Archives 2021

Barrie Housing looking to add new units to reconstructed 100 Little property

A bigger building will likely rise from the ashes at 100 Little Ave.

Barrie Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation plans to build 11 additional units onto the new fourth floor at 100 Little — the scene of a dramatic fire that forced the evacuation of nearly 70 people in April — Mayor Jeff Lehman told city council June 25.

To build the new units, Barrie Housing requires a $2.5-million loan.

Barrie Housing plans to apply for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation funding for the 100 Little expansion. 

If that application is denied, financing costs from a private lender will result in a roughly $30,000 annual deficit for the organization. 

“(We) decided to restore the original building and pursue the addition of a fourth storey containing 11 one-bedroom affordable rental apartment units,” executive director Erika Erteki said. “Restoration of the original 23 units will be covered by insurance proceeds. Should our application be successful, this program will provide a low-interest loan with a grant component that would greatly assist in meeting the cost of the new units. CMHC emphasized to us that approval is by no means guaranteed. As a result, CMHC has encouraged us to identify a second option for financing the project.”   

There is a backup plan. If the CMHC denies funding, the city will give Barrie Housing a $75,000 grant, under a recommendation approved by council Monday night. This money would offset the anticipated operating deficits until mid-2021, when Barrie Housing pays off its mortgage for the Southfields apartment complex and can refinance its debt.

“Barrie Housing is required to have financing sources identified to ensure the carrying costs of the project are met without generating an operating deficit,” Lehman said. “We don’t want to delay construction. It’s a fairly creative opportunity.” 

The fire left 23 families homeless, though Barrie Housing has since found permanent accommodations for everyone displaced. This incident also triggered an outpouring of support from the community — a warehouse was filled with donated items and more than $37,000 in cash was collected through Go Fund Me accounts.

Construction should be complete by the end of 2019, Erteki said.   

Paul Rasiulis — SMCDSB trustee Barrie Wards 1-5

Hello, my name is Paul Rasiulis and I am running for Catholic school trustee in Barrie for Wards 1 to 5. As a father of two daughters who completed their education through the Catholic school system and with the full support of my wife, who is a registered nurse, I will be a strong and experienced voice for parents and children in our school system.

I am a retired teacher with 33 years of both elementary and high school experience within the Catholic school system. My last 27 years were with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. I currently work as a licensed financial consultant in Barrie.

My educational background includes:

Master of education degree (University of Toronto)

Principle’s certification (York University)

Bachelor of education (University of Toronto)

Bachelor of physical and health education (University of Ottawa)

My extensive background in education allows me to be well-informed and to have a grassroots appreciation of educational issues. Some key issues that I feel need to be addressed are: a) the support of students’ mental health; b) the need for improvement for students with learning disabilities; and c) the distinctiveness of the Catholic school and community.

If elected, I intend to be easily accessible to my constituents and to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner. I have always valued hard work, honesty and dedication and feel that these qualities would make me a strong advocate for the community. I am very proud to have been a member of the SMCDSB and would love the opportunity to continue to be involved in the field of Catholic education.

My contact information is as follows:

Home:

Cell:

Address: 111 Chieftain Cres.

Barrie, ON, L4N 6J2

Facebook and LinkedIn: Paul Rasiulis

Twitter: @PRasiulis

Is this the alternative to smoking? Walk or Run to Quit debuts in Barrie

It’s time to butt out and get your bottom into shape.

Barrie Running Room will introduce the 10-week Walk or Run to Quit program Aug. 20. The program runs across Canada, but this is the first time it has come to the city, Running Room area manager Barry Smith said.

The program helps participants replace smoking with a healthier activity — learning to walk or run five kilometres. Research shows becoming physically active increases the chances of quitting, since exercise helps curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms, he said.

”The program is designed to allow participants to go at their own pace,” Smith said. “Not only do they have the support of the program, they also receive support from other smokers in the group who are going through similar challenges.” 

In 2017, more than half of participants interviewed reported being non-smokers six months after completing the program. Participants also continue to run, on average, three times per week, he said.

The program is a collaboration between Running Room and the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Participants (also) get quit smoking support, including a society guidebook,” society spokesperson Karen Kuzmich said.

The program starts at 6:30 p.m. and Running Room is at . For more information, or to register, visit . 

Penetanguishene mayor takes top admin role in Wasaga Beach

Penetanguishene’s mayor has a new job in Wasaga Beach.

Gerry Marshall has been appointed the town’s chief administrative officer, replacing long-time CAO George Vadeboncoeur who announced his retirement in late July.

He is stepping down as mayor; he filed for re-election — because of the timing of the announcement his name remains on the ballot — but said he will not actively campaign. Marshall said if he is re-elected on Oct. 22, he will decline the post.

