construction Archives - CompassNews https://compassnews.ca/tag/construction/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:04:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://compassnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-CompassNews-Logo-Icon-2-32x32.jpg construction Archives - CompassNews https://compassnews.ca/tag/construction/ 32 32 Lakehead STEM hubs move closer to completion in downtown Barrie https://compassnews.ca/lakehead-stem-hubs-move-closer-to-completion-in-downtown-barrie/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:50:13 +0000 https://compassnews.ca/?p=4697 Progress continues on Lakehead University’s future STEM hubs in downtown Barrie. The City of Barrie says interior construction at the 24 Maple Ave. site is nearing completion, while work at 5 Ross St. is advancing steadily. At Maple Avenue, interior construction is reaching completion, with millwork, vestibule framing and window installations in progress. Mechanical and […]

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]]> Progress continues on Lakehead University’s future STEM hubs in downtown Barrie.

The City of Barrie says interior construction at the 24 Maple Ave. site is nearing completion, while work at 5 Ross St. is advancing steadily.

At Maple Avenue, interior construction is reaching completion, with millwork, vestibule framing and window installations in progress. Mechanical and electrical systems are being commissioned, while lab equipment and furniture continue to arrive ahead of the hub’s opening. The city says exterior work should continue through the summer.

Whereas on Ross Street, demolition work is complete and framing for new classroom entrances and interior partitions is nearly finished. Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continue as crews carry out additional installation and coordination work throughout the building.

In April, Mayor Alex Nuttall toured the locations and talked about the progress so far.

“This isn’t just about a university improving the private sector, improving the way the government and education and business work together,” he said. “It’s also about our young people having access to education in an affordable way and one that’s going to put them onto that path of hope and opportunity.”

In late 2024, the City of Barrie and Lakehead University announced plans to establish a STEM hub in the former Barrie Transit Terminal at 24 Maple Ave. This past winter, they officially added a second hub location at 5 Ross St. to their plans.

The Maple Avenue hub will house specialized teaching and research labs focused on robotics, motors, instrumentation, machines and mechatronics. The Ross Street hub will feature flexible classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, student services, social areas and graduate student offices.

The two hubs are slated to open this fall and will accommodate more than 700 students over their first five years.

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]]> More affordable housing planned for Barrie https://compassnews.ca/more-affordable-housing-planned-for-barrie/ Mon, 25 May 2026 17:25:48 +0000 https://compassnews.ca/?p=4661 Another 69 affordable housing units are coming to Barrie. Mayor Alex Nuttall announced on May 21 that two new apartment rental developments will bring a total of 341 rental units to the city. A 12-storey apartment building at 53 Coulter St. will mean 188 units, including 38 affordable units. Another development – an eight-storey apartment […]

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]]> Another 69 affordable housing units are coming to Barrie.

Mayor Alex Nuttall announced on May 21 that two new apartment rental developments will bring a total of 341 rental units to the city.

A 12-storey apartment building at 53 Coulter St. will mean 188 units, including 38 affordable units. Another development – an eight-storey apartment building at 375 Yonge St. – will add 153 units, including 31 affordable units.

Nuttall, who made the announcement at the Coulter Street site, said improving housing affordability remains a top priority for the city.

“Across our community and across the province, we continue to hear from residents who are struggling to find housing that fits their budget,” he said.

“That’s why we’re increasing supply and improving affordability, and it remains one of the city’s top priorities.”

Nuttall said council will continue working to bring more affordable housing options to Barrie.

“Our focus remains on ensuring we’re building the housing people need in the places where growth is already happening, while maintaining the viability required to actually deliver these projects,” he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s about results. More housing means more affordability and steady progress toward a stronger, more affordable Barrie.”

The projects are part of Barrie’s development charge waiver program, which temporarily reduces fees for developers building affordable housing. The program began earlier this year and applications close this spring.

Sam Di Pasquale of YYZed Project Management, which is overseeing the developments, praised the city’s approach.

“The city has taken a practical, solutions-focused approach that helps keep projects moving instead of getting stalled in process,” he said.

“In today’s environment, that collaboration matters.”

Earlier in May, the city announced another affordable housing project in Barrie’s north end at 52 Lakeside Ter. The 12-storey apartment building will include 185 market-rent units and 46 affordable units.

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