Shovels broke ground in Barrie on Tuesday for what will be 220 affordable housing rentals and space for health and commercial services agencies.
This is the County of Simcoe's biggest build to date. The multi-use development will include 220 mixed affordable rental units for families and seniors.
"Today marks the start of a brighter future for Simcoe County," Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden, stated in a news release. "While many right now may see a construction site, I see hope and optimism for families to create opportunities. Where we are standing today will become a place where kids will laugh as they play on the playground, and maybe even make a new friend. It is where dreams will be dreamt, and people will be able to get a fresh start on life."
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The development is being built at 20 Rose Street near Highway 400, the site of a former OPP detachment.
There will be two apartment towers, 9 and 11 storey buildings, as well as a linked parking structure.
"It will maximize the proposed affordability mix of 80 per cent affordable units and 20 per cent market units comprising studio, one, two, and three-bedroom suites," according to a news release from the County of Simcoe.
Dedicated office space for county services at the location will include community support and well-being, early learning and child care system management, housing and homelessness services, community housing, and provincial services located on upper floors above the adjacent parking structure.
The ground floor will include commercial space for health and community services agencies, such as education, social enterprises, and licensed childcare.
"These buildings will provide a roof over the heads of families that need it most and give these young people that incredible opportunity that I was provided growing up in government housing here in Barrie," the release quoted Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. "Thank you to the County of Simcoe from the bottom of our hearts for their care and support for those who need it most."
The first phase of this build will focus on the parking structure and community services space. It is expected to be completed in 2026, and completion of the residential and commercial portion of the project the following year.