Marshall was elected Penetanguishene’s mayor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. He has served as the warden of the County of Simcoe since 2014. The Municipal Elections Act requires that he step down from his mayoral job; as he is no longer a mayor, he is also no longer a county councillor.

Essa mayor and the county’s deputy warden, Terry Dowdall, will serve as warden until the end of the term.

“I was surprised like most people when I heard the announcement,” Dowdall wrote in an email. “We are fortunate to have great County Councillors to whom I will reach out to for assistance and extremely qualified and dedicated staff to continue moving forward with all our services.”

Marshall said he actively sought out the job after Vadeboncoeur’s announcement, and reached out to Mayor Brian Smith, Deputy Mayor Nina Bifolchi, and the town’s alternate county councillor, Coun. Bonnie Smith. He was one of two candidates presented to council by the town’s consultant on the file, Nigel Bellchamber, for consideration for the job.

He starts Aug. 23.

“I wasn’t seeking to be a CAO, or interim CAO, of any other municipality in the province,” Marshall said. “I’m here because Wasaga Beach is doing everything that excites me about the municipal world.

“They’ve got a vision for the downtown, they’ve got the beachfront, they have tourism, the town is growing. It was an excitement level for me, and that’s what attracted me,” he said. “George’s retirement opened up an opportunity that I thought I would thoroughly enjoy.”

Marshall’s contract is for six months, though he said he will pursue the role when it becomes permanent.

Marshall worked in senior management roles in the telecommunications industry for 30 years.

Mayor Brian Smith said Marshall’s business and political experience stood out to him when it came to choosing a candidate.

“Both candidates were very strong candidates … but because of my knowledge of (Marshall), I know Gerry to be a builder, I know him to be a person who acts with speed and precision,” he said. “In the last four years working with Gerry on county council, under his leadership, county council has accomplished a lot of great things.

“Gerry was much more well-rounded for me when I looked at where our community was headed. Gerry’s experience, both in municipal government and the corporate world, was a total package to me.”

Orillia OPP: do you know this shoplifter?

The Orillia OPP have released a surveillance image in the hopes the public will recognize a shoplifter.

On July 25, a woman entered a Colborne Street business and left without paying for items.

The Orillia OPP is seeking anyone who may be able to identify the woman in the picture. If anyone knows who the woman is, they are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-326-3536.

Simcoe County approves Friday Harbour addition in Innisfil

Simcoe County council has now signed off on adding 1,000 extra homes at in Innisfil.

The developer applied for an amendment to both the town and the county’s Official Plans in order to add 1,000 units to its site. The .

“(The additional resort units) will help further the County’s objectives to promote economic development, enhance employment and business opportunities, promote the development of communities with diversified economic functions, a diverse range of housing options, offering quality lifestyles, and efficient and cost-effective development”, Friday Harbour spokesperson Cheryl Shindruk said.

She explained the addition won’t change the current layout of the Big Bay Point area resort.

“All additional units will be incorporated into the existing approved development footprint,” she said.”

Constructed to date are the golf course, trail system, marina, harbourmaster building, Beach Club, 700 resort units, 800-space underground parking facility, boardwalk, pier and 40,000 square feet of retail space.

Simcoe County’s director of planning, development and tourism David Parks said the lands are currently designated for the proposed uses, which is one of the reasons council approved the amendment June 27.

“There is sufficient sewer and water capacity to service the proposed additional units,” he said. “The traffic studies indicate the road network has sufficient capacity to handle the additional traffic with minor phased road improvements. There are no environmental constraints with the additional development.”

This summer Fishbone Restaurant, FH Fine Food, and an apparel shop will be opening at the resort, which are all open to the public. The Avenue restaurant is also in the planning stages.

Friday Harbour is a seasonal resort community which will “further enhance the county as world-class tourism destination,” Parks said.

Friday Harbour now awaits a provincial decision on the unit increase, before it can go ahead with the expansion.

“(The Official Plan amendment) will be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for approval,” Parks said, adding it has 210 days to respond.


Red tape ahead for Tollendale seniors housing in Innisfil

With eyes on a new seniors home for Innisfil, Tollendale Village representative Clare Riepma had hoped it wouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the project started.

Riepma spoke to Innisfil council Aug. 8, asking for assistance with the town’s Our Place official plan.

“Tollendale owns and operates a significant seniors complex in Barrie on Hurst Drive, just down the road,” he said. “I’m a planner for the project, and we’ve submitted our plans to you.”

Tollendale Village owns 1870 and 1902 Big Bay Point Rd., with plans to build another long-term care seniors living complex. Council has already approved a cross-municipal servicing agreement to the site east of Strathallan Woods Lane South.

Riepma said their proposal meets the requirements of the town’s official plan under a public service facility.

But if they build in a rural or agricultural area, an official plan amendment would be required.

“This is a much-needed project, as you know.”

Tollendale Village is a not-for-profit company offering life lease apartments, with affordable unit costs, Riepma said.

