There are a number of large projects underway in the City of Barrie this year. To keep track of what’s going on where, we’ve compiled a short list of construction jobs expected to be completed in the near future. The building expansion phase of the Letitia Heights Library project is underway. The library’s interior design is complete, and all permits have been obtained. The interior work will begin once the structure is water-tight. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Barrie unveils first look at Letitia Heights Library 2. Lakehead University STEM Hub Construction of the interior of 24 Maple Avenue is expected to be complete by the end of July, with staff arriving in the next few weeks. Lakehead University staff will begin installing furniture and equipment to prepare for a September opening. Signs are expected to be installed in early August, along with the completion of minor exterior improvements. Construction at 5 Ross Street is also progressing quickly, with occupancy expected to occur early in August. City staff are coordinating with Lakehead to ensure sufficient time is available to complete equipment and furniture installations prior to the university’s September opening. Lakehead University’s Barrie STEM Hub to open this fall 3. Sea Cadets Relocation Project Construction of the Sea Cadets relocation project is underway. Currently, activities include site preparation, servicing works, temporary power installation, coordination of building systems, and shop drawing reviews. Staff are using an excess soil management strategy to support the beneficial reuse of surplus material. Demolition of the existing Sea Cadets building is scheduled after the Sea Cadets’ season to ensure uninterrupted use of the facility during their programming period. Sea Cadets break ground on new waterfront building 4. Performing Arts & Convention Centre The Performing Arts & Convention Centre project continues to advance with the site plan application submitted and under review. The project team is working towards submission of the building permit application for fall 2026. Construction paperwork is to be completed by December, with a general contractor starting shortly thereafter. Site work is expected to begin in fall 2026 with the demolition of existing Sea Cadets facility, and construction of the new facility is planned to begin in spring 2027 when weather permits. Momentum gaining on Barrie’s new Performing Arts Centre Design plans for new $65M waterfront Performing Arts Centre unveiled in Barrie Proposed Barrie Performing Arts Centre look unveiled 5: South Barrie Recreation Complex and Library Site due diligence studies including site surveys, archaeology studies, geotechnical investigation, and environmental impact studies are currently underway. Staff hope to have delivery partners in place in early 2027. McKay Road East Future Home of South Barrie Recreation Complex and Library Barrie council backs $375M south-end multi-use complex after some tweaks to the plan
