Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has started on Sky Towers, a major new apartment development in Barrie that will provide 928 rental units to the rapidly growing city. The project, located at 400 Grove St. W., is being developed by SkyDev, a division of the Skyline Group of Companies.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 15.
The first phase of construction will include a 25-storey and a 27-storey tower with 541 rental suites, including 32 affordable housing units. It is expected to be completed by 2027 and will be followed by a third tower – 29 storeys and a 9-storey building.
Barrie is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and is projected to see its population more than double, reaching 298,000 by 2051.
“Our communities are growing, and having projects like the new Sky Towers project reflects the need for urban density along our growth corridors,” said MPP Doug Downey. “Having strong partnerships between municipal and provincial governments will help us to achieve and exceed the housing targets set to meet the needs of our growing population.”
Government funding for the entire project tops $6.7 million to support the creation of 32 affordable housing units.
The development will also include an indoor/outdoor rooftop space, electric vehicle charging stations, a pet spa, a gym, a yoga studio, and social spaces.
“With Barrie’s vacancy rate at just 2.7 percent and a rental market of only 4,000 suites, this project represents a major opportunity to meet that demand,” said Skyline’s CEO, Jason Castellan. “We’re excited to break ground on Phase 1 and look forward to welcoming new residents to Barrie.”
