Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie recently released a new draft Official Plan and city-wide urban design guidelines for a 90-day public review and comment period.
“The Official Plan is a foundational document that sets out the high-level community structure to help manage the direction of city growth over the next 20 years and beyond,” said Andrea Miller, general manager of infrastructure and growth management. “This project is the culmination of extensive community engagement, policy direction from council and ongoing technical work by staff in many departments.”
The draft urban design guidelines document builds on existing urban policies and sets a high standard of design excellence for future development and re-development, she added.
Together, these documents will establish a new policy framework needed for the continued planning of Barrie as a complete community. They will also introduce a level of policy direction to ensure residents, businesses, and the city share an aligned vision for Barrie’s future.
“The new policy documents provide a clear set of expectations and bring more certainty for both the community and those who want to invest and develop in Barrie,” said Miller.
In accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, the City is welcoming feedback on the draft New Official Plan and draft City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines throughout the next 90 days (ending December 22).
“Staff will continue public engagement efforts over the next 90 days, and we look forward to receiving community input as we get ready to finalize the documents,” said Michelle Banfield, director of development services.​
Following the 90-day public consultation period, staff will make necessary updates to the documents and prepare the draft New Official Plan for further consultation at the statutory public open house and public meeting scheduled for spring 2021.
Visit buildingbarrie.ca/OfficialPlan to review the documents and provide feedback.