Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal & Downtown Mini Hub

Project Updates

• 2024

  November 14, 2024

  Construction at the Downtown Mini Hub on Maple Avenue continues. Once the closure of the east side of Maple Avenue is complete (which is expected to be November 22) the road will be open in both directions. 

  Work on the west side of Maple is now expected to be done in spring 2025. A closure of the west side (southbound) of Maple will be required to complete the remaining road modifications. Further details will be provided.

  November 7, 2024

  • Construction at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal progresses. Ongoing site activities include footings, pier elevations, steel erection, site servicing, utility rough-ins, backfilling, fence installation and block work. Testing and inspections for compliance are ongoing. Stage II Archaeological Monitoring continues on site. Learn about the access impacts during construction.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) modification request for the construction phase has been approved. 
  • Construction at the Downtown Mini Hub on Maple Avenue progresses. A partial road closure on the east side (northbound) of Maple continues to be in effect until November 22, with traffic on Maple going one-way southbound. Bus detour details are available at myridebarrie.ca/news. Pedestrian access is maintained. 

  View the Road Closure Map

  October 8, 2024

  • Construction on site at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal progresses.Ongoing site activities include footings, pier elevations, steel erection, site servicing, utility rough-ins, and backfilling. Testing and inspections for compliance are ongoing. Learn about the access impacts during construction.
  • Construction at the Downtown Mini Hub on Maple Avenue progresses. Ongoing site activities include mobilization, removals and servicing. A partial road closure on the east side (northbound) of Maple continues to be in effect until November 19, with traffic on Maple going one-way southbound. Bus detour details are available at myridebarrie.ca/news. Pedestrian access is maintained. 

  View the Road Closure Map
   

  August 30, 2024

  • Construction on site at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal progresses. Ongoing site activities include excavations, foundations, footings, pier elevations, utility rough-ins, and site servicing. Testing and inspections for compliance are ongoing. Learn about the access impacts during construction.
  • The agreement for the public art commission at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal has been executed. 
  • Mobilization for the Downtown Mini Hub on Maple Avenue has been initiated. A partial road closure on the east side (northbound) of Maple will continue to be in effect until November 19, with traffic on Maple going one-way southbound. Bus detour details are available at myridebarrie.ca/news. Pedestrian access is maintained. 

  View the Road Closure Map

  August 15, 2024

  A partial road closure on the east side (northbound) of Maple Avenue will be in effect August 26–November 19 to complete road modifications as part of the new Downtown Mini Hub. Traffic on Maple Avenue will be one-way going southbound. Notices have been delivered to nearby properties. Bus detour details will be available at myridebarrie.ca/news. Pedestrian access will be maintained. 

  Parking located on Maple Avenue will be removed and won’t be re-instated. Available parking can be found using the City's Municipal Parking Map and includes the nearby Mary Street, Bayfield/Simcoe, and Spirit Catcher Lots.

  Upon completion in mid-November, the west side (southbound) of Maple Avenue will be closed for one month to complete the remaining road modifications.

  August 1, 2024

  • Construction on site progresses. Ongoing site activities include excavations, foundations, utility rough-ins, and site servicing. Testing and inspections for compliance are ongoing. Learn about the access impacts during construction.
  • Stage II Archaeological Monitoring continues on a limited basis as excavations are near completion on site. 
  • The agreement for the public art commission is being finalized for execution. 
     

  July 2, 2024

  • Construction on site progresses. Ongoing site activities include excavations, foundations, and site servicing. Testing and inspections for compliance are also ongoing. Learn about the access impacts during construction. 
  • Stage II Archaeological Monitoring continues as excavations progress onsite. 
  • The south canopy building permit has been received. 
  • The second limiting distance agreement (LDA) has been executed between the City and Metrolinx. 
  • Staff Report ECD005-24 was adopted by Council on June 19, 2024 for the public art commission. The artist agreement is being finalized for execution. 
     

  June 4, 2024

  • Construction on site progresses. Activities that have been completed or initiated on site include excavations, foundations, and site servicing. Learn about the access impacts during construction. 
  • Stage II Archaeological Monitoring continues as excavations progress onsite.
  • The main building permit has been received. 
  • Mayor Alex Nuttall, the Hon. Andrea Khanjin, MPP Barrie–Innisfil, the Hon. Doug Downey, MPP Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, City staff and the contractor, Matheson Constructors Limited met on site for a ceremonial groundbreaking on May 31. 
     

