Widespread support for report calling for downtown revitalization

Leading voices for groups most impacted by a third-party report into revitalizing Barrie's downtown core are speaking out in support of that document.

Diane Chislett, the Navy League Director for Central Ontario, which oversees the Barrie Sea Cadets program, said she was delighted with the third-party report into council's controversial decision to construct a multipurpose field adjacent to the General John Hayter Southshore Centre. The field was largely to accommodate a long-sought move for the Sea Cadets, who currently operate at a dated facility near the City's marina across from the downtown transit hub.

"I think it's an outstanding report," Chislett said. "It brings attention to the downtown so that we can have more people, more tourism, more family events just for the people in Barrie and around," Chislett said to CTV News.

Earlier this month Marshall Green, a long-time Simcoe County resident with decades of legal experience, released his report into the controversial field, recommending council reverse course and consider multiple other ideas to revitalize the City's core.

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The field was to be used by the Sea Cadets for outdoor parading rehearsals and other youth sports leagues at other times. The mayor has used his strong mayor powers to unilaterally direct staff to pause all work on the field amidst Green's report.

While the field may not proceed as planned, Green still recommends that the Sea Cadets be moved to the same location where the field was to be, just for a slimmed-down version that would simply provide space for parading and other outdoor activities.

Green recommends that this section be paved, potentially providing a preferred type of surface for the cadets compared to the originally approved field.

"It would be used for anything like field hockey…we could do basketball," said Chislett. "It can be used for that. It can be used for practicing for our drill and ceremonial events. It can be used for land training, for the boats. It can be used for a whole bunch of different things."

As part of his report, Green consulted with many Barrie sports and arts community members. Advocates have been working for years to bring a new performing arts centre to Barrie, originally planned on the grounds of the former Barrie Central Collegiate.

However, Green is suggesting council consider moving that planned project to the current site of the Sea Cadets, adjacent to the marina along the waterfront.

Originally pegged at an estimated $100 million, Green has consulted with the mayor, councillors and arts advocates who have agreed to a slimmed-down version, maxing out at a $65 million budget.

"There are things that remain to be worked out," said Chuck Ruttan, the administrator for the Barrie Arts Alliance. "We're putting our faith in [the architects], but we think it's well placed," Ruttan says of the latest proposal.

The currently approved plan for the new performing arts centre has four different rooms planned. According to Ruttan, the latest discussions are for a two-room facility that would be utilized by arts members primarily but would also be available for conferences and weddings to bring in revenue.

"There will continue to be a walking path along the waterfront that is access between the building and the lake," Ruttan said of the plan, which has not been approved. "There is also an outdoor performance area, so we're trying to ensure that everyone can enjoy this and that there is access to all sorts of entertainment."

Green suggested relocating the planned theatre to provide the former Barrie Central Collegiate property to the Simcoe County Rovers. According to Green's report, the Rovers have been purchased by a large international company as part of what he calls a 'game-changing' announcement to be made in the coming weeks.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall has confirmed discussions are ongoing for a sale of the Rovers, although no further details were provided.

City councillors have their next general committee meeting scheduled for Sept. 25, when they may discuss taking action on some of Green's recommendations.