Site preparation for a $186-million affordable housing facility in north-end Barrie is expected to begin early next year, now that Simcoe County council has officially given the green light to the much-anticipated project.
County council voted Tuesday to endorse the plan to create a 176-unit, mixed-use building at 20 Rose St. The property, which formerly housed the Barrie OPP detachment, is now the site of a temporary homeless shelter unti; the housing project is completed.
The development will include diverse or mixed housing types, including rent-geared-to-income (RGI), affordable housing and units for the "missing middle," in addition to space for social, health and community partners. The site is also centrally located in a built-up urban setting with access to commercial amenities, schools, transit and pedestrian connectivity and has quick access to Highway 400.
The community services on site will include an Ontario Works office, community programming and other amenities, such as a possible daycare space and medical offices. The building will include two wings, one that is eight storeys tall and the other 10 storeys and will include a combination of affordable housing units, replacement RGI units, and services designed for individuals, seniors and families.
“County council once again demonstrated our commitment to building up our communities and investing in long-term, sustainable solutions," Warden Basil Clarke said in a news release Wednesday. "Our social and community services staff came to us with an incredible proposal that isn’t just a building – it offers greater hope and stability for future residents."
At $186 million, Clarke acknowledged it's a significant investment by the county, and council wants to ensure that it is making the biggest impact possible as it forges ahead and uses this building project as a "foundation" for its next 10-year regional housing strategy.
With this approval by county council now official, site preparation is expected to begin in early 2024, with an estimated completion date in 2026-27, however that is subject to possible changes.
“All housing solutions are good news. We are happy to see this project moving forward,” Busby Centre executive director Sara Peddle said in an email to BarrieToday.
Hayley Murdoch-Fyke, executive director with the John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka (JHSSM), said she believes county council's approval for the Rose Street affordable housing project is a huge step forward, not only for the vulnerable population her agency serves but for the community as a whole.
"This type of diverse build will provide housing security for many levels of income, which is greatly needed in Barrie," she said. "Also, recognizing the need and implementing space for health and social services alongside affordable housing creates lasting impacts for individuals and families to be able to maintain their housing as well as improving other aspects of their lives."
Murdoch-Fyke says the organization will happily support the project in any way it can.
"We are looking forward to the exciting opportunities this build will bring to the community," she added.
Recognizing the unique opportunity at the Rose Street site in Barrie, county council has also asked staff to report back on further options to maximize the site for additional units. Staff will report back to council with options and recommendations in the coming months, as the approved project gets underway.
Community consultation will occur as the process continues, county officials say.
