Barrie Fairgrounds redevelopment inches forward despite roadblock

School boards and housing developers are looking with new eyes at the old Barrie fairgrounds for development.

Plans to redevelop the long-vacated Barrie Fairgrounds site are progressing, though not as quickly as city officials had hoped.

Since January, city staff have been working with the developer to refine and update the proposal for the large property along Essa Road near Highway 400. The current plan includes more than 4,000 housing units spread across multiple high-rises, along with several acres for a new school.

However, the City of Barrie’s request for the province to fast-track some planning approvals was rejected. Despite the setback, officials say they have resolved one key issue - plans for a future school on the site.

Both public and Catholic school boards have expressed interest in the single available school site, and have since agreed to work together toward a joint facility.

While the property has remained largely vacant for roughly two decades, the Barrie Curling Club remains the only existing tenant, with a lease extending well into the next century.

City councillors are set to meet again Wednesday to discuss the next steps for the redevelopment.

Related | Province rejects City’s request to expedite major Fairgrounds development