Sea Cadets relocation, sports field get early OK for south shore

Barrie’s waterfront could be getting a younger look.

City councillors gave initial approval last night to both a new multi-purpose, youth sports field and parade ground east of Military Heritage Park, along Barrie’s Lakeshore Drive, and an addition to Southshore Centre for the Sea Cadets’ new home.

The sports field/parade grounds would measure 100-by-154 metres in size, while the Southshore addition would be 600 square metres.

They carry a combined cost of more than $9 million to build. 

Minor soccer players and Sea Cadets helped nearly fill Barrie City Hall’s Council Chamber Wednesday evening.

“It’s so rare we hear from the youth. This is what they want,” said Coun. Bryn Hamilton.

“I think we need to stop holding ourselves back,” said Coun. Sergio Morales. “We need to invest in our youth.” 

“This is about adding to our facilities for youth … and an open space for people,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson. “This is what you elect people to do, to get things done.”

There were also those in the Council Chamber who oppose the sports field.

“This is everybody’s property … everybody has a stake,” said Coun. Jim Harris, who represents this part of Barrie. “It’s the least developed portion of the lakeshore.”

There is a change.org petition to ‘say no to developing a multi-use sports field and parade grounds at the south shore and Allandale Park,' with 662 signatures as of Thursday morning.

"This development threatens the habitat of our local wildlife and disrupts the peace enjoyed by residents who appreciate the quietness of woodland nature at night," the petition reads in part. "In addition to disrupting local ecosystems, such developments often lead to increased traffic congestion and noise pollution in surrounding residential areas.

"We must protect south shore/Allandale Park from becoming another casualty in our rush towards urban development," the petition says. 

“Change is sometimes a challenge and this is a huge change,” said Coun. Nigussie Nigussie.

City council is expected to consider final approval of these projects at its May 15 meeting, although there will undoubtedly be deputations from residents on both sides of the issue.

“I know there is going to be push-back, going to be resistance,” Hamilton said.

The proposed multi-purpose sports field for youths and parade ground for the Sea Cadets would be located east of Military Heritage Park, a field for soccer, rugby, football and lacrosse. There would also be amenities such as lighting, benches and site furnishings. 

This property is zoned and designated open space (OS), which permits the development of a multi-purpose sports field. Accessory uses permitted in OS zoning include bleachers, a club house, concession stand, refreshment pavilion or booth. Parking is also permitted within OS zoning. A paved asphalt 35-stall parking lot is proposed for the sports field.

The project includes a premium synthetic turf, multi-purpose sports field concept, and is estimated to cost $4.6 million. The funding would come from three city reserves — development charges, tax capital and cash-in-lieu-of parkland.

“This isn’t going to hit anyone’s tax bill, it’s all coming from reserves,” said Coun. Gary Harvey.

From the date of project approval by council to project completion, the proposed sports field project requires a minimum of 16 months to get done, including the winter season.

“I think we have picked the area that will have the least impact on the land,” said Coun. Clare Riepma.

Coun. Amy Courser asked about public access to the sports field or whether it would just be for use by teams and leagues.

“It is our public space so we should be able to use it,” she said. “I like the idea of it being a community field.”

Mayor Alex Nuttall said access would be a council decision.

The Sea Cadets, long located near the Spirit Catcher, would move to a 600-sq.-m. addition to Southshore Centre, a northerly extension to the basement of the existing building. It comes with a $4.55-million price tag.

At this point $300,000 would be committed for the addition’s plan and design. City staff report would report back to councillors for future construction funding approval, once costing is refined through the design process.

Navy League branch president Diane Chislett has said the Sea Cadets have been looking for a new facility for 35 to 40 years, and the multi-purpose field would allow parades outside by the military park and outdoor graduations.

An addition to the north side of the Southshore building would also result in an expanded upper patio area. This could be a significant benefit to the rental space on the upper floor, as weddings and other events would have the added use of a large patio, with the backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay.

The location for the proposed addition is approximately five metres above the lake elevation. The increased slope to be introduced between the proposed Southshore expansion and Kempenfelt Bay is significant, according to city staff, and the detailed design will need to accommodate lake access and the transportation of boats between the lake and the building.

The Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club, and the Barrie Rowing Club, each occupy space on the lower level of Southshore Centre with access to Kempenfelt Bay on the north side of the building. The space is primarily utilized as storage for canoes, kayaks and boats. A floating dock is shared between the two groups, which is accessed by an asphalt path.

The Rotary Club of Barrie, and the Rotary Club of Barrie Huronia, occupy the upper level on the south side of the community centre for their regular meetings. The space is primarily utilized to host a variety of community events, social functions and organization meetings.

Programs are free for Barrie Navy League Cadets (#24 Navy League Chambly) ages nine to 12 and Barrie Sea Cadets (#53 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps) ages 12 to 18 to join. The only financial obligation of the cadet’s family is to assist in fundraising.

The Navy League Barrie Branch has said enrolment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was approximately 80 to 90 Sea Cadets and 75 Navy League Cadets in their annual program. The Branch also manages approximately 50 cadets for each of the two-day weekend sailing programs during 17 weeks of the summer and approximately 200 Navy League Cadets during the summer weekdays.

Flanked by Barrie Marina and the Bayfield Street basin transient marina, the Sea Cadets building has been city property since 2016 and the Navy League/Sea Cadets have a lease lasting more than 20 years there.

But a new location and building is badly needed.

“The building itself is decrepit,” said Hamilton. “There is a desperate need to relocate.”

The current site includes a 60-by-40-foot, two-level boathouse, is located between Maple Avenue and Bayfield Street, and used for repairs, storage, meetings and events as well as general gathering places for parades and movie nights.

“I believe it really is the right time, past time, for the Sea Cadets (relocation),” Riepma said.

As Kempenfelt Bay has become busier with boat traffic, the Sea Cadets have looked for a new facility and location.

Nuttall said the Southshore Centre works on a number of fronts, not least from a safety perspective.

“It’s much less open, there is much less boat traffic,” he said.