A land swap between the city and a developer which could bring Fisher auditorium back to life is creeping closer to completion.
Councillors voted unanimously at Monday night’s general committee meeting in support of exchanging property with Waterloo-based HIP Developments.
The trade-off could also pave the way for the redevelopment of W.A. Fisher Auditorium at the nearly demolished Barrie Central Collegiate.
The auditorium building has been spared from the demolition equipment during negotiations between the city and the developer.
A final decision on the land deal is expected to be made next Monday at city council.
In the pact, HIP would receive Red Storey Field, as well as 34, 36, 38 and 40 Bradford St. The city would also begin expropriation proceedings for 44 Bradford St., to acquire this property, at HIP’s expense; it would become part of the developer’s land parcel.
HIP is looking to build a residential development in the area.
The city would receive the Fisher building and property, along with land to the east fronting on Dunlop Street West and Bradford Street.
The city is looking at a complete overhaul on the auditorium building by turning it into a theatre and events centre.
Council recently approved the facility design for the theatre/events centre project, which could carry a $25.6-million price tag.
The 650-seat theatre would include a side loading dock, an expanded catering kitchen, storage facilities and a fly gallery, which is a theatrical rigging system of rope lines, pulleys, etc. The events centre could would have 400 seats or room for 800 people standing.
The land exchange between the city and HIP is dependent upon council’s final acceptance of a business case for the development and operation of the W.A. Fisher Auditorium and Event Centre.
Monday’s motion also included increasing the Fisher auditorium redevelopment budget by $200,000 to pay for land-transfer taxes, along with legal and survey costs. The funding would come from the council strategic priority reserve.
The discussion didn’t come without some reservations, though.
“I’m a long, long way from giving my blessing on this project,” Coun. Steve Trotter said. “I’m prepared to take baby steps, but I want to make it clear that I’m not writing a blank cheque. I’m not prepared to be putting the brakes on it yet, either.”
Coun. Doug Shipley said he was becoming “leary” on some aspects of the project, which has been brought to council in a succession of staff reports to be voted on.
“All of a sudden, we could be presented with a big ball in front of us,” he said.
