that includes a planned performing arts centre, expanded post-secondary programming with Georgian College and upcoming Lakehead University STEM hubs, and additional cultural programming aimed at bringing people back to the core.

He also framed affordability as a dual challenge – housing costs and access to local jobs – saying the city has reduced development charges to spur housing construction and is working to expand industrial lands to attract employers.

“We have too many people working in Toronto and living on a highway,” he said.

“We need jobs here in Barrie.”

Nuttall said future economic growth could also be tied to defence-sector investment and private-sector partnerships.

He acknowledged more work remains and said his campaign will focus on housing, public safety and economic development.

Before being elected mayor in 2022, Nuttall served as the Conservative MP for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte from 2015 to 2019 and spent two terms as a city councillor.

Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson and councillors Clare Reipma, Craig Nixon, Ann-Marie Kungl, Nigussie Nigussie, Gary Harvey and Sergio Morales were in attendance.

Voters in Barrie head to the polls Oct. 26, 2026.

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Lands announced for local conservation board

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:21:19 +0000

Barrie is moving ahead with plans to create a municipal conservation board and has identified a list of natural areas it intends to protect under the initiative.

Mayor Alex Nuttall announced the proposal at The Gables Park in the city’s south end, outlining both the lands included and the framework for long-term stewardship.

The areas identified for protection include Little Lake, Milligan’s Pond, Sunnidale Park Natural Area, Riverwood Ravine, The Gables Park, Bear Creek wetlands, Lovers Creek Ravine, Lackie’s Bush, North Shore Trail, Ardagh Bluffs, Sandy Hollow Ravine, Hewitt’s Creek Ravine and Allandale Station Park.

City staff have been directed to bring forward a bylaw within 30 days to formally establish a municipal services board. The proposed independent body would be responsible for setting a long-term vision, recommending additional lands for inclusion and ensuring conservation-focused public access.

Staff will develop terms of reference and a governance structure ahead of formal appointments once the next council term begins in November.

Nuttall said preserving the selected lands will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy them.

“This is about taking a structured, long-term approach to protecting the natural assets that define our community,” Nuttall said.

“By establishing a dedicated board, we are ensuring these lands are preserved, responsibly managed and protected for future generations.”

It is expected that the board will include up to five councillors, the mayor of Springwater or a designate, and citizen representatives. It would also pursue recognition under the 30×30 conservation framework, which aims to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.

The proposal follows Nuttall’s April 2025 announcement of a municipal conservation trust and public call for suggested protected areas. It is also linked to agreements with the Township of Springwater and the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025, which received royal assent last December.

The plan includes a proposed five-year trail and crossing implementation program, with $20,000 in annual funding identified in the city’s 2027–2036 capital plan.

Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin said the conservation trust supports responsible growth and collaboration between Barrie and Springwater.

“The inclusion of these lands in the conservation trust reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible growth and regional collaboration,” she said.

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Barrie adopts zero-tolerance stance on illegal drug activity

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:16:05 +0000

Enough is enough.

Barrie city council has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug activity in public spaces, approving a motion at its April 29 meeting that signals a tougher stance on visible drug use and illicit operations across the city.

Mayor Alex Nuttall and a majority of councillors backed the motion, which calls for stronger enforcement against illegal drug activity, including efforts to shut down illicit dispensaries and other prohibited uses. It directs staff to pursue tighter zoning controls, enhanced penalties for violations, and better coordination between police, city staff and court officials.

In addition, the motion pairs enforcement with a renewed focus on addiction as a serious health issue. Council is supporting exploration of expanded treatment options, new programming and potential mandatory rehabilitation measures.

The city is also urging the provincial and federal governments to increase funding for addiction supports and treatment programs, asking for tougher sentencing for repeat offenders and individuals who fail to obey court-ordered requirements.

Five new staff members will be hired to focus on encampment response and coordination of social services.

Councillors Ann-Marie Kungl and Amy Courser voted against the motion.

Nuttall said the situation facing the city has been building for years and required a stronger response from council.

