Barrie, ON – Today, the City of Barrie announces the launch of its Concierge Programs, which will assist developers in adding new housing and will help businesses to create employment opportunities. These Development Concierge Programs will provide an enhanced level of customer service and streamline the approval of development applications and building permit applications for strategic housing and employment projects.
The programs are complimentary services to help with the process of getting more homes built faster and providing businesses with a streamlined process to open their doors, therefore creating new jobs. A dedicated City staff contact will offer ongoing support throughout the review and approval process to help fast track processes, give priority building permit review, support site selection, and coordinate efforts with external agencies and partners.
"The Concierge Programs are a great example of our commitment to streamlining systems at City Hall. By cutting red tape and fast-tracking approvals, we’re ensuring essential housing and employment projects move forward without unnecessary delays,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “By removing barriers, Council is driving growth while staying true to its commitment to affordable housing and fostering a community where residents can live, work, and secure well-paying jobs locally. It’s just one of the ways we’re building a city with opportunities for everyone."
The City’s Concierge Programs include:
- The Housing Development Concierge Program, which provides support to non-profit and private-sector developers of strategic housing projects, to navigate through site selection and pre-submission due diligence, funding and incentives, partnerships, and development applications. Eligible projects include affordable ownership, non-profit housing, rental housing, and transitional housing.
- The Employment Development Concierge Program will assist businesses in developing or expanding strategic employment projects that create job opportunities, particularly in key sectors like advanced manufacturing and health and life sciences. Support for site selection and pre-development stages will be provided and priority will be given to large projects in key sectors with high job creation potential.
These programs are another way the City is working with the development and business communities to get housing built faster and new jobs created. To learn more and to apply, visit barrie.ca/DevelopmentConciergePrograms.