Approximately 200 people crammed last night’s city council meeting to voice their opinion on a proposed sports and entertainment complex on Barrie’s lakeshore. However, on the agenda was only whether council would create a feasibility study to look into any and all areas of Barrie that may be able to contain such a building. The motion passed 9-1 in favour of the study with only Councillor Bonnie Ainsworth as the only member of council against.
On Oct. 2, co-founder and President of Georgian International Jamie Massie proposed to council a new family-oriented complex be built just east of the Southshore Centre and the new Military Heritage Park on the vacant lot close to Minet’s Point Road and Lakeshore Drive. Massie was hoping, on that day, to have a feasibility study approved as to whether the location could fit the plans he and his team had for the stadium that would not only house many festivals and events, but also the Inter-County Baseball League’s Barrie Baycats.
“I feeling very positive about the process right now,” said Massie. “Council got the right message and delivered the proper message as well. They weren’t voting on putting a stadium on the waterfront, they voted to have a study to look at what the options are. To be a proponent or an opponent to this project you need facts that people can make good decisions from. There are probably a number of great locations that could accommodate this and every one will have its positives and negatives. Through this study, we can now take a good look at which spot fits economically for the city because there are different pieces that will come into play to help make the decision; it won’t be an easy decision because there will be lots of good spots and I doubt any real bad ones.”
One of the concerns by many in attendance with even having the study done was the allocation of $50,000 from the Strategic Priorities Reserve to fund the city’s portion of any costs having to do with hiring of external consultants and/or contractors in what is planned to be a survey by phone, polling people at events, speaking with local businesses and even social media. While many feel money shouldn’t be spent by the city for such projects, Ward 6 Councillor Steve Trotter voted to have the survey having heard many of the concerns from residents.
“Originally I was not on board for any of this but seeing as part of what we do is investigate these types of issues, I would rather know that we are in control of what is happening and have transparency for any results that come in,” said Trotter.
Councillor Arif Khan had been following the many debates on social media leading up to last night’s meeting and is certain that a feasibility study is needed as there seems to be much misinformation circulating on the topic. Khan is confident that city controlled study could help shine light on the many issues that residents and business owners have regarding any stadium ideas.
“This is not about a lakeshore stadium proposal,” said Khan. “What did happen tonight was that council voted in favour of backing away from any particular influence on where a proposal may land in the future and we directed staff to engage with the public on their thoughts regarding a number of issues pertaining to any site. Essentially what was voted on this evening was that we’re going to explore the feasibility of investing, with private partnership potential, to build a facility somewhere in the city of Barrie that would address some very long-standing shortfalls in terms of providing services for the betterment of the community as a whole.”
A deputation was given by Alan McNair, the Conversation Chair for the Brereton Field Naturalist Club. Concerns from McNair and the club were that the area needed to be maintained for its green space and natural beauty. Khan understands all concerns when it comes to Barrie’s waterfront and other scenic wonders, but asks folks to trust the process of a study and that council cares just as much about the city’s beauty.
“I hear them, I really do and that’s why we just want to look around the city for a location that may work,” said Khan. “I would remind folks too; this is a council that deeply cares about our community’s natural beauty. We just doubled the lakeshore’s green space with the renovations that took place; we’re very proud of that. We, like the other residents, care not only about progress in the city, but also very much about maintaining all the reasons we all love being here.”