“When we took office, prisoners from around Ontario were released in downtown Barrie – didn’t matter where you’re from. If you served time at Penetanguishene, you were dropped off at our bus station,” he said.

“Homelessness was rampant, encampments were sanctioned, entire hotels were rented out for an increasing homeless population. There was no plan for affordable housing – it was a catchphrase, not an option. There was no plan for rehabilitation – whatever strategy there was, it was focused on the day it was being discussed rather than a long-term strategy to create positive change.”

Nuttall said council has since taken steps to address the issues, including support for a new YMCA under construction, replacing the planned supervised consumption site with the HART Hub, and increasing access to supports alongside new provincial and federal investments.

The city also declared a state of emergency on Sept. 9, 2025, aimed at reducing the number of encampments.

Nuttall said more work remains.

“We have to identify that there are still issues,” he said.

“While encampments continue to be removed, those afflicted with addiction are impacting those around them in very, very serious ways. Some of those ways are not illegal, but some are. Either way, there is an impact.”

Coun. Bryn Hamilton said council has acted but acknowledged more is needed.

“We have done so many things, so for people who are looking and watching and saying our downtown is awful – we’re trying,” she said.

“If there was an easy solution, this problem would not be encroaching so many municipalities the way it is right now. I believe what’s in front of us today is what is needed.”

Coun. Gary Harvey supported the motion, calling it a positive step.

“I think this is definitely a good direction and it’s kind of aligned with all the other decisions that we’ve made in the last few years that has made a very positive change in the city,” he said.

Courser raised concerns about proposed mandatory rehabilitation measures.

“I think we need to understand whether this is evidence-based and whether the treatment system actually has the capacity to support it,” she said.

Coun. Jim Harris was not present for the vote.

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Race begins for Barrie’s 2026 municipal election

Stephen J. Donkers — Mon, 04 May 2026 10:45:34 +0000

Ready, set, go – Barrie’s 2026 municipal election is underway.

Candidate registration opened May 1. Voters will choose the city’s next mayor, councillors and school board trustees on Oct. 26, 2026.

Two incumbent councillors filed nomination papers on the first day. Deputy Mayor and Coun. Robert Thomson registered to run in Ward 5, while Coun. Nigussie Nigussie registered in Ward 6.

Thomson, first elected in 2018, said he plans to build on the momentum of current council initiatives if re-elected to a third term.

“I’m really excited – I think this term of council has set a great foundation,” he said.

“I believe we need to navigate the things in a priority sequence to accomplish all the things that we’ve started. My goal and why I’m running is that I want to continue the momentum – I want to keep the foot on the gas on everything council has been working on.”

Nigussie, who is seeking a second term, said in a statement that, if re-elected, he wants to ensure growth in Ward 6 is managed properly.

“Ward 6 is a growing and vibrant community,” he said.

“My focus is to manage that growth the right way, by staying ahead with smart infrastructure, making sure our roads, services, and neighbourhoods are built to support growth. Keep people safe, and avoid higher costs down the road, while supporting families and seniors and ensuring our community remains safe, accessible, and well-served.”

Norm Costello, who ran for the Ward 9 council seat in 2022 but was unsuccessful, has registered to run again. In a media release, Costello said his campaign platform will focus on fiscal accountability, infrastructure readiness and common-sense city services.

Coun. Sergio Morales has represented Ward 9 since 2014.

So far, one school board trustee candidate has registered — Eric Lapointe, running for Conseil scolaire Viamonde.

All candidates in the 2026 municipal election will run under a newly drawn ward map. In June 2025, Mayor Alex Nuttall and council approved the new boundaries, which reshaped most existing wards. The city will shift from an even split of five wards in the north and five in the south to a layout featuring four northern wards and six southern wards.

In addition, wards 1, 3 and 5 will expand significantly with the addition of annexed lands on Barrie’s north side. On Dec. 9, 2025, the Ontario government passed Bill 76, the Barrie–Oro-Medonte–Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025. On Jan. 1, 2026, 1,216 hectares were transferred from the Township of Springwater to Barrie, along with 457 hectares from the Township of Oro-Medonte.

