Proposed new by-law will help fast-track housing development in Allandale and the downtown
(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie is creating a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for Allandale and downtown Barrie. The CPPS is a tool to help streamline development review, create certainty for applicants and the community through a single process with clear requirements, and get housing delivered faster in these key areas of the city. The proposed CPPS By-law will replace the Zoning By-law in these areas, which means landowners will only need one permit to proceed with development; bypassing the separate development review typically needed for zoning, site plans, and minor variances. This will reduce review and approval timelines to 45 days.
Building on community feedback already shared through the creation of the Official Plan, the CPPS will outline what type of development is allowed in downtown Barrie and Allandale, including permitted uses, building type, heights, setbacks, and density. This approach ensures growth is balanced with neighbourhood character and new development contributes benefits to the community. For example, taller buildings and greater density could be allowed when they deliver valuable community benefits like affordable housing, public art, or enhanced open spaces.
“The proposed CPPS offers a smarter, faster way to approve projects in areas where we want to fast-track housing delivery,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “It’s all about striking the right balance: preserving neighbourhood character while creating the housing our growing city needs.”
The Community Planning Permit System is a key initiative under the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan.
The community is encouraged to share feedback through an online survey that will shape the development of the CPPS, including community priorities and the process itself. Responses to the survey will be accepted until January 5, 2026. The survey will inform a draft CPPS By-law, which will be shared with the community for further consultation in 2026.
To access the survey, and learn more about the project, visit BuildingBarrie.ca/CPPS.
