Downtown Barrie BIA ‘in the pink’ as it unveils rebrand

Lots of chatter, and speculation, in the last day about the pink finish added to the dilapidated Bank of Montreal building next to Meridian Place in downtown Barrie.

The Downtown Barrie BIA ended the speculation Friday morning announcing a new brand, website, and identity.

Be Bold. Be Connected. Be Seen. Be Downtown Barrie

“Painting the dilapidated Bank of Montreal building pink was a bold way to present our brand,” said the BIA in a news release. “With a promising but unknown future, this building has become a statement.”

The project is intended to evolve into a selfie and attraction destination, as well as a possible pink canvas for future public art or mural competitions.

And there’s a safety aspect to it as well. “Turning an under-used historical space into a bright and welcoming focal point is an exciting initiative for our downtown. This colourful new addition to our community is a great example of a creative solution to make vacant spaces safer and more functional and demonstrates the principles of crime prevention through environmental design. The Barrie Police Service is committed to community safety and well-being throughout our city, and I hope this initiative will inspire others to consider further improvements that can help make our community safer,” commented Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood.

Downtown Barrie BIA Chair, Sergio Morales, said the buzz the bright pink makeover created Thursday was by design.

“With a new constitution, a ratified Meridian Place repayment agreement, and a visionary new brand, the Downtown Barrie BIA of the past, is gone. We are making a clear statement: we are being bold, and we are not going back.”