Beach weather is almost here, but Barrie’s waterfront is the focus of a multi-million dollar construction project.
Construction crews seems to be everywhere along Lakeshore Drive, with work stretching from Mulcaster Street to beyond Centennial Beach.
“We understand it is a major inconvenience for the city and visitors for this year, but it is a major draw,” says Stew Patterson, construction manager for the city.
This is the final phase of the $27 million Lakeshore Project. This includes landscaping, new pathways, and even a bridge over Dyment’s Creek. It’s a complete overhaul of the park.
“The majority of this park, north of the playground, will be open for August first. It is a long time. We’re touching the whole park though; we're essentially doing all landscaping, walkways, electrical and irrigation.”
However, some residents were hoping construction would be done by now.
“I was hoping they'd be done by the time people started coming down to enjoy the waterfront, but do what you have to do to make it work for everybody,” says Lynda McLean.
The playground at Centennial Beach will be open later this month, and the beach itself will be open all season long.
