Development of Barrie’s former fairgrounds site may be delayed, but Mayor Alex Nuttall says he remains optimistic the property will still be transformed.
“I do believe the future of the old fairgrounds is still bright, and I’m optimistic we will see it properly developed as soon as possible,” Nuttall said.
The 55-acre site, located at 175 and 199 Essa Rd. and 50 Wood St., had been proposed for a major mixed-use development featuring up to 4,000 residential units, commercial space, and an elementary school.
Earlier in 2025, court documents revealed that former landowner Osmington, along with a numbered Ontario company, filed an application to place Green World Construction — the current developer — into receivership.
Green World purchased the site for $48 million in 2022 but has since defaulted on payments under a vendor-take-back mortgage and failed to secure other financing.
While Nuttall said it’s disappointing that the plans have stalled, he remains confident the site holds tremendous potential.
“While the matter with the developer is before the courts and must run its course, the site is in a great location,” he said.
“It’s a massive property along Highway 400, and so much work has gone into planning its potential that it’s in a strong position to become something great.”
Ward 9 Coun. Sergio Morales said the delays have been frustrating, but he hopes the Ontario government will step in to help get the project moving.
“I’ve come to realize the fairgrounds property is too complex of a site to move forward successfully under the current system,” he said.
“This site is too important not to master-plan. I’m optimistic the province is recognizing that and will either use the tools in its legislative toolbox to move things forward or will work with the city to make it happen. Decades of false starts have shown the current approach isn’t working, and it’s time this dustbowl starts working for the betterment of the city.”
In January, the Ontario government informed the mayor and council that zoning decisions for the site should remain with the city, despite council’s request for the province to assume control.
