A proposed 25-storey high-rise in downtown Barrie could be scaled back to 10 storeys after city council approved changes to parking and height restrictions.
The development, planned by Blackthorn Development Corp. for the corner of Mulcaster Street and Dunlop Street East, originally called for 160 residential units, ground-floor commercial space and 135 parking spaces.
On Sept. 17, council voted to increase the required parking ratio from 0.85 to 1.2 spaces per unit. The change, along with restoring a bylaw that caps height at 30 metres, effectively reduces the project to 10 storeys.
Barrie residents spoke at the meeting. Ian Rowe, who lives near the site, supported the downsizing.
“This is a difficult site, and many issues have been identified,” he said.
“The reduction in height will help to alleviate issues. The increase in parking will allow a more functional building — I’m here to support the amendments.”
Resident Diane Jones raised concerns about an increase of traffic in the downtown core.
“The traffic congestion going along Dunlop Street towards downtown is already a major issue,” she said.
A Blackthorn representative urged council not to proceed with the changes. Speaking online, planner Maurizio Rogato said the amendments conflict with Ontario planning rules and Barrie’s Official Plan, which designates the site for high-density growth.
“Our client and experts have worked through this process since 2021,” Rogato said.
“The Official Plan requires a minimum of 12 storeys. We respectfully request council reconsider this matter and approve staff’s original recommendation.”
Mayor Alex Nuttall said the approved changes solidify the project at 10 storeys.
“My understanding is the continued height has been solidified at 10 storeys,” he said.
Michelle Banfield, the city’s executive director of development services, informed council the new parking ratio and height limit mean the maximum building height is capped at 30 metres.
The site sits next to Sam Cancilla Park, which is also subject to improvement proposals.
