The preferred design concept for the Sea Cadets Parade Ground was approved by City Council on September 17, 2025. The concept features a 25 by 35-meter concrete parade ground and ceremonial plaza, new seating areas and new tree plantings in Military Heritage Park (east of the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre).
This concept completes the original 2017 Military Heritage Park design, as the area was intended to be paved at the time of construction and was removed from the scope of work due to cost constraints. The concept provides the opportunity to enhance Military Heritage Park as an enhanced venue for military related celebrations and events. The addition of new seating areas and planting creates a transitional space between the parade ground and the existing waterfront trail. The transitional space functions as a resting and gathering location, further activating the waterfront.
For more information, please refer to the September 2025 Staff Report re Sea Cadets Parade Ground.
Schedule
| Pre-Design Studies | October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Detailed Design | November/December 2025 |
| Tender | January 2025 – March 2026 |
| Award | March 2026 |
| Construction Initiation | April 2026 |
| Completion | Summer 2026 |
Background
At the request of Council, Mayor Alex Nuttall issued Mayoral Direction on August 15, 2024, directing staff to conduct public consultation regarding The Southshore, Barrie Sports and a Revitalized Downtown Report presented by Marshall Green. The report included several recommendations, including one preliminary concept and location for a parade ground for the Sea Cadets.
Public consultation and survey took place for five weeks from August 22 to September 25, 2024, and included an in-person public consultation event held on September 24, 2024, at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre. All feedback was provided to Council in a staff report on October 9, 2024.