It’s not just an idea from left field anymore.
A change.org petition from Barrie Baycats president Josh Matlow seeks support on a petition for a new multi-use facility on Lakeshore Drive that will offer cultural, sport and leisure space to the community.
“The addition of a new multi-use facility to our waterfront would bring more people together for the moments that matter,” said Matlow, who is also the Baycats’ general manager and on-field manager, on the petition. “It will be a place for everyone.
“Its all-inclusive design makes it suitable for children’s soccer games, high school football games, local non-profits staging arts and culture events, and more.”
And new home to the Baycats of the semi-pro Intercounty Baseball League.
The Baycats have a five-year, $50,000 deal with the city to use Vintage Throne Stadium, at the Barrie Community Sports Complex in Midhurst, until August 2026.
Matlow declined an interview request Wednesday from BarrieToday.
“We are just gauging interest with a petition to cross a few 't’s' and dot a few 'I’s' before proceeding,” he said in an email.
As of Wednesday morning, the petition had 642 signatures of support.
During the last term of council (2014-18), local businessman Jamie Massie proposed building an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium on Kempenfelt Bay’s south shore. It was to seat 3,000-4,000 people, feature a restaurant, commercial and retail space, and possibly be home to Barrie Sports Hall of Fame.
The Baycats were also to have played there, but that city council did not pursue the project.
There was considerable public backlash to the project, citing the need to protect public space on Barrie’s waterfront, along with concerns of inadequate parking on the already busy shores of Kempenfelt Bay.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall noted that on June 21 city council passed direction for staff to explore opportunities for engagement with community youth groups and to consult directly with Barrie youth organizations, including the Navy League of Ontario and the local Sea Cadets chapter, on their vision for youth-focused sports.
Following this exercise, he said, city staff will be reporting back to council with feedback from the consultation.
Nuttall said, based on this consultation and the Baycats’ petition, he would like to invite the ball team to present its vision at the next infrastructure and community investment committee meeting, which was unscheduled as of Wednesday.
“My personal view is that our waterfront should remain publicly owned,” said Nuttall, who declined to elaborate.
To view Matlow’s petition, visit: change.org/p/baycats-support-
