“It’s the only preserved natural environment along the waterfront,” says a member of the Allandale Neighborhood Association.
Those with an opinion on Barrie’s South Shore will have their say tonight and more.
City council will hear from about 17 MPs, both for and against, about a new multi-use youth sports field and parade ground east of Military Heritage Park along Lakeshore Drive, and of an addition to the Southshore Center for the new Sea Cadet House.
Council will consider final approval of these projects at Wednesday’s meeting.
The synthetic turf sports field/parade field would measure 100 meters by 154 meters and the Southshore addition would measure 600 square meters. Their construction will cost a total of more than $9 million.
Cathy Colebatch, a member of the Allandale Neighborhood Association (ANA), will be one of the speakers, asking about the location of the sports field.
“Why on earth would we use our land and natural spaces, which anyone can use, for a sports facility that can only be used six months out of the year,” she asked. “This is absolutely not the right use for where it should be located.
“It’s going to remove the natural urban environment that, through the waterfront master plan, has had a lot of public engagement,” Colebatch said. “It’s the only preserved natural environment left along the waterfront.”
She and many other ANA members would like council to ask city staff to go back and re-examine all the spaces around Barrie where this field could be built instead, and slow down the approval process.
“What’s the hurry?” We need to take our time and look at the existing areas that we have; maybe some of these fields could be redeveloped to accommodate them,” Colebatch said. “We know we need more sports fields. »
David Brophey and his daughter Olivia have also asked to speak this evening in support of the artificial turf pitch.
“She can provide the next generation’s perspective on this issue,” Brophey wrote in his candidacy for deputy.
Tim Sample also asked to speak.
“The focus will be on the future of our youth and what these facility offerings will mean,” he wrote.
Valéria Zavalna asked to express her opposition to the new sports field.
“This development would prevent many people from enjoying the coastline. Additionally, this development would create many more traffic and parking problems,” Zavalna wrote. “The city’s goal was to evolve into a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly city. I think this development has the opposite effect.
Cherin Harris-Tuck, a member of the Minet’s Point residents community group, also requested a delegation.
“Seek advice from council – before approving – to hold extensive public consultation and implement studies into traffic, environmental, artificial turf and noise implications for long-term needs” , Harris-Tuck wrote.
Representatives from the Barrie Soccer Club, high school soccer, Blacks For All Races and the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club also requested delegations, as well as residents with no identified affiliation, such as Tom Ewles.
“Usually, only participants in that sport and/or their parents attend these activities,” he writes of minor sports. “Having a facility on the waterfront exposes the non-athletic user not only to another entertainment venue that they could watch or observe during their stay, but also exposes the ‘youth’ activity and its benefits to the general public.
“Also young people towards an environment not exclusive to sport. Sports, like arts and culture, are powerful community builders and should be integrated, not competitive,” added Ewles.
Trish Young doesn’t favor the land at this location.
“Multi-purpose land can happen anywhere, but not the waterfront,” she wrote. “Please do not divert these lands from unplanned natural use that serves passive recreational purposes and contributes to the mental health and fitness goals of many residents,” Young wrote.
The proposed multi-purpose youth sports field and naval cadet parade ground would be located to the east of the Military Heritage Park, a soccer, rugby, football and lacrosse field. There would also be equipment such as lighting, benches and construction furniture.
This property is zoned and designated open space (OS), which allows the development of a multi-purpose sports field. Accessory uses permitted in OS zoning include bleachers, clubhouse, concession stand and pavilion or refreshment stand. Parking is also permitted in OS zoning. An asphalt parking lot with 35 spaces is proposed for the sports field.
The project includes high-end artificial turf and a multi-use sports field, and is estimated to cost $4.6 million. Funding would come from three municipal reserves: development fees, tax capital and cash to replace parks.
From the date of project approval by Council until project completion, the proposed sports field project requires a minimum of 16 months to construct, including the winter season.
The Sea Cadets, a group long located near the Spirit Catcher, would move into a 600 square meter building. addition to the Southshore Centre, a northward extension of the basement of the existing building. The price is $4.55 million.
At this point, $300,000 would be committed to the plan and design of the addition. City staff would report to councilors for approval of funding for future construction, once costs have been refined through the design process.
Navy League chapter president Diane Chislett said sea cadets had been looking for new facilities for almost 40 years and the multi-purpose field would allow for outdoor parades near the military park and graduation ceremonies. outdoor degrees.
An addition to the north side of the Southshore Building would also enlarge the upper terrace. This could be a significant benefit to the rental space on the upper floor, as weddings and other events would additionally benefit from a large patio, with a backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay.
The location of the proposed addition is approximately five meters above lake level. The increased slope that will be introduced between the proposed Southshore expansion and Kempenfelt Bay is significant, according to city staff, and the detailed design will need to consider lake access and boat transportation between the lake and the building.
The Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club, as well as the Barrie Rowing Club, each occupy space on the lower level of the Southshore Centre, with access to Kempenfelt Bay on the north side of the building. The space is primarily used as storage for canoes, kayaks and boats. A floating dock is shared between the two groups and 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 center for their regular meetings.
This space is primarily used to host a variety of community events, social functions and organizational meetings.
