Marshall Green received a standing ovation from dozens of people in attendance in the City Hall rotunda on Monday evening when he completed a presentation of his consultant's report that called on the city not to go ahead with a multi-use waterfront sports field.
In May, city council voted 9-2 in favour of a synthetic turf sports field that was also to be used as a parade ground for the Barrie Sea Cadets (BSC) to be located east of Military Heritage Park on Lakeshore Drive. Couns. Jim Harris and Amy Courser voted against its approval.
The waterfront location prompted an outcry from various groups and individuals who felt there was a lack of public consultation about the proposed site, while others said the sports field would gut a naturalized area and woodlot.
Other groups, in particular those involved in organized sports, have said the city lacks adequate playing surfaces and they were generally in favour of the sports field plan.
The BSC are currently located in an aging facility in the area of Simcoe and Bayfield Streets by the transient docks, which in his report, Green called a "prime piece of real estate." They plan to move to the lower level of the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre (SCC) with an addition to the lower half of the building to cost $4.55 million.
In the report, Green recommends the parade ground be located just to the west of the SCC.
"I wanted to add that it was a preference of the Sea Cadets group that this parade ground not be limited to that, but that at such times it is not being used by them, that perhaps some sports groups, or even individuals, could use the site for basketball, pickleball, etc." the report stated.
Green said the city is concerned with the noise that might create and the impact it might have on those using the Southshore for special events.
Arnie Ivsins, who has organized several rallies at City Hall against the sports field, told Barrie 360 he was hopeful the report will carry some weight and that city council will reconsider their position.
"It's great that our efforts have been noticed," he said, alluding to the report by Marshall Green.
The report contains seven recommendations for city council to consider:
- That the site to be offered to the Sea Cadets for their parade ground be at that location and of the size shown and that it have a suitable hard surface as might be recommended by that group.
- That the city not approve the multi-use sports park on that site, nor at all.
- That the city encourage representatives of the various sports organizations to meet cooperatively, with the assistance of city recreation staff, to organize the proper and most efficient use of the existing fields on city lands; that the city make a priority in any future subdivision "park dedications" that land be set aside for minor sports; and that the city recreation staff meet with school board officials to ensure that school sports fields are made fully available to minor sports organizations.
- That the city develop the current wooded area and meadow on the south shore as a passive park that protects existing wildlife and with trail systems that are accessible; that the park also include an educational component; that citizen groups and service clubs in the city be engaged with the city's parks department to develop the park; and that the lands ultimately designated for this part of the park be zoned "environmental protection."
- That the Barrie Baycats be approached to move from their existing home at the Midhurst Sports Park and that the city work with the Barrie Baycats to reconfigure and renovate Queen's Park to accommodate the team.
- That the former Sea Cadets site and required surrounding city lands become the site of Barrie's new performing arts centre.
- That subject to council coming to a satisfactory formal agreement with the new entity, that the city-owned lands that are part of the former Barrie Central Collegiate property be made available for a soccer stadium to become the new home of the Simcoe County Rovers soccer team.
Green is confident that his recommendations can move forward.
"The biggest takeaway is that with cooperation we can get all of these things in place. But it's going to take cooperation and a lot of volunteer help."
The report compiled a list of all soccer fields and baseball diamonds currently in use in the city, noting that in his discussions with minor sports associations, he was told that there were not enough playing fields, particularly for soccer and baseball, to accommodate the numbers of children desiring to play.
Green said during his various meetings with sports groups and opponents of the waterfront sports field, Mayor Alex Nuttall asked him to consider what could be done with the Sea Cadets property once it is vacated.
"Before I started to investigate this matter, the mayor advised me that the $100 million price tag for a 1,000 seat facility, complete with a host of other auxiliary facilities was not going to happen in the near (or even not-so-near) future," the report said. "Like many other municipalities, Barrie is facing a cash crisis."
Green said if the performing arts community's wish for a building they could be satisfied with and proud to perform in was going to be a reality, dreams had to be scaled down. The report indicated the mayor and several councillors met with the architects and suggested a budget of $65 million.
"I am making no recommendations as to how the fundraising should be handled. I do strongly urge the city not to disappoint the current art groups by delaying this facility much further. I urge the city to work with the arts groups on a solid business plan to make sure that happens," Green's report said.
The report also teased "a very big announcement" that will come in a few weeks regarding the Simcoe County Rovers, which currently plays home games at J.C. Massie Field at Georgian College.
"It will be a game-changing announcement that means our city will have its only full professional sports team," according to Green's report. "Terms of the deal are being finalized between Rovers FC and the purchaser, a large global sports and entertainment enterprise."
The report indicated that an announcement is expected in early September, with the team beginning play in March 2026, just prior to the FIFA World Cup hosted in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The Rovers' men's and women's teams currently play in League1 Ontario, and have three reserve teams playing in League2 Ontario.
To that end, Green indicated in his report the club is looking to build a 2,500 seat stadium at the former Barrie Central Collegiate property downtown, in the area of Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street.
"The Rovers and their new partner were looking for a site where fans could grab a meal before, or a snack and beverage after. All of this would be available just blocks from the Central site. Dunlop Street west of the Five Points has been looking for something to give it a shot of adrenalin. With the new condos, the performing arts centre, a renewed Queen's Park and a professional soccer team in the vicinity, downtown Barrie should have just the shot in the arm it has needed for years, if not decades." the report said.
Green said the club has told him that this new facility would be used for 15 games per season with practices held during the day, leaving the door open at other times for use by Barrie's minor sports teams.
"From what I have been told, all of this will require money from council in order to make this move. I will leave it to council to determine if the amount being requested, together with any other "consideration" is in the best interest of the city."
He added that the city would be getting rent from the facility, which over a period of time, could offset the costs of building a new stadium, though Green did not disclose a pricetag.
Green concluded his report with suggestions to the city including, among other things, "accept good input."
"Engage solid consulting firms, but don't lose the opportunity to carefully listen to those who are doing the very things that we are looking to accommodate. Staff should be giving those who are in the trenches as much credence as they give to their own experience."
At city council general committee on Wednesday night, Mayor Nuttall thanked Green for volunteering over the last number of weeks and compiling his report.
"He's an incredibly gifted person when it comes to writing and working through all the competing interests that were certainly being voiced, and being able to articulate it in the way he did."