  May 8, 2024

  • Construction on site progresses. Activities that have been completed or initiated on site include contaminated soil removal, asset removals, excavations, and foundations. Testing and inspections for compliance are ongoing. Learn about the access impacts during construction. 
  • A full road closure on Essa Road between Gowan and Tiffin will be in effect from 7am on May 14, 2024, to 7pm on May 16, 2024 to connect sewer & water services. View the road closure map. Local traffic and emergency services will have access. The Essa/Gowan intersection will remain open, so those driving along Gowan will be able to turn left onto Essa. Bus detour details are available at myridebarrie.ca/news. Pedestrian access will be maintained but limited.
  • Stage II Archaeological Monitoring continues as removals and excavations progress on site. 
  • The secondary building and north canopy permits have been received. 
  • One of the two limiting distance agreements (LDA) has been executed between the City and Metrolinx, the second LDA is currently under review for execution. 
     

  April 5, 2024

  • The Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) between the Province and the City has been executed. 
  • Construction on site of the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal progresses. Site activities that have been completed or initiated on site include mobilization, site clearing, removals and excavation. Learn about the access impacts during construction. 
  • Stage II archaeological monitoring commenced in March 2024 during onsite excavations as required by the Stage III archaeological assessment. A project information form was submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
  • The soil characterization report, excess soil destination assessment report and soil management plan have been completed in compliance with Provincial regulations.
  • Site plan approval (SPA) has been received. 
  • Site servicing and a foundation permit have been received. 
  • The artist agreement for the approved artwork is being finalized.
  • A payment agreement between the City and Metrolinx has been executed. Two limiting distance agreements (LDA) have been drafted and are currently under review for execution. 
     

  February 8, 2024

  The project will include a commissioned work of public art entitled Exhale, which was approved by Council on February 7. The artwork will be installed in 2025 as part of the construction project scope.

  As a reminder, construction at 20 Essa Road for the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal development will start on February 12. 

  There will be no access at Allandale Station to the following during construction:

  • Bus platforms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. As a result, Barrie Transit Routes 1, 4, 7, and 8, Linx Buses, and GO Buses will be on a slight detour and will service temporary stops on Essa and Tiffin. Visit myridebarrie.ca/news for bus route detour plans.
  • The Lakeshore and Tiffin intersection vehicle access to the pick-up and drop-off area.

  Access will remain open to the following during construction:

  • GO Train and platforms
  • The eastern vehicle access to the pick-up and drop-off area
  • The vehicle pick-up and drop-off area
  • The pedestrian tunnel to and from Gowan Street

  Please refer to the public access map detailing the area of construction, service impacts and routing.

  February 2, 2024

  Construction at 20 Essa Road for the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal development will start on February 12. 

  There will be no access to the following during construction:

  • Bus platforms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. As a result, Barrie Transit Routes 1, 4, 7, and 8, Linx Buses, and GO Buses will be on a slight detour and will service temporary stops on Essa and Tiffin. Visit myridebarrie.ca/news for bus route detour plans.
  • The Lakeshore and Tiffin intersection vehicle access to the pick-up and drop-off area.

  Access will remain open to the following during construction:

  • GO Train and platforms
  • The eastern vehicle access to the pick-up and drop-off area
  • The vehicle pick-up and drop-off area
  • The pedestrian tunnel to and from Gowan Street

  Please refer to the public access map detailing the area of construction, service impacts and routing.

• 2023

  2023 Q4

  • The consulting and design team are finalizing the "Issued For Construction" documents.
  • The site plan application package has received final conditional approval.
  • The building permit submission package is currently under review. 
  • The construction phase invitation to tender has closed. A pre-qualified general contractor was selected and a contract with Matheson Constructors Limited has been executed for the project construction.
  • The Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) between the Province and the City has been received and signed by the City. The TPA is awaiting signature from the Province to execute the funding agreement, however construction site activities and reporting can commence as stated in the approval letter.
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) Consultation Obligation with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples has been satisfied.
  • INFC and ICIP signage has been installed on site as per the TPA requirements. 
  • A soil characterization report and excess soil destination assessment report is currently underway, in compliance with Provincial regulations.
  • Shortlisted Canadian artists, identified through stage one of the call for prospective artists process, were invited to submit their design concept and technical proposal by November 30. Presentations were held on December 7 and reviewed by selected jurors. An art concept, proposal and artist has been selected to create an exterior public artwork for the plaza at the future Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal. Council approval is required to finalize the award. A staff report will be available on Legistar in January 2024.
  • Two agreements between the City and Metrolinx that are required to be in place prior to the commencement of construction activities are currently under review. 

