downtown barrie Archives - CompassNews

Businesses showing support for future sports stadium

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 01:40:14 +0000

Downtown businesses are welcoming plans for Barrie’s future sports stadium.

The City of Barrie unveiled plans on July 14 for a $26-million downtown stadium that will become the home of Toronto FC II for the 2028 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The soccer-specific facility will sit on the former Barrie Central Collegiate property at Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street. It will open with 3,500 seats, with the ability to expand to 6,500. The venue will also host concerts, festivals, sporting events and community gatherings, with capacity for up to 8,500 attendees for larger events.

Kathryn Abel, who owns Escape Room Barrie with her husband Tim, said she is excited about the opportunities the stadium could bring.

“As a downtown business owner, our reaction to the sports stadium announcement is definitely positive,” she said.

“We’re excited to see more entertainment opportunities come to our city as a business that is focused on entertainment and families. This is a great addition to our city and our downtown that will hopefully help to beautify an area that is sorely in need of it.”

Abel said her only concern is waiting for the stadium to open.

“The only concern I have about the sports stadium is that it won’t open soon enough,” she said.

“Our business is looking forward to it and we’re excited to see the big impact that it’s going to have and the changes that it’s going to bring to downtown. I think it is going to really help stimulate the downtown economy.”

Nick Burke, manager at Donaleigh’s Irish Public House, said the stadium could provide a major boost for downtown restaurants and businesses.

“It’s going to be amazing having everyone come down for the games every week or every other week, and then just having people internationally to come to our downtown core,” he said.

“It’s going to be massive for the downtown – it’s going to help our business and other businesses. Bringing more people downtown is what we’ve been working towards.”

Burke said the stadium will also fit with Donaleigh’s role as a gathering place for sports fans.

“Donaleigh’s is one of the main bars that will always celebrate TFC too – it’s going to be a great time for soccer fans,” he said.

Mackenzie Emerson, manager at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, said the stadium is an important investment in Barrie’s sports and entertainment scene.

“I think Barrie has been a little bit behind on sports and how much we put money into events that happen in Barrie,” she said.

“I think this is long overdue. This stadium is going to be very beneficial for the city.”

Emerson said the project could also create new opportunities for local athletes and sports communities.

“There’s a lot of talent in Barrie that’s not necessarily being promoted,” she said.

“I think it’ll be a good opportunity for many people here in Barrie.”

The stadium project is a partnership between the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, MLS NEXT Pro and the Barrie Stadium Group.

The city is contributing $8 million toward the project, while MLSE and the Barrie Stadium Group are each providing about $9 million.

Construction should begin following final approvals, with Toronto FC II slated to begin playing in Barrie in spring 2028.

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Barrie reveals plans for downtown sports stadium

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:48:25 +0000

Goal! Barrie is getting a professional soccer team and a new downtown stadium.

On July 14, Barrie unveiled plans for a new sports stadium that will be home to Toronto FC II beginning in the 2028 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The $26-million facility will rise on the former Barrie Central Collegiate property at Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street. Designed as a soccer-specific venue, the stadium will open with seating for 3,500 fans and include the ability to expand to 6,500 seats.

Beyond professional soccer, the facility will serve as a multi-use entertainment and community space, hosting sporting events, concerts, festivals and other gatherings throughout the year. Larger events will have a capacity of up to 8,500 attendees.

The project is a partnership between the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro and the newly formed Barrie Stadium Group.

Dozens of residents, community leaders, soccer supporters and invited dignitaries attended Tuesday’s announcement. This included Barrie-area MPs John Brassard and Doug Shipley, MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin, Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson and several city councillors.

Mayor Alex Nuttall called the announcement a milestone for the city and a long-term investment in Barrie’s future.

“Today is a transformational day for our city,” he said.

“We are announcing a major investment in our city, in our downtown, and in our young people and our future. It is a historic day for the City of Barrie.”

Nuttall said the stadium is designed as a community facility.

“This project is about community – while professional soccer will be the anchor tenant, the stadium is first and foremost a community facility,” he said.

“It will be to the residents and for the residents of Barrie. It will be a place where young athletes compete, where families gather, where community events take place and where memories are made. It will support soccer, football, rugby, field lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and countless other community uses.”

He added that the project is expected to generate more than $130 million in total investment over the initial term of the agreement, including stadium operations, the franchise, concerts and entertainment. The development will generate an estimated $64 million annually in economic activity.

