The City of Barrie is seeking public feedback about a consultant's report that recommended nixing city council's proposal for a synthetic turf multi-use sports field on Lakeshore Drive and consider several downtown projects geared toward sports and the arts.
Following the release of Marshall Green's report earlier this month, Mayor Alex Nuttall used a strong mayor powers directive Mayoral Direction and asked city staff to pause work on council's decision with the sports field and a parade ground for the Barrie Sea Cadets (BSC).
The sports field was geared to youth activities such as rugby, lacrosse, football and soccer, as well as a parade ground for the Sea Cadets, and was to be located to the east of the General John Hayter Southshore Centre (GJHSC).
In his report, Green recommended the city not move forward with the sports field, but set aside space to the west of the Southshore Centre to give the BSC a parade ground.
The recommendations, among other things, touched on items that could enhance the downtown such as a waterfront performing arts centre, a new home for the Barrie Baycats at Queen's Park and a stadium on the former Barrie Central Collegiate property for the Simcoe County Rovers.
The survey is available until Sept. 25, or the public can attend a drop-in consultation Sept. 24, at the GJHSC from 4-8 p.m. At the drop-in session, staff will be asking residents for feedback on the same questions from the online survey.
For more information: The Southshore, Barrie Sports and a Revitalized Downtown.
Complete the survey: buildingbarrie.ca/paradegroundsportsfield
