Strong partnerships fuelling economic development in Barrie
City recognized for two projects
The City of Barrie has been recognized by the Economic Development Council of Ontario for two projects – the Meridian Place, Memorial Square development and the 2018 Train in Technology Career Expo.
Both received honourable mention this week at the council’s annual conference.
Mayor Jeff Lehman noted both projects have made a significant impact in furthering the city’s economic development priorities.
“Both of these projects have made a significant impact to furthering Barrie’s economic development priorities and it’s extremely rewarding to see them recognized provincially. I’d like to thank our community partners for the time, effort and expertise they brought to each of these projects. Strong partnerships are essential to effective economic development and the City of Barrie is fortunate to work with a network of dedicated organizations.”
The Meridian Place and Memorial Square development, which was a partnership project with the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA), received honourable mention in the “Local Collaboration and Partnership” category.
The 2018 Train in Technology Career Expo, a compared effort of Georgian College, the Simcoe County District School Board, County of Simcoe, City of Orillia and Barrie Employment Ontario Service Providers, received honourable mention in the “Promotional Awards” category for special events.
About Meridian Place & Memorial Square
The Meridian Place & Memorial Square project was created when the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) and the City of Barrie formed a public-private partnership. The goal of the project was to develop a new multi-use public square located in the heart of downtown Barrie, connecting to the city’s waterfront. Construction began in 2017 and the space officially opened in 2018 for Canada Day celebrations and Barrie’s annual Promenade Days. The square is central to Barrie’s “Creative Corridor”—a growing district of arts, culture, and knowledge-based industries poised to become a regional hub for innovation meridianplace.downtownbarrie.ca.
source: City of Barrie
About the Train in Technology Career Expo
The Train in Technology Career Expo is a large, hands-on event that brings awareness to tech-related education and career opportunities across different sectors, from digital production to advanced manufacturing. The event helps develop a strong future talent pool in Barrie and connects local companies with potential employees. More than 1,400 students attended the event in 2018.
source: City of Barrie
