UPDATE! County Council has approved mixed-use housing of 215 rental apartments to be built on Rose Street in Barrie.
County Council expanded its plan to create additional affordable rental spaces at the County’s Rose Street location. Previously approved for 176 new affordable rentals, the new approved plan expands on this to create 215 total spaces, for a net increase to the original plan of 39 units, in the City of Barrie.
This is just more way that the County is
#BuildingUp our communities. See the rendering of the proposed housing development set for completion in 2026/2027 below. For more details, read the
report as presented to County Council on August 8, 2023.
About the Rose Street project in Barrie
August 8, 2023 update:
This development will include diverse housing types, including rent-geared-to income, affordable housing and units for the "missing middle", as well as space for social, health and community partners. Community consultation will occur as the process continues.
Previously approved for 176 new affordable rentals, the new approved plan (as of August 8, 2023) expands on this to create 215 total spaces, for a net increase to the original plan of 39 units, in the City of Barrie. This maximizes the proposed affordability mix and intensifies the original design, substituting some of the two- and three-bedroom units with studio and one-bedroom units on upper floors. It also relocates the Social and Community Services office space to the top of the proposed parking structure, allowing for more residential units.
This build will include diverse or mixed housing types, including rent-geared-to income, affordable housing, and units for the "missing middle", in addition to space for social, health and community partners. With the estimated $217 million development, the 1.9-hectare (4.7 acre) site is in a central location in the built-up urban setting with access to commercial amenities, schools, transit and pedestrian connectivity. Community consultation will occur as the process continues.
Site preparation will begin in early 2024, with an estimated completion date in 2026-2027 (subject to change). This is just one more way that the County is
#BuildingUp our communities.
Strategic Alignment
The proposed development is in alignment with the County of Simcoe 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy. This project will achieve a significant portion of the affordable housing area targets identified in the 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy, as well as the City of Barrie's Affordable Housing Strategy, which cites the need to encourage, stimulate and increase the supply and range of affordable housing options to meet the needs of residents, at all income levels and stages of life.
Well-designed housing provides safety, health and affordability. It further represents an investment in our community and sense of place. Affordable housing created through the proposed development will increase the opportunity for low-to-moderate income households, as well as some specific vulnerable individuals, to access housing with dignity.
Rose Street Project Quick Facts:
- Existing aged structures were demolished by the end of 2021 to ensure safety of the community while reducing maintenance costs for an empty building
- County staff initiated the pre-development planning approvals process in 2022, as contained in the draft 2022 County budget
- Anticipated construction start in the spring of 2024
For answers to frequently asked questions, view our FAQ.
Application Process and Inquiries
Pending development approvals, the application process to live in this new building is expected to open approximately six months prior to building occupancy being finalized. Construction for this project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027. Interested residents may find updates and information on the application process for this building by on this page or e-mailing the the County of Simcoe's centralized applications department at cwl@simcoe.ca.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions in regards to the Rose Street Social and Community Services and Affordable Housing Development Project, please contact us at SCHCBarrieDev@simcoe.ca.
Updates
October 12, 2023
The County of Simcoe has submitted the preliminary submission required for the City of Barrie's pre-application public consultation, known as a neighbourhood meeting. The City of Barrie's neighbourhood meeting is scheduled for November 2 at 5pm and interested members of the public are welcome to register here.
August 8, 2023
County Council received report (Item CCW 2023-194) and expanded its plan to create additional affordable rental spaces at the County's Rose Street location. Option 3 was approved by Council and Committee of the Whole.
April 11, 2023
County of Simcoe Committee of the Whole received report (Item
CCW 2023-061) proposing three options for the Rose Street development. Option 3 was tentatively approved, with the final consideration scheduled for April 25, 2023 at the regular Council meeting.
October 26, 2021
County of Simcoe Committee of the Whole received report (Item CCW 2021-325) pertaining to the Rose Street Development
20 Rose Street, Barrie, purchased from Infrastructure Ontario as directed by County Council with the intention to demolish existing aged structures
Staff sought land opportunities in Barrie to consolidate operations in parallel with sale of scattered units. The land at 20 Rose Street was identified to be of adequate size to accommodate development including a mix of Affordable and Social Housing, Ontario Works, Children Services, and potentially other social and community supportive uses. Additionally, the site was deemed to be in close proximity to public transit and within reasonable walking distance to downtown services and commercial shopping.
Temporary Short-Term Use of the Site
The County of Simcoe, working collaboratively with the City of Barrie, identified 20 Rose Street as a site for a temporary shelter facility to increase the number of overnight shelter beds available to homeless individuals during the coldest months of the year. This was to ensure that the community’s most vulnerable population is able to find warm, dry, and safe shelter during the coldest nights of the year. It is not intended to be a permanent location for this shelter. The modular nature of this structure will enable the County to transport and use the building in other locations, should needs arise in the future. Long term, this site will serve as an affordable housing development with other supports and services available, pending approvals.
How long is this temporary shelter expected to be at the Rose Street site?This facility will be removed from the Rose Street site in Spring 2024.
Who can I call to find out more about this temporary shelter or get assistance?If residents have questions about the temporary shelter, please reach out to the County of Simcoe Community Services department at (705) 722-3132, extension 1470.
For questions about the long-term use of the site, please contact us at SCHCBarrieDev@simcoe.ca.
