The Heritage Park Master Plan was approved in principle by City Council on June 6, 2022.
The City of Barrie undertook a Master Plan Process for Heritage Park, a 7.3 acre waterfront park located at 5 Simcoe Street on Barrie’s north shore. The Master Plan seeks to ensure the future of the Park as one that enhances connections to the downtown civic centre, Meridian Place, and the line of park system around Kempenfelt Bay.
This was the first Master Plan since the park’s original development in the early 1990s. The Master Plan directs future upgrades and renovations to align with the needs of visitors, while leveraging existing and future opportunities for programming. This includes:
- supporting active transportation and meeting current accessibility and universal design standards;
- creating spaces that are safe and resilient for event hosting;
- creating spaces that introduce visitors to natural elements for their emotional and physical benefit;
- allowing safe and secure visual and physical access to the water; and
- ensuring the future of the park is maintained as a preeminent, outstanding amenity for the City of Barrie.
Public Consultation
A consulting team undertook a master planning process, including internal and external stakeholder consultation. Public consultation also took place on the City's engagement platform, buildingbarrie.ca, and at two public information centres (PICs):
- PIC #2: May 27, 2021
The feedback responding to key issues, constraints, and opportunities received from the stakeholders led to a final master plan concept. The design team has incorporated the comments received into the proposed final master plan. - PIC #2: November 25, 2021
The final concept was presented. The presentation outlined the proposed level of rehabilitation for the park and new amenities, and the public was invited to ask questions and comment on the concept plan.
