What's Happening in Ward 9?

Several Ward 9 streets are included in Barrie's 2026 traffic calming program.

Planned measures include speed cushions, flexible bollards, planters and other traffic-calming features on streets throughout the ward, including Country Lane, Esther Drive, Chalmers Drive, Goodwin Drive, Dean Avenue, Loon Avenue, Raquel Street and others.

Country Lane between Heritage Drive and Esther Drive is scheduled to receive a speed cushion, two sets of flexible bollards and a planter.

A significant residential development is moving forward at 545–565 Big Bay Point Road, 218 Ashford Drive, 207–209 Montgomery Drive and 200–210 Bertha Avenue.

The development is planned in two phases. Phase 1 includes two six-storey residential buildings containing a combined 468 purpose-built rental apartments.

The current plans include 336 vehicle parking spaces and 416 bicycle parking spaces, with site access from Ashford Drive and Montgomery Drive.

The City of Barrie lists the Zoning By-law Amendment as approved. The Site Plan Control application is listed as “Approved, Conditions Issued.”

Residents have raised concerns about the loss of on-street parking following the installation of bike lanes on Dean Avenue.

Cyclist and pedestrian safety remains important, and there are ways to improve how we balance that safety with the everyday needs of the neighbourhood.

I am proposing that the City investigate whether one side of Dean Avenue could accommodate a properly designed shared multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, while restoring on-street parking where feasible.

Residents should be directly consulted before any changes are made.

The City's 2019 staff report on Dean Avenue has been reviewed. The City surveyed 116 property owners regarding the proposed road diet between Madelaine Drive and Mapleview Drive East.

Thirteen responded: 11 opposed and 2 supported the proposal.

The primary concern identified was the loss of on-street parking. Speeding concerns were also raised.

City staff ultimately recommended proceeding based on traffic speeds and anticipated safety improvements.

Following Barrie's difficult 2025–26 winter, residents raised concerns about the City's online Plow Tracker.

Some residents reported seeing streets marked as “serviced” in the tracker even when they had not been plowed.

The City's definition of “serviced” can include a road being plowed OR treated with salt, sand or brine — so a street may show as serviced without having actually been plowed.

I believe the tracker should communicate more clearly whether a street has actually been plowed, treated, or is still awaiting service.

I recently walked through Madelaine Park to take a closer look at its current condition.

Much of the park is already well maintained, particularly its pathways, grounds and wooded area.

There may be opportunities to refresh recreational amenities such as the baseball diamond and playground, and to consider additional amenities for families and residents.

No final proposal has been developed. Resident feedback is being gathered first.