The City of Barrie is moving ahead with plans to attract new defence, security, aerospace and advanced manufacturing opportunities, after an appeal of a key zoning bylaw was withdrawn.
The city says the Ontario Land Tribunal has confirmed the appeal of the zoning bylaw is closed, meaning Council's approval is now final and binding.
The zoning change was part of a mayoral direction issued by Mayor Alex Nuttall in May, aimed at positioning Barrie as a leader in defence investment readiness.
Nuttall announced the mayoral direction at CANSEC, a major defence and security conference in Ottawa.
The direction calls for changes to Barrie's zoning rules to accommodate sovereign defence uses, along with financial incentives to attract investment.
That includes a Sovereign Defence Investment Readiness Program, with an initial 50-million-dollar incentive intended to reduce development charges for qualifying sovereign defence industries and help attract investment and speed up development.
The city also plans a dedicated Defence and Investment Concierge Model to help potential investors navigate the approval process.
Barrie says the goal is to attract and grow businesses supporting Canada's defence needs and Ontario's Defence Industrial Strategy, while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
The city is pointing to Barrie's proximity to CFB Borden, available employment lands and a skilled workforce as advantages in attracting that investment.
Barrie has committed $2.5 million over two years to Georgian College for defence-focused education, and up to $ 20 million has been identified for Lakehead University's expansion in Barrie.
The city is also supporting the Regional Innovation Centre in helping local companies innovate, grow and pursue opportunities in the defence supply chain.
With the zoning appeal now withdrawn, the city says it can move forward with its plans to position Barrie as a hub for defence, aerospace, security and advanced manufacturing.
