The City of Barrie’s Technical & Stormwater Operations and Parks Planning teams have partnered with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) to explore the development of a public access Constructed Wetland within the existing Stormwater Management Facility at Willoughby Park and surrounding green space (WK01).
This initiative is part of our commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability, stormwater management, and public access to natural spaces. The project is in its early planning stages, with Aquafor Beech Limited leading the technical investigations and concept development in 2025.
Aquafor Beech Limited will undertake the following key tasks in 2025:
- Background Review
- Field Studies including topographic surveys, fish habitat assessment, terrestrial resource assessment, tree inventory, species at risk screening
- Geotechnical Investigations
- Concept Design Development and Cost Estimations
Once concept design alternatives are developed, they will be evaluated using a comprehensive framework that considers:
- Natural Environment – Ecological impact and habitat enhancement.
- Socio-Cultural Environment – Community access, aesthetics, and recreational value.
- Technical Considerations – Feasibility, safety, and long-term maintenance.
- Economic Considerations – Cost-effectiveness and potential funding opportunities, including support through the LSRCA’s Offsetting Program.
Public consultation is planned for 2026, where residents will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed concepts.
