‘It does not fit’: Barrie council defers decision on ‘excessively tall’ SmartCentres four-tower waterfront proposal

Barrie council is taking a bit more time to decide whether to allow the largest development in the city’s history to proceed.

On Dec. 7, councillors deferred back to staff SmartCentres’ request for zoning bylaw and official-plan amendments for a large mixed-use project on the 3.5-hectare lot at 51-75 Bradford and 20 Checkley streets. Council wants staff to see whether the developer is willing to lower the height of the project.

The matter will likely be dealt with again by councillors early in the new year.

“This is a really important piece of property,” Coun. Clare Riepma said. “We are going to live with whatever our decision is for another century. It’s important we get it right.”

SmartCentres has pitched four buildings ranging from 25 to 46 storeys.

Riepma said he hopes the final design can more closely mirror a nearby development on Toronto Street, in terms of property line setbacks and staggered height. He also pushed for an ‘arbitrary’ 35-storey tower cap; though other councillors suggested that could lead to wider buildings.

“We’ve been working diligently with staff and the conservation authority to process the application; there’s been a lot of changes since the first submission,” SmartCentres representative Paula Bustard said. “We’re very pleased with the application before us now; the technical studies justify the height and density.”

About 1,700 residential units, 3,500 square metres of ground-floor commercial space and 145 hotel rooms would be built. Public corridors would link to natural features, such as the Bunker’s Creek eco-park and the Kempenfelt Bay shoreline.

This site is between Bradford and Lakeshore Drive.

Several people made deputations during the council meeting, mostly concerning building height.

“The (planning) process seems to be merely lip service,” resident Rod Burns said. “Residents (in) the area are not against high rises. However, in this case, the height and density is excessive. It does not fit within the context of the neighbourhood.”

This property was once owned by Fortress Real Developments. Fortress bought the Harmony Village land in November 2016. Initial plans had included six residential towers, townhouses and ground-floor retail.

However, Fortress ran into legal issues in recent years, mostly related to its syndicated mortgage investors.

“The majority of residents understand the need for growth,” resident Cathy Colebatch said. “These amendments clear the way for excessively tall buildings that would detract from out cohesive waterfront. This is the largest development in our history. This proposal has its merits, but Barrie’s waterfront is unique. We need to develop responsibly with the vision to protect our waterfront.”

Some councillors expressed disappointment at the delay, noting staff support the proposal.

“We need to let our staff do their job,” Coun. Sergio Morales said. “This is going to do nothing. It has no leverage. All the concerns I had about giving false hope … are just déjà vu. Our staff very politely said, ‘make a decision on this one’. Are we really going to ask (SmartCentres) nicely to go to 35 (storeys)? ‘Do you mind cutting off a couple million dollars’ profit, please?’”