  2023 Q3

  • The consulting and design team completed the construction documents and issued for tender (IFT) documents.
  • The consulting and design team are finalizing the documents for building permit submission. 
  • The cost consultant completed a Class A cost estimate based on the IFT documents.
  • The site plan application package was submitted for final approval.
  • An invitation to tender was posted for the pre-qualified general contractors to bid on the construction of the project.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) application request for construction was approved. The transfer payment agreement between the Province and the City for the ICIP remains outstanding. 
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) Consultation Obligation with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples is underway with a re-notification sent to the Indigenous groups.
  • Based on the feedback from the facility name engagement earlier this year, the new facility name for the Allandale area transit hub is Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal. Please see the memo to City Council for more detail.
  • Canadian artists were invited to express interest in designing and creating an exterior public artwork for the plaza at the future Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal by July 31 at 2pm. Shortlisted artists were selected to proceed with the stage II concept and technical proposal.

  2023 Q2

  • The consulting and design team progressed the construction documents phase to prepare the tender and building permit packages.
  • A pre-qualification was completed that short-listed general contractors to bid on the construction of the project.

  2023 Q1

  • The public art engagement closed on February 16. Feedback received on public art themes to be considered for the project will help inform the design and selection of public art features.  
  • The facility name engagement closed on April 18. Feedback received will help inform the recommendation of naming the facility. 
  • The consulting and design team have completed the design development phase and are proceeding with the construction documents phase.
  • The cost consultant completed a Class B cost estimate based on the design development documents.
  • The consulting and design team have completed and submitted the site plan application package. 
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) modification request for the design phase has been approved. The application request for the construction phase to ICIP is with Infrastructure Canada for final review and approval. 
• 2022

   2022 Q2​ 

  • Staff Report FAC003-22 highlights the revised path forward for the project.

  • ​An Investing in Canada Infrastru​cture Program (ICIP) Modification Request and Construction Application was completed and submitted to ICIP for review, to utilize and maximize the funding for transit related capital projects.

  • A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is underway to satisfy its obligation under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and the cultural heritage resource preservation policies of the City of Barrie Official Plan.

  • The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team completed a Validation Report that includes the project description, history, stakeholder engagement and a list of the technical scope and deliverables of the project which is attached as Appendix A in Staff Report FAC003-22. 

  2022 Q3

  • A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) has been completed to satisfy the City’s obligation under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and the cultural heritage resource preservation policies of the City of Barrie Official Plan. The HIA concluded that the proposed development will have no heritage impacts on the designated property. The HIA will be submitted during the Site Plan Application (SPA) process. 
  • The consulting and design team has been procured.

  2022 Q4

  • The consulting and design team have completed the schematic design and are proceeding with design development.
  • The cost consultant is preparing a Class D cost estimate based on the schematic design. 
• 2021

  2021 Q4 / 2022 Q1​ ​  

  • The​ Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team continues to finalize project validation information including conditions of satisfaction, design briefs, conceptual plans, the expected schedule, and cost. A Staff Report will be presented to Council to communicate the design, cost and scheduling details once finalized.

  • The following site due diligence activities have been completed over the past quarter: Supplemental Site Survey for the Allandale Transit Mobility Hub, Supplemental Geotechnical Report, Site Survey for the Downtown Mini Hub, Development Viability Assessment for Metrolinx, Physical Locates, and Consultations with Authorities Having Jurisdiction. ​

  2021 Q3

  • The​ Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team has procured the additional major engineering consultants and building trades to assist in validating aspects of the project. The IPD team continues to develop conceptual drawings, inclusive of refining costing and schedule details. 
  • The following site due diligence activities have been completed over the past quarter: Traffic Impact Study to 2031, Species at Risk Study with Letter of Clearance, Supplemental Hydrogeological Report, Due Diligence Risk Assessment Report, Tree Preservation Study, Decommissioning of Monitoring Wells and a Fire Hydrant Flow Test.
  • The following site due diligence activities are underway: Site Survey for the Downtown Mini Hub, Supplemental Geotechnical Report,​​ and Consultations with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

  ​​2021 Q2 

  • The Infrastructure Canada (INFC) Consultation Obligations with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples that was required as per the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) determination letter has been satisfied.
  • The Net Zero Feasibility Study was undertaken​ to understand what sustainable initiatives would best suit the project and facility has been completed.
  • The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team continues to develop programmatic requirements and procuring additional major engineering consultants and building trades to assist in validating aspects of the project. 
  • The following site due diligence activities are underway: Traffic Impact Study to 2031, Species at Risk Study, Supplemental Hydrogeological Report, Risk Assessment and Consultations with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

