Do Barrie residents want or need a waterfront sports and entertainment stadium? Or such a facility within city limits?
The city's general committee voted at its meeting Monday night in support of a motion to strike a task force to investigate the feasibility of locating, constructing and operating a potential family-oriented sports and entertainment facility somewhere in Barrie.
The idea was pitched by president and co-founder of Georgian International, Jamie Massie, at city hall on Oct. 2.
Massie, in conjunction with the Barrie Baycats baseball league, asked council to endorse a motion to launch a joint feasibility study to investigate putting such a facility on the south shore of the waterfront.
Councillor Bonnie Ainsworth voiced strong opposition to the waterfront proposal and wanted that location eliminated from the feasibility study.
"Since Mr. Massie made his presentation on Oct. 2 I have received a lot of mail. And I have to say only a very few emails were in support of the Military Heritage Place idea on the waterfront," she said.
"To be kind, I have to say people are overwhelmingly against. They are pretty upset and very emotionally invested in keeping the waterfront the way it is."
Councillor Doug Shipley, who put forward the task force motion, countered that his plan would be open to suggestions about where to put a facility, if Barrie residents want it all.
"I'm not basing this on exactly what the Baycats want or not. The motion actually wants to go to the public. The motion is do a random phone survey and public information sessions," said Shipley.
"I believe in the city of Barrie we could use that (stadium) somewhere. Is the waterfront the best location? I have no idea," he added.
"I hope the task force comes back with a couple of choices. I didn't think it would be that much of a confrontational issue."
Mayor Jeff Lehman said he also received feedback from people who said 'great idea but the waterfront was the wrong location.'
"The ask from the group was regarding the waterfront and the motion is on widespread locations," noted Mayor Jeff Lehman.
"It may well emerge that the waterfront is not the right location. It may well emerge that there's a way to do it and respect the feedback we've received. But if you don't even look at it how will we ever know?" Lehman asked.
The feasibility study would cost around $50,000.
Other councillors said they too received public feedback.
"I haven't received 156,000 emails (against the waterfront). I've received 30 to 50 emails. My point is, yes, if you touch a nerve people will respond," Councillor Arif Khan said.
"I would rather not pass judgement on a topic whether it's in support of or against something without getting the information. And I think that that what's this motion is about. It's about going out and getting the information."
Councillor Mike McCann said his feedback was split about the waterfront.
"We all own Lakeshore. We all own the waterfront and we need to get a decision from every single resident that wants to participate," said McCann in support of the study.
Councillor Sergio Morales expressed concern about parking but also wanted to move forward.
"(Not to support the motion) is like a refusal to get more information on all the options," said Councillor Sergio Morales. "We shouldn't put up a barrier to community leaders."
Councillor Steve Trotter agreed it was important to explore the proposal and wasn't surprised by the public reaction.
"Anything to do with the waterfront has always ended up to be very divisive," said Trotter, who supported the motion. "I do like the fact that this motion is a little broader."
The community consultation will take place throughout the Summer and Fall of 2018 if council approves the motion on Nov. 6.
