:: "Park Place" Lands to be Re-Zoned Commercial ::

Barrie, ON--After weeks of waiting for the Ontario Municipal Board's (OMB) decision, the verdict is in. A portion of North American lands will be re-designated and re-zoned commercial, contradictory to what was previously outlined in the City's official plan. "The City is disappointed that the OMB has gone against Council's decision on this significant application. This issue went before the OMB because we as the city felt that the proposed amendment to the Official Plan and rezoning was not in the best interest of the community, and we are disappointed with the final outcome," comments Mayor Hamilton. "We will be reviewing our options on how best to proceed, and will work with the developer to ensure we get the best development we can for the City."

The original application for an Official Plan Amendment and re-zoning to construct a "Lifestyle Centre" including approximately 930,000 square feet of retail space and approximately 400,000 square feet of office space on 190 acres of land at the north-east corner of Mapleview Drive East and Highway 400 was submitted in August 2002. Additional proposed uses included an industrial building, hotels, a cinema and restaurants. To implement this "Lifestyle Centre" proposal, the applicant requested the re-designation and re-zoning of almost 120 acres of the City's prime industrial lands to commercial. Prior to considering this very significant application Council requested a full financial impact analysis, a retail market and impact analysis, traffic studies and comments from the Ministry of Transportation.

In August 2004 the applicant revised their proposal and the amount of land being re-designated for purely commercial uses was reduced to approximately 94 acres leaving the 38 acres of land east of Bayview Drive in a General Industrial designation. The lands North of the open space area, consisting of 41 acres are being re-designated from general industrial to Business Park. On the 94 acres 1.1 million square feet of retail, restaurant, office, entertainment and hotel uses were proposed. The City has negotiated a settlement with regards to transportation issues in the South end of Barrie and contributions will be required by the developer to assist in minimizing traffic congestion in the area; these improvements will be required prior to development

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:: Clear the Tracks ::

QUEEN'S PARK -- The Ontario government and the City of Barrie have successfully finalized an agreement that will bring GO train service to the City of Barrie, Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield and City of Barrie Mayor Robert Hamilton announced today.

An agreement has been finalized to secure the lands and rail corridor needed for GO Transit rail service to the City of Barrie. Up to four GO trains are expected to serve Barrie by late 2007. "Since 2003, the McGuinty government has committed approximately $1.6 billion for GO Transit," Cansfield said. "It's time that residents from the City of Barrie get the service they deserve. Expanding GO Transit rail service gives residents better access to public transit and reduces highway congestion."

"Barrie City Council is pleased to have reached an agreement that brings GO train service back to our community," comments Mayor Rob Hamilton. "Council identified extending GO train service as one of our top ten priorities, and this joint financial partnership is a key element in positioning Barrie as we move into the future and build a complete community." "We look forward to working with the City of Barrie to improve transportation for one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario,"

GO Transit Chairman Peter Smith said. "Extending the GO train to Barrie will enhance the GO bus service we already operate in that area." The expansion is part of the GO Transit Rail Improvement Program (GO TRIP), a billion dollar expansion announced by the province in May 2004 and funded by Ontario and municipalities with a contribution from the federal government through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. "Since 1995, GO Transit ridership has grown by 51 per cent to 47 million riders a year," said Cansfield. "Ridership is expected to double within the next 20 to 30 years and we're doing what has to be done now to make public transit work for commuters."

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