Development Concierge Programs are complimentary services that aim to improve access to housing and provide more housing options in the community, while also creating jobs for residents by helping new and existing businesses grow. The Employment Development Concierge Program assists new and existing businesses with the development of strategic employment projects or expansions to existing business operations.
The Employment Development Concierge Program helps businesses navigate development approvals processes. Services include:
- Enhanced support for applicants throughout the development review process to facilitate smoother project advancement
- Facilitation of meetings with Development Services and Building Services staff
- Priority review for select projects based on specific criteria, including the potential for job creation upon project completion
- Streamlining the development review process to enhance overall efficiency for all applicants
Employment Development Project Eligibility
The Employment Concierge Program uses a scorecard system to assess eligibility, with criteria and a points system. Only business development projects scoring at least 70 points on the scorecard will qualify for enrolment in the program.
Generally, larger projects that create more employment opportunities in key sectors (e.g. advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences) would score higher than those projects that result in fewer jobs and/or are outside of these key sectors.
As of April 2026, concierge applications will only be accepted once a project is ready for a Site Plan application, or a Building Permit application where Site Plan approval is not required. To continue supporting development projects prior to this stage, the following services are being formalized or are already available through existing City programs:
How to Apply
If your project meets the eligibility criteria above, please use the link below to submit your application to the Business Development branch of the City of Barrie’s Economic Development Department.
If you require assistance or have questions about the application please email invest@barrie.ca.
Once your application is received, Business Development staff will review your application and score it using the Employment Development Concierge Scorecard. Applicants will receive confirmation on whether the project is eligible within five business days.
Administration
Employment Development Concierge projects will be provided with a key contact from Business Development to help guide them through the various components of the development approval process. This key contact will be available to assist with inquiries, direct applicants to City of Barrie and external resources, and assist with the timely resolution of any issues that arise.
Successful Employment Development Concierge applicants will be required to enter into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) agreement between the City and the owner (registered or assessed owners of lands/buildings), which will set out the terms, duration, and default provisions of the Employment Development Concierge Program. The City may discontinue Concierge services where there is not compliance with an executed agreement.