The City of Barrie is introducing a new planning system it says will speed up housing approvals in key neighbourhoods.
City officials have launched the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for the Allandale and downtown areas, describing it as a streamlined process intended to accelerate housing construction. The system is designed to replace the traditional zoning, site plan and minor variance approvals with a single permit.
Under the proposed CPPS bylaw, landowners in the two neighbourhoods would need only one approval to begin development – a change expected to reduce review timelines to about 45 days.
In a news release, Mayor Alex Nuttall said the new system aims to increase housing while maintaining established neighbourhood character.
“The proposed CPPS offers a smarter, faster way to approve projects in areas where we want to fast-track housing delivery,” he stated.
“It’s all about striking the right balance: preserving neighbourhood character while creating the housing our growing city needs.”
Officials say the system is intended to offer greater certainty for both applicants and the community through clear requirements and a merged review framework.
Drawing on public input gathered during the creation of the city’s Official Plan, the CPPS will lay out what types of development are permitted in the designated areas, including building uses, heights, density and setbacks. Taller buildings and increased density could be allowed when projects deliver community benefits such as affordable housing, public art or enhanced public spaces.
The initiative is a key part of Barrie’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, which commits the city to finding ways to speed up construction and increase supply.
Coun. Jim Harris, who represents the Allandale area, encouraged residents to take part in the process.
“I strongly encourage residents to participate in the public engagement sessions,” he said.
“Their contribution will be key to ensure issues that are important to the Allandale area, like heritage and tree preservation, height, setbacks, neighbourhood character and fit are carefully assessed and inform the CPPS.”
Residents can share feedback through an online survey open until Jan. 5, 2026, at buildingbarrie.ca/CPPS.
