Ontario Construction News staff writer
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall says he will use ‘strong mayor powers’ to provide funding for construction of a new youth homeless shelter in the city.
“Today, I signed an important directive supporting Youth Haven’s mission to provide critical support for vulnerable youth in our community,” Nuttall said on social media. “Youth Haven is an incredible organization, and with this action, we’re taking concrete steps to help make vital resources available to those who need them most.”
In a Nov. 11 directive, Nuttall directs staff to provide Youth Haven with a $4,212.64 grant to cover the cost of water tapping fees payable to the city.
A growing number of Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association (SCHBA) members are donating time, expertise and material to renovate Barrie’s Youth Haven, the region’s only shelter focused on supporting homeless and at-risk youth. This contribution is valued at over $1 million and is set to transform the facility into a modern, welcoming space.
Construction got underway with the demolition of the existing building kicking off on Oct. 30 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
The mayor has also directed staff to provide grants to cover municipal construction fees or development fees that may not have already gotten council’s approval.
“Given the status of this project, I hereby direct staff to provide grants . . . to cover any City of Barrie construction or development fees that may not have been approved through past council decisions or to cover any other fees that are not within staff’s authority,” Nuttall wrote in the directive.
The Seeley Group assisted with the demolition and companies volunteering to work on the rebuild include Alair Homes Ontario, Pratt Homes, Sunbelt Rentals, Lakeside Tree Experts and Northern Plumbing Systems.
Donations of materials and services—everything from lumber and insulation to landscaping supplies – are still needed. Click the link to get involved: https://newhavenbarrie.ca.