Proposed waterfront development gets thumbs up from city councillors
Barrie's Sea Cadets are one step closer to securing a new home after City councillors granted initial approval to a controversial and transformative plan that relocates the cadets and promises broader benefits for local sports organizations.
Wednesday's council meeting was standing room only, with dozens in attendance for a consequential vote that would reshape a significant portion of the city's so-called crown jewel, the waterfront.
The field would be located near the Southshore Community Centre along Lakeshore Drive and serve as the Sea Cadets' new home base, providing a parade ground.
"What we realized is that a parading ground is essentially the same size as a field or a sports field. And so, rather than just having it for one user group, let's open it up to many user groups," Mayor Alex Nuttall said.
A related project will also see an expansion to the Southshore centre, providing interior space for the cadets, with councillors citing safety concerns over its current home.
"The building itself is decrepit. It's embarrassing that we have our youth in this building, in this facility. [It has] no washroom facilities. It's ancient," said City councillor Bryn Hamilton.
Design concept for a new multi-purpose field along the Allandale Waterfront in Barrie, Ont. (Source: City of Barrie)
Several youths turned up, hoping for approvals on a new field for sports, but many residents who live in the area are opposed to the development.
A petition to stop the development launched by a group called the South Shore Park Neighbours has garnered over 700 signatures since Tuesday.
The group claims the development threatens the habitats of wildlife and "disrupts the peace enjoyed by residents who appreciate the quietness of woodland nature at night."
Ward 8 city councillor Jim Harris, who has received several messages from residents about the multi-purpose field, emphasized the project's communal significance.
"It's everybody's property. It's not Ward 8's property. So everybody has a stake," Harris said.
Councillor Sergio Morales emphasized the need for swift progress after years of deliberation.
"It shouldn't have taken 18 years since then-councillor Nuttall was appointed to the Sea Cadets Relocation Committee to get to this point, and it shouldn't take another 18 years to even do anything about it," he noted.
According to a staff report, the estimated cost is pegged at more than $4.6 million for the field and another $4.5 million for the Southshore expansion, but councillors made an amendment that would ease the financial pressure.
"But I think when it comes to the tax capital reserve, we also have to remember that there are lots of opportunities we're seeing going out to bring dollars to the city, including the sale of H-block, [and] the sale of the old police station on Sperling Drive," the mayor added.
If all progresses as planned, the new field could be operational as early as August next year, pending final approval at next week's council meeting.
Residents who wish to have their say can register to speak at next week's meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING NEWS Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
Harris, endorsed by Biden, could become first woman, second Black person to be U.S. president
Kamala Harris could become the first Black woman to head a major U.S. party presidential ticket after U.S. President Joe Biden abruptly ended his re-election bid and endorsed her.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.
Read Biden's full text announcing the end to his re-election campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. He announced his decision in a letter posted on social media. Read the full text.
Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes, research says
Researchers surveyed about 300 people about their experiences being raised with or without humour and their views on their childhood, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.