The City of Barrie is planning to test a new type of vehicle barrier at three downtown locations next summer rather than buying larger temporary barriers it previously considered.
A staff memo circulated to councillors on Wednesday recommends a pilot project for the summer of 2027 that would implement surface-mounted speed road blockers at five separate locations in the downtown area.
The memo explains that staff consulted with the city's operations and recreation and culture services departments to and eventually selected a dual-purpose surface-mounted speed
road blocker that requires no groundwork or anchoring.
Such equipment would show as a standard speed cushion when it's installed in the summer, but could transform into a vehicle blocker for specific events that require road closures.
Trained event staff hired by organizers would raise/lower the barriers, including to allow emergency vehicles through.
"Staff will evaluate the summer pilot to determine if the devices effectively restricted unwanted vehicles and enhanced pedestrian safety," Steven Rose, the City of Barrie's manager of traffic and right of way activity services, wrote in the memo. "This assessment will inform the final recommendation on whether to make these measures permanent."
The 2027 budget will include funds for the pilot study, according to the memo, although the memo did not disclose how much the pilot is expected to cost.
A motion put forth on Jun. 18, 2025 by Coun. Amy Courser asked staff to investigate purchasing dedicated temporary vehicle barriers for events including Open Air Dunlop, New Year's Eve countdown and Remembrance Day ceremonies. However, staff concluded the original proposal would have excessive capital, maintenance and operational costs and wasn't included in the 2026 budget.
