Barrie replaces waterfront field project with ambitious downtown revitalization plan

After months of controversy, protests and petitions, Barrie city councillors have scrapped plans for a multi-purpose field along the waterfront in favour of a new plan to revitalize the downtown.

"I've said to some people privately, I thought that multi-purpose field wouldn't get built," said Ward 8 councillor Jim Harris following Wednesday evening's city council meeting.

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Several residents in Harris' ward had strong opinions about the proposed development in their backyard, with voices so loud Mayor Alex Nuttall called on longtime Barrie resident Marshall Green, a lawyer and community volunteer, to come up with some recommendations on the best way to move forward.

"We lived in Barrie for over 50 years. Now, we've raised three kids here. I think I owe the city an awful lot. And I was happy to give back a few weeks of my time and 44 pages of writing," Green said.

Green's report highlighted seven recommendations for council, including nixing the multi-purpose field at the waterfront and relocating it to the former Barrie Central Collegiate property on Dunlop Street - which will one day be home to the Simcoe County Rovers and other local sports teams.

The multi-purpose field was initially meant to serve as parading grounds for the Sea Cadets, who have been in need of a new location for decades. Following Green's proposal, the cadets will eventually have a drill square by the Southshore for parading, and the current Sea Cadet's site will be a future performing arts centre.

Of course, shifting the plan will come at a cost.

"There's no question there's going to be a cost. But as I sit here, I think that cost will actually be worth it," the mayor said.

With files from CTV's Dana Roberts