The city is being asked to pave the way for a long-standing church to expand and residents are concerned about how it will affect them.
The Hi-Way Pentecostal Church, located on Anne Street south the Highway 400 bridge, is seeking an official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendments for a new facility on the site.
The new church would able to accommodate 800 attendees.
"There will be a large sanctuary, gym facility, a nursery. There will be support spaces such as classrooms and meeting rooms. And what they've also considered is along the Henry Street frontage adding a secondary building to house some addittional office space and classrooms," said Darren Vella of Innovative Planning Solutions, the church's planning consultant.
Vella delivered a presentation to the city's general committee Monday night during a public meeting.
He told councillors that the church had purchased property in Springwater Township ten years ago with an eye to relocating but hopes to expand in Barrie instead.
"Hi-Way Church is an important community facility for the City of Barrie. It's been there for a very long time. the church would like it to remain in this location," said Vella.
"The redevelopment will ensure the new facility will meet the needs of the community."
Residents are raising red flags about increased traffic, the impact on their property values and their views.
"Our concern is we're going to be completely blocked in and the view and the trees we currently have in adjoining backyards. Our concerns are about privacy. What we're going to be looking at everyday. The volume of traffic in and out of that area," said Sandra Recker of Henry Street.
Another Henry Street resident Blake Williams expressed similar concerns.
"We don't know what's going to happen with our Henry Street," said Williams. "The influx of way more cars on our small street. There are real people with real children living on that street. It's still a street we are raising our children on."
Vella says the plan is at the conceptual stage right now.
The church is asking the city to redesignate the property currently zoned residential to commercial to line up with the rest of the 5 acre site.
Councillor Sergio Morales asked if the zoning changes were granted and switched to commercial does the church intent to actually build a church.
Vella said his client has told him its intent is to sell property in Springwater Towinship and use the funds to build the new facility in Barrie.
"For them to buy another property in the city of Barrie will probably cost them even more. They think that this is the best site for them. But who knows what the future holds? I don't get to make that decision.'
Mayor Lehman inquired if it was possible through zoning to include a site-specific provision that would only permit the church use that's being applied for.
The answer was yes.
The matter is expected to be back before city council once the staff report is complete in November or December.