Currently, the waiting list for Tollendale’s Barrie facility is 900 people, with approximately 20 units becoming available every year.

The Innisfil proposal is a continuum-of-care facility with a 160-bed nursing home and 464 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

 “Within those apartments, you can obtain the services you need as you get older,” Riepma said. “A lot of people don’t need it when they move in, but their needs increase, and support is available.”

The town’s official plan was adopted by council in January 2018, but the County of Simcoe has proposed some changes.

One of the changes requires an official plan amendment for any legal nonconforming site plans.

Town manager of land-use planning Tim Cane said the county is trying to find synergies between its official plan and that of the town, and if the town modifies the agreement, it could delay approval of Our Place, which is expected to happen in September.

He noted that, regardless of the wording, the land already requires an official plan amendment anyway.

Council agreed to accept the county’s changes, meaning Tollendale Village would have to appeal the town’s official plan.

What’s Going on Here: Owen Street, near the downtown Barrie Public Library branch

The view from the downtown branch of the Barrie Public Library could be changing soon.

There’s a large development proposed on the other side of Owen Street. Officially known as 53 to 59, 61 to 67 Owen St., 70 to 78 Worsley St. and 55 to 57 McDonald St., the applicant, Barrie Owen Service, has applied for a zoning bylaw amendment to permit a large residential development .

Here’s the latest on this project:

• A proposed 307-unit mixed-use development is scheduled to front Owen, Worsley and McDonald streets. The project has a total area of 0.4 hectares. If developed as planned, the property would include a 20-storey tower, with 413 square metres of ground floor commercial space, on the southern section of the site.

• The proposal also includes a five-storey podium structure, eight-storey building, seven townhouse units and 326 underground parking spaces. There will also be 101 underground bicycle parking spaces built. 

• A sixth floor amenity level is proposed to connect the two towers.

• The rezoning application was completed in January but it is still under review by city staff.

• This site currently includes a parking lot, single detached homes and mixed-use commercial and residential buildings.

Additional information on this project can be obtained by contacting city senior urban design planner Jordan Lambie at , ext. 4324, or .

Orillia councillors call for vulnerable-sector checks for Uber drivers

Drivers for ride-sharing services like Uber should undergo in-depth screening to protect Orillia’s vulnerable residents, such as children and the elderly, councillors say.

As the city eyes a proposal that would pave the way for Uber to operate here, a majority agreed drivers should be subject to the expanded background checks that are required of local cabbies.

“If my daughter went to the bar and got slightly tiddly and wanted to take a taxi home, I want to know she is safe,” Coun. Pat Hehn said.

Others disagreed on the need for vulnerable-sector checks, noting Uber has said it may steer clear of Orillia if drivers are subject to screening beyond the criminal-background checks it requires.

Manager of legislative services Shawn Crawford countered that equating the two screening checks was not “an apples-to-apples comparison,” as the vulnerable sector “identifies additional things that the criminal record doesn’t.”

These include pardons for sexual offences.

Currently, Orillia taxi drivers must undergo a vulnerable-sector check before they begin working, followed by annual criminal-background checks.

“At the core of licensing is public safety,” Crawford said.

Just one of 444 Ontario municipalities — Ottawa — requires Uber drivers to undergo vulnerable-sector screening, noted Coun. Mason Ainsworth.

Opening the market to Uber is about offering expanded choices, he added.

Derick Lehmann provided Uber services in Orillia before receiving a cease-and-desist order from the city.

Lehmann welcomed changes that would allow the company to operate locally, but disagreed with the requirement for vulnerable-sector checks, calling it “redundant.”

“Kids under 18 aren’t supposed to be in an Uber without their parent or guardian,” he said, adding seniors typically “aren’t using Uber.”

Completing a vulnerable-sector check can be a lengthy process and the requirement would discourage Uber from operating here, Lehmann said.

The proposed measure is part of a draft bylaw to regulate ride-sharing services, taxi companies and companies that provide rides in conjunction with other services.

It also recommends eliminating or reducing some requirements related to the taxi industry to provide it with greater flexibility to compete, Crawford said.

Council will consider a final bylaw in August.


How much is that? Wasaga Beach wants to know

Wasaga Beach is hiring an appraiser to determine the value of land identified as the site of the municipality’s proposed community hub.

In a special committee of the whole meeting, July 6, councillors accepted a recommendation to advertise for an appraiser, after concerns were raised about sole-sourcing the appraisal service to a Barrie firm proposed by the town’s chief administrative officer.

George Vadeboncoeur said seven Main Street landowners have been informed the town is interested in buying the properties for a facility that could include a double rink, library, and cultural space.

The appraisals, he said, would form the basis for a negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement.

He said the appraisals of the properties would be a “complex process” as they involved businesses — notably two campgrounds, a motel, and one other mixed-use property.