New recreational complex to be built in Barrie

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Ian MacLennan, June 5, 2025

Mayor Alex Nuttall announced on Thursday the future home of the South Barrie Recreational Complex.

The 100-acre site, located near McKay Road and Huronia Road, was expropriated by council in April.

The city says the recreational complex will be between the Salem and Hewitt’s growth areas, and will benefit from the planned Highway 400 interchange at McKay Road.

“This site represents the future of recreation in South Barrie,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall, in a news release. “This project is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about building community. We’re going to create a space that will bring people together, support Barrie’s growing population, and enhance quality of life through recreation and culture for generations to come.”

The complex will offer a range of amenities and programming. Those details will be discussed at the June 11 general committee meeting.

Next phase of Owen Street closure in Barrie begins Friday

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By City of Barrie, June 5, 2025

Image provided by City of Barrie – June 5, 2025.

As part of the City of Barrie’s ongoing efforts to reduce flooding risk and upgrade downtown infrastructure to support growth, the next phase of the Sophia Trunk Storm Sewers (Owen & Sophia) project begins this week.

Starting Friday, June 6, Owen Street will be closed from north of Collier Street to south of McDonald Street, including the Worsley Street intersection. The closure is expected to remain in place until October 2025, weather permitting.

All vehicles will be restricted from travelling through the closure. Local access for residents and businesses will be maintained (with intermittent interruptions), and detour routes will be in place. Access for emergency vehicles to respond within the closure will be maintained.

This closure marks the second phase of a multi-year infrastructure project set for completion in summer 2027.

Construction is progressing well and ahead of schedule. The city thanks residents, commuters, and local businesses for their continued patience and support.

For more information and project updates, visit the project webpage at barrie.ca/roadwork.

Infrastructure project to reduce risk of flooding in downtown Barrie completed early

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By Release, June 3, 2025

The City of Barrie is pleased to announce the early completion of the Sophia Creek Owen Tributary Storm Outlet project, an important step in strengthening stormwater infrastructure in the city’s downtown core.

Located between Memorial Square and the Bayfield Basin, this project began in August 2024 and was completed ahead of schedule. The work focused on enhancing stormwater capacity and improving public spaces to help reduce the risk of flooding downtown, supporting the city’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy goals.

“This project future proofs our downtown from flooding while also improving public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “We’re grateful to Arnott Construction Limited for their outstanding work and professionalism in delivering this important project ahead of schedule.”

This construction project features the following:

• Installation of a trunk storm sewer through Heritage Park
• Dredging within the Bayfield Basin
• Paving of a new multi-use pathway
• Improvements to Heritage Park and the transient marina area
• Sod and coloured concrete installation at Meridian Place

As part of the restoration efforts, a new rainbow crosswalk was painted on Simcoe Street, symbolizing Barrie’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The city thanks local residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and support throughout construction. Barrie remains committed to investing in infrastructure that builds resilience and enhances public spaces for all.

For more information about this project, visit the Sophia Creek Owen Tributary Storm Outlet from Memorial Square page on barrie.ca/RoadWork.