Updated April 8, 2025 @ 4:22pm
A real estate development company has decided to show some true patriot love and kick in $250,000 for a 150-foot pole and flag that Barrie taxpayers were going to be on the hook for.
In a media release from the city on Tuesday, Mayor Alex Nuttall said the money will come from Skyline rather than utilizing funds from the Reinvestment Reserve.
The original March 26 motion directed the city's Facilities Development Department to retain a company to construct a flagpole up to 150 feet (42.75 metres) at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Road in time for July 1, 2025, which is Canada Day.
The building houses Barrie Police headquarters and County of Simcoe paramedics.
"Skyline continues to be a true leader in the community," said Mayor Alex Nuttall. "Thanks to their ongoing commitment to Barrie, this flag will fly high in time for Canada Day, showing that we are proud to support our country and our local economy."
The decision to fly the flag at a building that fronts Highway 400 was key to council's decision to move forward with the project in a symbolic act to rally around Canada in the wake of the trade war launched by U.S President Donald Trump and his threats to annex this country.
"There are folks that are experiencing the potential of job loss, the potential of jobs going south of the border, hearing that our sovereignty is under attack and threat," Nuttall said in an interview with Barrie 360 last month. "It's the most important symbol in our country (our flag). "
In that same interview, he confirmed sponsorship opportunities were being discussed, without elaborating.
In an email to Barrie 360, a Skyline spokesperson said they were excited to get on board with the flag project.
"Supporting projects that foster community pride and revitalization aligns closely with our values, and this felt like a natural fit," according to the spokesperson. "There are no conditions attached to this investment."
Skyline added they don't have all the details where the flag and pole will be sourced.
"But one thing is for certain: it will be proudly made in Canada." the spokesperson added.
Skyline is building in Barrie, on the former YMCA property on Grove Street West. The work began last November and will feature two towers, 25 and 27 storeys, totalling 541 rental apartments, of which 32 will be affordable housing units.
The city has provided $6.7 million to Skyline from the city's community improvement plan, which was directed to the affordable housing component of the project.
Future phases include a third tower, 29 storeys, and a 9-storey building with an additional 387 suites in total.
Phase one should be completed by late 2026/early 2027.
