The former Barrie fairgrounds and racetrack at Highway 400 and Essa Road could be transformed into more than 2,800 residential units.
Greenworld Development/Digram Developments has laid out its proposed development, which is to include 2, 828 residential units, including 421 townhouse units in freehold and condominium tenure, and 2,407 condominium units incorporated into nine highrise towers, ranging in height from 12 to 35 storeys, that provide for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options.
"In addition, 2,952 m2 of retail space is integrated into the mixed-use towners, providing commercial uses along Essa Road," according to a justification report by Innovative Planning Solutions (IPS) on behalf of Greenworld.
To permit the proposed development, an Official Plan Amendment application is required to redesignate the lands from 'Highway 400 Industrial' and 'General Commercial, to 'Residential' and 'Open Space.'
The property is known as 175 and 199 Essa Road and 50 Wood Street.
"This is a prominent location in the City of Barrie where countless individuals pass the subject lands on a daily basis and presently view vacant, underutilized lands," according to the report by IPS.
There will be a public meeting in the spring about the proposal, with a date to be determined.
The justification report can be found here: https://www.barrie.ca/media/9794
Banner image: from City of Barrie website