Toronto FC II, the development affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, will relocate to Barrie for the 2028 MLS NEXT Pro season as part of the partnership. While MLSE will continue to own the club, the team will launch with a new name, crest and visual identity. The Barrie Stadium Group will oversee the club’s commercial operations.

Barrie to contribute $8 million

Chris Shewfelt, vice-president of business operations for Toronto FC, said the project is the result of years of collaboration.

“Bringing a project together like this takes true leadership, persistence and a shared vision,” he said.

“This has been more than two years in the making and today is special because it reflects what can be accomplished when great partners work together.”

Shewfelt said the move will inspire young athletes and expand professional soccer to outside just Toronto.

“It’s about creating opportunity,” he said.

“It’s about investing in young athletes and it’s about bringing professional soccer closer to communities that are passionate about the game.”

MLS NEXT Pro president Ali Curtis said Barrie is the ideal home for the league’s newest club.

“What an amazing day,” he said.

“We know that this is the place that MLS NEXT Pro should be and Barrie is the local community that should have this team.”

The City of Barrie will contribute $8 million toward the project, with MLSE and the Barrie Stadium Group each providing about $9 million.

The city purchased 5.5 acres of the former Barrie Central property for roughly $22 million in February. Plans also include the construction of a 450-space parkade.

Construction is expected to begin following final planning approvals and Toronto FC II should kick off its inaugural season in Barrie in spring 2028.

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Ward 2 race heats up

Stephen J. Donkers — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:52:47 +0000

Ward 2 is shaping up to be one of Barrie’s most closely watched races in the 2026 municipal election.

Incumbent Coun. Craig Nixon is seeking a second term, while challengers Shanicka Edwards and Tracy Strohm are vying to take the downtown ward seat. Both Edwards and Strohm ran against Nixon in the 2022 election.

Nixon told Compass News he decided to seek re-election because of what he sees as unfinished business at city hall.

“I am asking to be re-elected to continue the job of making Barrie a better community and to continue our efforts to revitalize our downtown core,” he said.

Nixon pointed to council’s financial management, infrastructure investments and support for major projects as key accomplishments during the current term. He highlighted the planned performing arts centre, Lakehead University’s STEM Hub and Georgian College’s downtown expansion.

“These are only possible when council works as a team with a common vision,” he said.

“As a team, we have the ability to make big things happen, and I have always believed that, to do so, you must be willing to compromise and listen to others. Often, you learn more from those you disagree with than from those you agree with.”

Looking ahead, Nixon said Barrie must remain prepared for growth while continuing the work that’s already underway.

“Barrie is still one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and we need to be ready to face the challenges that brings,” he said.

Edwards, who operates Shak’s World Community Centre downtown, said Ward 2 needs a stronger focus on downtown revitalization.

“I believe Ward 2 deserves leadership that is present, engaged and willing to do the hard work,” she said.

Edwards said many residents and business owners feel downtown Barrie has been neglected and that concerns about safety, cleanliness and economic vitality need to be addressed.

A Barrie resident for 20 years, she believes her experience working with young people, families and community organizations gives her a strong understanding of the ward’s challenges.

“What sets me apart is that I am both compassionate and results-driven,” she said. “I believe in helping people, but I also believe in accountability and practical solutions.”

If elected, Edwards said her immediate priority would be implementing a downtown action plan focused on safety, beautification, stronger community partnerships and support for local businesses.

“Residents should feel comfortable walking downtown. Business owners should feel supported. Families should feel excited to spend time in the heart of our city,” she said.

Strohm is also making downtown revitalization the centrepiece of her campaign.

A Ward 2 resident for more than 40 years, she said she has spent decades involved in community initiatives.

“I’m running to work with, and for, the citizens of Barrie to plan and begin the revitalization of our downtown and surrounding residential areas,” she said.

Strohm has been critical of past development decisions in the downtown core and said the city needs stronger policies to ensure that approved projects move forward in a timely manner.

While Kennedy’s Lakeside Grocery opened downtown in 2024, attracting another grocery store to the core remains one of her priorities.

“We need a plan for a grocery store in the downtown area,” she said.

“Apart from Kennedy’s and the Barrie Farmers’ Market, we now live in a food desert downtown – an area where many people must drive to obtain basic necessities.”

Strohm also called for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, including supervised modular washrooms downtown, expanded supportive housing and additional treatment programs.

Individuals interested in running for mayor, councillor or school board trustee have until Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET to register.

The municipal election will take place on Oct. 26.

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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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