The deadline to register as a candidate is Aug. 21, 2026. Election day is Oct. 26, 2026.

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Barrie residents to help shape the future of Centennial Park

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:54:22 +0000

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.

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Ambitious highrise plan on Bradford Street could reshape Barrie’s skyline

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:49:14 +0000

Call it a towering reimagining of Barrie’s future skyline.

A $1-billion mixed-use development proposed for 145 Bradford St. and 48 Ellen St. was unveiled at a public meeting at Barrie City Hall on April 22.

Ray Duhamel of The Jones Consulting Group, representing Piveon Developments, presented the concept, which would bring five mixed-use towers ranging from 51 to 61 storeys, anchored by an 11-storey podium. The proposal also includes a structured parking garage, ground-floor commercial space, a restaurant, rooftop amenity areas and an 80-room luxury hotel.

If approved and built, the project would be the tallest in Barrie. The city’s current tallest building is a 32-storey residential tower in the downtown core.

Piveon plans also include 359 affordable housing units, representing 20 per cent of the planned residential units.

“This is a very exciting project,” Duhamel said.

“This is a vacant site that needs to be developed – it needs to be developed to help the city.”

Duhamel said the Bradford Street corridor has seen limited major development in recent years, pointing to what he described as a lack of progress on the site and surrounding area.

“Bradford Street is in desperate need of private investment – it’s been lots of talk and thought, but it has not translated into action,” he said.

Coun. Craig Nixon, whose ward includes the site, told Compass News the proposal is substantial in scale and spoke positively about the proposed amenities.

“It is the biggest development we’ve seen in the city’s history – it’s huge,” he said.

“I love the idea there’s a hotel built in – we desperately need more hotel space in Barrie. It would have a new restaurant, but all the amenities are there. It’s just a matter of whether or not, if they build it, will people come.”

Some residents raised concerns about height, traffic and affordability, while still expressing interest in seeing the site developed.

“Apart from the height, which I have an issue with, I definitely would like to see something built there,” said Cathy Colebatch, who attended the meeting online.

“I like that we have affordable units – and ask what we consider to be affordable, because that is yet to be defined.”

Downtown resident Ian Rowe said he was concerned about the scale of the proposal and whether it aligns with existing city planning standards.

“If those standards are all appropriate, then how can it be appropriate to exceed them by the magnitude that’s proposed in this development?” he asked.

In 2013, a 19-storey residential building was originally proposed for the same site. City staff will now review the rezoning application.

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New affordable housing planned for Barrie’s north end

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:38:39 +0000

More affordable housing is coming to Barrie’s north end.

Mayor Alex Nuttall, Coun. Ann-Marie Kungl, Coun. Nigussie Nigussie, JD Development Group officials and other dignitaries gathered at 52 Lakeside Terrace on to announce that 46 affordable housing units will be included in a new 12-storey rental building. The development will also feature 185 market-rent units, for a total of 231 apartments near Little Lake.

Construction on the development has officially begun.

Nuttall said the project is part of the city’s broader push to expand housing supply amid rising demand, noting more than 775 affordable units have been approved in Barrie over the past 24 months.

He also pointed out that the affordable units are reserved for existing Barrie residents.

“These affordable units are not just for anybody,” Nuttall said.

“If somebody’s in Toronto and they’re looking for an affordable housing unit, they will not qualify for this. These units have to be for existing Barrie residents, and that is part of the agreement between developers and the City of Barrie.”

JD Development Group CEO Julia Zhang said the project marks an important move for the city’s housing needs.

“This is a very meaningful step forward,” she said.

“We are proud to help bring more rental housing to Barrie and support the city’s continued growth.”

The project is supported through Barrie’s $80-million development charge incentive fund, introduced in 2025 to encourage affordable housing by reducing fees typically paid by developers for growth-related infrastructure.

The program applies to residential buildings of five storeys or more that commit at least 20 per cent of units as affordable housing, with construction required to begin by the end of May 2026.

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