development Archives - CompassNews

Residents push back against major Barrie south development proposal

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:24:30 +0000

How tall is too tall?

A proposed high-density development on Essa Road is facing strong opposition from area residents, who argue the project is too large for the surrounding neighbourhood.

During a June 3 meeting of Barrie’s Affordability Committee, several residents raised concerns about a proposal for 550-576 Essa Rd., near Mapleton Avenue. The area is primarily made up of low-density subdivisions, a commercial plaza and an eight-storey residential building currently under construction.

The proposal includes two residential towers of 16 and 18 storeys, six townhouse blocks, 806 residential units and 660 parking spaces.

Eric Brathwaite of MHBC Planning presented the application to councillors, city staff and residents. Ten residents spoke against the proposal during the meeting.

Nancy Tuckett, who lives near the site, said she supports residential intensification but believes the scale of the project is inappropriate for the neighbourhood.

“The height of 16 and 18 storeys on a site that’s 4.63 acres, with a proposal of 806 units at an FSI of 2.49, is extreme – it’s far too high,” she said.

Tuckett suggested developments of that scale would be more appropriate in Barrie’s downtown core or along the Highway 400 corridor.

Marian Wilkins, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, also questioned whether the towers would fit into the existing community.

“The proposal of 16 and 18 storeys just won’t look good in this neighbourhood,” she said.

Mark Chimiski, who lives directly across from the site, said privacy is his primary concern.

“The prospect of a multi-storey building with direct sight lines into our living space, I find deeply troubling,” he said.

Nicole Murphy, whose property backs onto the development site, expressed concerns about increased traffic along the corridor.

“The traffic issue is significant. This is not even taking into account that further south on Essa Road there are more buildings coming,” she said.

Coun. Gary Harvey, who represents the area, noted that Mayor Alex Nuttall has consistently advocated for directing the city’s tallest and densest developments to specific areas.

“It’s important to highlight that on several occasions throughout this term, the mayor has been quite clear when it comes to development – that high-density developments need to be in the downtown, near transit hubs and near Highway 400,” Harvey said.

“I don’t see this meeting any of those check boxes.”

Council has not made a decision on the proposal yet. City staff will report back later with a recommendation after reviewing the application.

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More affordable housing planned for Barrie

Stephen J. Donkers — Mon, 25 May 2026 17:25:48 +0000

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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Residents raise concerns about proposed mix-use downtown building

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:40:45 +0000

Residents voiced concerns about a proposed mixed-use development in the downtown core during a public meeting at Barrie City Hall in February.

The project, planned for 149, 151, and 153 Dunlop Street East, includes a building of up to 25 storeys with 160 residential units, ground-floor commercial space, and 135 parking spots.

Dozens of locals attended the meeting, with many residents of the nearby Bayshore Landing condos expressing unease about the development. Resident Ian Rowe stated that the submitted reports on the proposal confirmed his belief that the site is unsuitable for intensive development.

“It will obliterate one of three public views of Kempenfelt Bay,” he said. “The proximity to the land and resulting high water table restricts the ability to adequately utilize underground parking.”

Rowe also said he has concerns about an increase in traffic.

“The traffic issues include the street is one very steep hill at an intersection that is often difficult to climb during the winter months.”

Diane Vetter expressed concerns that the proposed building would be an eyesore for those who appreciate the waterfront and questioned whether the site would be better suited for a different type of development.

“In front of you, you would see this 25 storey tower sticking up like a sore thumb,” she said.

“What about an environmental science facility? What about a new home for the MacLaren Art Centre? What about a Barrie Northshore Centre?”

Jelani Bartlett supports the project but believes some adjustments are needed, including suggesting the inclusion of car-sharing programs if the parking ratio is low.

“For every four to five parking spots short, one must provide a car share parking spot as this would better help with understanding the reduction in parking,” he said.

David Riley of Blackthorn Development Corp. stated that the site has been designated for high-density development, with a maximum height of 25 storeys under city bylaw.

“In terms of height and density, we are looking at exactly what’s contemplated by city policy and emerging zoning,” he said.

Coun. Craig Nixon, who represents the area of the proposed site, said that while it’s a big project, listening to residents is vital.

“This is an ambitious project,” he said. “This location is very near and dear to the hearts of a lot of people.”

Mayor Alex Nuttall said he and Coun. Nixon could investigate scheduling a meeting with Bayshore Landing residents to discuss the project further.

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