Ontario Construction News staff writer
Waterloo-based HIP Developments ย wants to build a mixed-use development with two 20-storey structures and a 10-storey building in central Barrie.
“It’s a market we’ve had our eye on for a number of years,” Joel Doherty, director of development with HIP Developments said at a recent council meeting,ย noting the site is a large property within close proximity to the waterfront and downtown businesses.
Details of the 600 residential unit development were presented at a public meeting last week.
HIP needs a zoning-bylaw amendment and special provisions to allow additional building height along one side of the development.
The proposed development includes a 70,000-square-foot YMCA facility and urban parkette using the shell of a former elementary school.
Rob Armstrong, chief executive officer withย YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, urged council to pass the zoning-bylaw amendment.
“We’ve been working with HIP Developments now for about three years,” he said. “For us, we believe having a ‘Y’ downtown is a great opportunity.”
A staff report on the zoning-bylaw amendment will be presented to general committee in early 2020.