  2021 Q1

  • Initial Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Team has been procured.
  • The Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) between the Province and the City has been received.
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) Consultation Obligation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples is underway with notification sent to the Indigenous groups. Consultation and engagement will continue throughout the duration of the project.
  • Site Due Diligence activities continue with studies underway including the Traffic Impact Study to 2031, Species at Risk, Net Zero Feasibility, a Supplemental Hydrogeological report and completing the Noise / Vibration Impact Analysis.
• 2017–2020

  2020

  • Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) approval was received, and project funded.
  • Site Due Diligence activities commenced completing the Topographic Survey, Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, Geotechnical Report, Hydrogeological Report, Functional Servicing Report, Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment, Preliminary Stormwater Management Study and Traffic Impact Study to 2024.

  2019

  • The full Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment was accepted into the Ontario Public Register of Archaeological Reports.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) application was submitted by Transit staff.

  2018

  • A full Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment was completed by the City's Archaeologist of Record.
  • Staff Report TPS003-18 was completed by Transit staff to Council. Council motion 18-G-143 endorsed in principle, Concept C from the Feasibility Study and gave staff delegated authority to apply for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for funding.
  • An Allandale Mobility Hub Feasibility Study was completed to determine if the Allandale area was a feasible location for the City of Barrie's main Transit Hub. The site represents a feasible location offering several benefits to the City.

  2017

  • A partial Stage 2-3 Archaeological Assessment was completed by the City's Archaeologist of Record.
  • A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment was completed by the City's Archaeologist of Record.
  • The project was initiated to accommodate a redevelopment at the existing Transit terminal and to relocate and provide a transit hub that would improve transportations plans, connections, and services.

Presentations

• March 2023

  Watch the March 8, 2023, presentation to Infrastructure and Community Investment Committee below or download the presentation to learn more about the project, including an overview, brief history, sustainability targets, progress and next steps:

• June 2021

  Watch the presentation from virtual public information session that took place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021:

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was the Allandale site chosen?

  The site was chosen because it is centrally located within the city and adjacent to the existing rail corridor to host seamless travel connections and to encourage alternative transportation access. The site is within the City's identified intensification area and urban growth centre and by providing a transit-centric development it will encourage additional investment to the area and support the City's ongoing growth.

• Why do we need the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal when we have a Transit Terminal located downtown?

  The city of Barrie has been experiencing unprecedented growth. Additional transit services will be required to serve Barrie's growing population as the Salem and Hewitt's lands are developed. The Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal will support the ongoing growth by expanding the City's transit facilities while maintaining service levels downtown through the Downtown Mini Hub. Relocating the main transit terminal out of the downtown core will allow redevelopment of existing terminal to support the City's downtown revitalization objectives.

• Will there be any changes to the roads?

  A Transportation Impact Study has been completed for this project. The road network recommendations assessed all modes to improve the ability for all Barrie residents to move around. Changes to roads have not been finalized but are anticipated to be minor and will be communicated once available.

• Why aren’t the Allandale Station lands included in this project?

  The Allandale Historic Station Land site is currently undergoing a Stage 4 Archaeological Investigation. As the Stage 4 Archaeological Investigation is underway, the building cannot be designed for future use until the results of the investigation have been satisfied and approved by various authorities. Once the Archaeological Investigation is complete and pending the results of that investigation, the Allandale Historic Station Land will become operational, however redevelopment of that building has been deemed for other purposes.

• Will there be excessive noise during construction?

  Excessive noise during construction is not anticipated.

• During what days/hours will construction activities take place?

  The intention is for the majority of work to be performed Monday – Friday between 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., occasionally work may take place outside of these hours and on Saturday in compliance with Barrie By-laws. 

• Will there be noise when the facility is open and operational?

  A Noise / Vibration Impact Analysis was completed for the new Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal. There is expected to be minimal change to noise, and vibration levels compared to what currently exists today.

• Will there be bus route impacts when the facility is open?

  There will be changes to bus routes to ensure optimal service. A new transit network is being implemented in Barrie in two phases.

  Learn about the New Transit Network

• What will happen to the current transit terminal located downtown?

  As announced on November 21, 2024, the City’s vision is to develop a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Hub for Lakehead University at 24 Maple Avenue. Detailed project plans are currently under development.