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Concerns expressed over proposed south-end development

'Most in attendance did not support the currently proposed design,' notes city official following Neighbourhood Meeting

A 'neighbourhood meeting' this week was the first opportunity the public had to hear about a proposed development in the city’s southwest end that would see four three-storey townhomes and a total of 88 new units added to the area.

City staff met with residents via Zoom Wednesday evening to take questions about a preliminary application set for 407, 411, 413, 417 and 419 Mapleview Dr. W. 

Barrie’s director of development services, Michelle Banfield, told BarrieToday that 73 residents were in attendance, virtually, with 20 voicing a variety of concerns.

“There were concerns over increased density and changes to the established neighbourhood and that the density proposed is too high,” said Banfield. “They were concerned that traffic and congestion will increase and local homes will be impacted by the proposed construction and changed landscape.”

Banfield noted another concern was protecting the existing tree canopy and the existing Redfern Park. She said that many understood growth would occur, but wanted a compromise of a lower density and overall impact.

“Most in attendance did not support the currently proposed design,” said Banfield. 

The proposed zoning-bylaw amendment would facilitate the development of four, three-storey back-to-back townhomes, 164 underground and three above-ground visitor parking spaces with a total of 88 units. The site is 0.64 hectares in area and is located along Mapleview Drive West, east of the intersection with Redfern Avenue.

Banfield noted this project is in the very early stages and there are more meetings and consultations to be had. 

"We are currently in the initial stages of the process, the application has completed pre-consultation technical review with a variety of internal city staff and external agencies,” said Banfield. “In moving forward the applicant will need to incorporate comments received in (Wednesday’s) neighbourhood meeting and submit their applications for zoning-bylaw amendment, condominium exemption and site-plan approval.”

A statutory public meeting will be scheduled at a later date, in accordance with the Planning Act, and a staff report on the applications will likely be brought forward to council sometime in the first quarter of 2021.

Intensification has become a big topic for Barrie, a city that is projected to add 63,000 new residents in 10 years.

Banfield said that while the proposed location is not within an identified intensification corridor, it does occur “near to the Essa Road intensification corridor and along an arterial road with available services, transit access and existing nearby amenities.” 

Banfield added: “This city recognizes and has identified the importance of providing additional affordable housing supply and such discussions are held with all development proposals."

The next stage of public discussions will be posted on all City of Barrie social media and their website