The City of Barrie and Lakehead University have partnered to invest in Barrie’s future as an educational and innovation hub and a home for technical and research excellence.
In December 2024, City Council adopted a motion regarding a Lakehead University STEM Hub Investment in Barrie, which directed that space at the Transit Terminal located at 24 Maple Avenue be renovated to support the creation of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub (see file #24-G-252 on the December 4, 2024 Council agenda). This partnership is the first phase to fulfill the City’s long-held goal of establishing a local university presence to serve the growing community of Barrie.
Since receiving Council’s initial direction, City staff have collaborated closely with institutional partners to refine the project scope—ensuring alignment with both academic priorities and community needs. Through this process, Lakehead University identified a requirement for additional space to meet its academic programming standards. A secondary site for the STEM Hub at 5 Ross Street was announced on January 28, 2026. When paired with the first floor of 24 Maple Avenue, this approach will create a multi-site STEM Hub.
The Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub will be 27,000 square feet of lab and classroom space. As enrolment grows over time, the location will bring upwards of 800 students, researchers and faculty into the downtown core.
Are you a local business looking to connect with talent, research, and innovation opportunities? Explore partnership opportunities with the Lakehead Barrie STEM Hub by contacting Invest Barrie to get connected.
Project Updates
June 2, 2026
Interior construction at 24 Maple Avenue is nearing completion. Millwork installations, vestibule framing and window installations are underway. Commissioning activities are also in progress, including the startup and testing of mechanical and electrical systems.
Equipment deliveries for Lakehead's lab spaces began in early May, with additional equipment and furniture scheduled to arrive during the week of June 28. Exterior construction work is expected to begin in mid-June, with completion anticipated by mid-August.
Construction at 5 Ross Street is progressing well. Demolition work has been completed, and the framing for new partitions and classroom entrances is nearing completion. Mechanical and electrical rough-ins are ongoing, with walls and ceilings remaining open to allow for continued installation and coordination.
Dual-Location Model
Positioned in the heart of downtown Barrie’s vibrant waterfront, the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub represents a transformative investment in talent, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Designed to deliver industry-aligned education in engineering, mechatronics, and computer science, the hub features a dual-location model that strengthens both student experience and business collaboration:
- The 24 Maple Avenue site will house advanced laboratory environments across four specialized lab spaces alongside shared access to the Regional Innovation Centre—creating direct pathways between research, commercialization, and local employers.
- Just steps away, the 5 Ross Street location will provide flexible classrooms, collaborative student study areas, and dedicated research spaces that energize the downtown core and support a thriving academic community.
Together, these complementary facilities enable students to learn locally for high-demand careers while supplying industry with skilled, job-ready talent—positioning Barrie as a competitive destination for investment, innovation, and future-focused growth.
More information about available programs and registration is available at lakeheadu.ca/barrie.
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