Plans for the much-anticipated South Barrie Mixed Use Recreation Complex and Library took a notable turn last week as city councillors approved a significant reduction in the library’s planned footprint.
The proposed library space, originally slated to be nearly 45,000 square feet, will now be scaled back to approximately 30,000 square feet and ideally situated on a single floor. This decision came alongside the green light for city staff to negotiate a lease for a boutique-style northwest Barrie library of about 5,000 square feet.
Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson, who introduced the motion to reduce the South Barrie library size, explained the rationale behind the change. “It was a bit of a sticker shock at the original size, but many councillors favor the boutique, smaller model,” he said. Thomson added, “With this decision, we’re approving a total of 35,000 square feet of new library space in the city. This is just the beginning of library expansion in the south end.”
City council is expected to give final approval to both library-related motions at their June 18 meeting.
Several councillors voiced support for the scaled-down South Barrie library, which will be located at the intersection of McKay and Huronia roads.
“Reducing space here doesn’t reflect a lack of library need overall,” noted Councillor Sergio Morales.
Councillor Jim Harris echoed this sentiment, saying, “I think it’s prudent not to overbuild.”
Councillor Gary Harvey questioned the efficiency of concentrating a large library in one location. “I don’t think building a massive library in a single spot is the best way to serve residents,” he said.
Councillor Amy Courser, the city council’s representative on the Barrie Public Library board, emphasized the evolving role of libraries in communities. “Libraries aren’t just about books anymore,” Courser said. “They’ve evolved into community hubs, gathering spaces where people can come for free, feel included, and be welcomed.”
Mayor Alex Nuttall stressed the importance of shared amenities in the new complex. “There’s no need for separate lunchrooms for library and recreation staff,” he said. “Finding ways to co-locate facilities smartly can save money while still delivering quality services.”
The South Barrie complex is an ambitious project, with plans to include four ice rinks, an eight-lane 25-metre pool, seven leisure and therapy pools, a triple gymnasium, multipurpose and community spaces, ample parking, and playing fields for sports such as soccer, ball, and cricket.
Meanwhile, the boutique northwest library branch will be modeled after the Holly Community Library, which opened in August 2022 at 555 Essa Road. That branch measures 4,500 square feet and had a capital cost of $1.1 million, including books and shelving.
Earlier this year, council approved a capital project titled the Barrie North West Boutique Library, allocating initial funding of $150,000 from the city’s development charge (DC) reserve. This funding will cover design, layout, community consultations, and demographic analysis focused on serving the area’s 26,000 residents, including 5,000 youth.
Development charges are collected from developers to fund infrastructure growth, ensuring existing taxpayers are not burdened with these costs.
The northwest branch will offer literacy programs, services for all ages, computers, Wi-Fi, and community spaces for work and study. Operating expenses are estimated at $957,000 annually, with additional costs of $650,000 for furniture and equipment, and $240,000 for the opening day collection.
The Barrie Public Library system currently operates three branches: downtown on Worsley Street, and in the Painswick and Holly neighborhoods. It employs 40 full-time and 57 part-time staff.
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