Residents of a historic Barrie neighbourhood could one day face six storeys of new development instead of a view of Kempenfelt Bay.
At this point, the residences could go at 114 Blake St., the former Lake Simcoe Motel property, but there are also signs the project could spread to four nearby properties, which the unknown developer is trying to buy, according to a letter from a Toronto real estate agent.
Su Murdoch and Harry Laur, who have lived at 47 Rodney St. since buying it in 1981, right behind the development property, oppose its height and density, which includes 184 apartment building units, two levels of underground parking and a Blake Street entrance.
“I hate it. It will block the sun, and we get sunrise in the morning. I think our trees will die, black walnuts and white spruce,” Murdoch said. “Something this monstrous, high density, will affect the whole area.”
“I just get angry, terribly angry,” said Laur.
Murdoch, a historical consultant, said there are two properties with a heritage designation abutting 114 Blake St., hers and 126 Blake St. and one nearby at 142 Collingwood St. She says the proposed development would have an impact on the relationship of these properties to each other, and to other homes in the community.
“It’s a really great neighbourhood here, with modest houses because people like this area,” Murdoch said.
Provincial Policy Statement says cultural and heritage resources should be preserved, and a heritage impact assessment looks at why buildings are protected and the impact of new development on those features.
“But there is nothing that says you will not (develop),” Murdoch said.
And this development might not be limited to the former Lake Simcoe Motel property.
BarrieToday has obtained a copy of a letter to area property owners, dated Nov. 23, 2021, from a Toronto realtor representing "a reputable and qualified buyer that has recently purchased 114 Blake St. and is interested in acquiring other properties on the street."
The realtor says the letter’s intent is "to inquire if you have any interest in selling your property." The realtor goes on to say "my client can deliver an offer with flexible terms and closing date."
Blake Street is an arterial road and the existing zoning at 114 allows one-storey structures. This property would require an Official Plan (OP) amendment and rezoning to allow increased height and density for the proposed development.
“I’d like to see some use put to the property. It’s derelict right now,” Murdoch said. “But there has to be a way to compromise.”
It’s her opinion that this developer, while asking for six storeys, would probably settle for four, while neighbours would prefer two storeys.
Michelle Banfield, Barrie’s director of development services, said there’s no formal application for 114 Blake at this point in time. In advance of a formal submission, a neighbourhood meeting will be required and the plans will be available to the public then.
Once there’s a formal submission, a public meeting would be held and neighbours could have their say — before Barrie councillors decide on the applications.
Murdoch said 114 Blake, located at the northeast corner of Blake and Rodney streets, was owned by the Smith family, which built Lake Simcoe Motel, from 1863 until 1972. Following two suspicious fires in August 2016, the last remnants of the Lake Simcoe Motel were torn down and removed that December.
The real estate listing that resulted in the sale of 114 Blake said it was "an attractive opportunity to redevelop 1.06 acres as a townhouse development project located a few steps from the Lake Simcoe shoreline. The property is located in a mature neighbourhood with great access to the Lake Simcoe waterfront and North Shore Trail network. Neighbourhood amenities and walkability to downtown Barrie position make this a coveted Barrie address. RM2 - Sp zoning allows for two-storey townhouse development. Site specific entitlement required for final development plan."
As for 47 Rodney, it recently won a 2021 Heritage Barrie Award in the residential category. In 1849, Frederic Gore, headmaster for the Grammar School, built the Regency Cottage style residence there. Gore resided there with his wife and, sometimes, as many as 25 out-of-town boarding students. In 1863, the building became the home of Benjamin Walker Smith, first sheriff of Simcoe County.
Now 47 Rodney houses Murdoch and Laur, and has an affordable housing unit.
“People have to have a place to live,” Murdoch said.
