The City of Barrie is growing up - literally. Amid an affordability crisis and lack of housing in the city, Barrie has placed aggressive programs in place to entice developers to build. And it’s paying off. A concierge program to expedite planning permits, Development Charges Waiver Pilot Program to accelerate new residential builds, and Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) which encourages rapid investment in new housing has left developers praising the city. Alan Savage from YYZed Project Management said he could not believe how fast projects were being approved. “We were literally astounded by the speed at which their planning staff and various departments were responding to our applications,” said Savage. YYZed is currently in the middle of building two developments in Barrie, including 375 Yonge Street and 53 Coulter Street combining 339 new units with 68 of those units being considered affordable. Savage added if more cities introduced the same policies as Barrie , developers would be more inclined to build. “We’ve had developments all across the GTA,” said Savage. “If we started seeing this type of quick response time, it would be a game changer in the industry.” Developers are seeing approvals between 90 and 120 days. Before the policies were introduced, approvals could take up to one year. Another development at 60 Dean Avenue was able to get shovels in the ground in record time. Karen Hansen, co-owner of Library Residences, said that was in part to the concierge program. “This development was approved for the City through the concierge program that was initiated by Mayor Nuttall,” said Hansen. “It definitely helped streamline the planning application process and I think we were through the site plan process in less than 120 days. The residence will feature 122 units with 24 of those units being considered affordable. “it’s very important to us to bring new and attainable housing options to City of Barrie residents and it’s an exciting new venture that puts construction teams to work,” said Hansen. Barrie has announced dozens of projects that are currently being built. More than 1,900 units are currently in the works with 456 units being considered affordable. Shelby White, supervisor of housing for Barrie said it’s one thing to plan but its always rewarding to see the projects break ground. “It’s really exciting to see things come off the paper,” said White. “We see things very early on when it’s in 2D so to actually see, cranes going off and construction happening and those investments happening, creating jobs as well is fantastic.” The Library Residences on Dean Avenue are expected to be completed in 2027.
