The cost of building a new performing arts centre on Barrie’s downtown waterfront continues to climb.
On Dec. 10, Barrie city council approved an increased project budget, raising the estimated cost from $73.3 million to about $85 million. The project would represent one of the largest investments in the city’s downtown in many years.
City staff recommended the $11.7-million increase to allow for the addition of a gala seating system — an automated, retractable feature that would allow the main auditorium to convert from fixed seating to a flat-floor space for conventions and other special events.
The performing arts centre is planned for the corner of Maple Avenue and Simcoe Street, on the site of the soon-to-be former Sea Cadets facility. In September, council approved relocating the Sea Cadets to a new facility near the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre at a cost of nearly $7 million.
As part of the project, the Spirit Catcher sculpture will be relocated closer to the Maple Avenue and Simcoe Street intersection.
The proposed 60,000-square-foot performing arts centre would feature a 600-seat main performance hall, a rehearsal and event space with seating for up to 250 people, a lobby, restaurant, coffee shop and an outdoor performance space capable of accommodating up to 5,000 people.
Mayor Alex Nuttall, who presented a short video featuring 3D renderings of the project, said while the price tag has increased, the original cost estimate was significantly higher when the current term of council began.
“The bill is $85 million bucks — the bill when we took office was $167.5 million. So we are saving just under half based on what had been projected previously,” he said.
Coun. Craig Nixon, who represents the downtown ward, said the timing is right to move forward.
“If we’re going to do, let’s do it,” he said.
“This has been talked about for so long — I have absolutely no issue with the increased cost for the gala seating.”
Nixon said providing convention space is just as important as the performing arts venue itself.
“What we need just as importantly as a performing arts centre is convention space and there is no way you can build any kind of suitable convention space for $10 million — I completely support spending the additional money.”
Coun. Bryn Hamilton echoed Nixon’s comments, urging council to fully understand the scope and cost of the project now.
“We’ve got one shot to do this and we’ve got to do it right. I’d rather go all in now and understand what the costs are going to be and privot and adjust as we go along,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson said he supports the increased budget, but stressed the importance of ensuring value for taxpayers.
“I think we need to be careful — I don’t want to get to a point where this is the nicest theatre on a brochure,” he said.
“I want this to be bricks and mortar — I want this to be something we can all enjoy because this city needs it.”
Construction of the new performing arts centre is expected to begin in spring 2027, with completion anticipated in fall 2029.
