Two huge developments could change the face/culture of downtown Barrie

Public meeting Tuesday night on proposed development of former Central Collegiate property

Two enormous developments being proposed for the west end of downtown Barrie – residential high-rises and retail opportunities could change the perception of the downtown.

“Busy streets are safe streets,” says Mayor Jeff Lehman. “And if we want shops and services in our downtown [and] a daytime economy to be thriving, they need customers. What better than to have many, many more people living in and around our downtown core?”

Related: YMCA Looking to Former Barrie Central Land

A three-tower development for the former Barrie Central Collegiate property will be presented at a public meeting tonight (City Hall Rotunda, 7pm). Each tower would be 10-20 storeys high and would be home to 1000 people. The plan also includes a new YMCA building.

Mayor Lehman says if it’s approved, and goes ahead roughly as planned, it would bring a lot of daytime activity to that part of downtown.

“There hasn’t been an enormous investment in the west end of our downtown in generations”

– Mayor Jeff Lehman

The mayor is also excited about a proposed development for the so-called ‘Theatre Block’ on the south side of Dunlop Street, east of Mary Street.

It comprises two residential towers ranging in height from 30 to 34 storeys, brand new retail units constructed along Dunlop Street utilizing what Lehman describes as landmark architecture.

“That, I expect, will get a lot of attention,” says Lehman,” and a lot of discussion around that height.”

Important to note these proposals are in their initial stages. Mayor Lehman says the look of projects often changes as they work their way through the system.

Mayor Lehman expands on these two projects
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