Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie has approved a new planning permit system for the Allandale Major Transit Station Area that is expected to significantly reduce development approval timelines and support faster delivery of new housing.
Following public consultation, the city has implemented a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for the Allandale MTSA, creating a single approval process that replaces separate zoning, site plan control and minor variance applications within the area.
Governed by the council-approved Allandale Community Planning Permit (CPP) bylaw, the new system is expected to reduce review times to about 45 days for qualifying developments.
Under the new process, developers and landowners will require one comprehensive permit rather than navigating multiple planning approvals, a move the city says will streamline development while ensuring growth remains compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.
“This tool will help fast-track much-needed housing and new development in Allandale while balancing growth with the established character of the neighbourhood,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said in a statement.
The Community Planning Permit System is one of the initiatives included in Barrie’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, which is aimed at increasing the city’s housing supply.
The original proposal called for the permit system to cover both the downtown and Allandale areas. However, the city said feedback received during public consultation indicated more study is needed before extending the program downtown.
As a result, implementation of a CPPS for the downtown has been deferred to a future review. The remainder of the city will continue to operate under Zoning Bylaw 2009-141.
The city engaged residents and stakeholders throughout the development of the new permit system through consultation sessions, an online survey and an open house. Officials said public input helped shape both the permit process and the policies contained in the new bylaw.
The Allandale Major Transit Station Area is exected to play a key role in accommodating future residential growth because of its proximity to higher-order transit, making it a priority location for policies designed to encourage higher-density housing while streamlining municipal approvals.
To learn more about the CPPS, visit barrie.ca/AllandaleCPPS.
