Mayor Alex Nuttall has invoked his “strong mayor” powers to fast-track the rezoning of land in south Barrie, clearing the way for a new place of worship that will serve the local Sikh community.
On May 14, Nuttall directed city staff to notify the Salem Landowner’s Group and nearby property owners of the intention to rezone a nearly three-acre property at 264 Salem Road, near Essa Road.
The rezoning shifts the land from residential rural and environmental protection zones to neighbourhood residential and environmental protection, specifically to permit the development of the Gurudwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Religious Society temple.
“This was about cutting red tape and moving efficiently on a matter that brings value to residents and reflects the cultural vibrancy of our city,” Nuttall said. “It’s one more step toward making Barrie a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Beyond serving as a place of worship, the facility will also function as a community centre and operate a free daily community kitchen run by volunteers for all residents.
“For years, members of our Sikh community have had to travel outside Barrie to attend temple,” Nuttall said. “By enabling a local place of worship, we’re responding to a real need and helping to strengthen community connections.”
The introduction of strong mayor powers came into effect July 1, 2023, expanding authority to mayors in Barrie and 25 other large and fast-growing municipalities across Ontario.
These powers allow mayors to exercise unilateral decisions on certain municipal matters, including zoning, provided they document their decisions in writing and make them publicly available.
A public meeting on the rezoning was scheduled for Wednesday during Barrie’s affordability committee meeting, with city council set to consider the bylaw to finalize the rezoning before the summer recess.
The property at 264 Salem Road covers almost three acres, featuring approximately 63 metres of frontage along Salem Road.
