Barrie Development Advisory: Rezoning Proposal in the South End
A significant rezoning application is moving forward in south-end Barrie, and it is one that current homeowners, buyers, and investors should be paying attention to.
A public meeting is scheduled to consider a rezoning request that would allow the development of hundreds of new homes near McKay Road West and Veterans Drive. The proposal highlights how quickly this area of Barrie continues to evolve and why long-term planning matters when evaluating neighbourhoods.
What’s Being Proposed
Watersand Construction is seeking approval to rezone approximately 75 acres at 301 McKay Road West to support a mixed residential and community-focused development. The proposal includes:
-
204 single-detached homes
-
49 townhouses
-
Lands designated for an elementary school
-
Lands reserved for a future city recreation centre and library
The property sits between Veterans Drive and County Road 27, within the former Innisfil lands, and forms part of the broader Watersand subdivision area.
Why Rezoning Is Required
The site is currently zoned for agricultural general use, which does not permit residential construction at this scale. The application proposes rezoning to allow:
-
Neighbourhood residential uses
-
Environmental protection areas
-
Educational institutional use
-
Neighbourhood mixed-use designations
This rezoning is being reviewed alongside a draft plan of subdivision, which is a standard process for large-scale developments of this nature.
Community and Infrastructure Context
A neighbourhood meeting was not held due to the limited number of properties within the required circulation radius. Most surrounding landowners are already part of the Salem Secondary Plan Landowners Group, with several nearby subdivisions either approved or underway.
From an infrastructure perspective, the City of Barrie has already identified long-term plans for this area:
-
Salem Recreation Centre and Library
-
Land acquisition forecast for 2026
-
Construction anticipated between 2029 and 2031
-
Estimated cost:
-
Recreation centre: $107.8 million
-
Library: $18.9 million
-
-
These investments signal the City’s expectation of sustained residential growth in the south end.
What Happens Next
A staff report is expected to be presented to the City’s Affordability Committee in the second quarter of 2023. If council approves the rezoning, planning staff could then issue approval for the draft plan of subdivision.
Additional site plan control applications would still be required for the school and recreation centre blocks before construction could proceed.
Why This Matters for Buyers, Owners, and Investors
Rezoning applications like this are not just about new homes. They shape:
-
Future housing supply
-
Traffic patterns and infrastructure
-
Access to schools, recreation, and services
-
Long-term property values in surrounding neighbourhoods
For homeowners, this type of development can change neighbourhood dynamics. For buyers and investors, it offers insight into where Barrie is actively planning growth and allocating public capital.
At MovingSimcoe.com, we track these applications because understanding where development is approved, delayed, or denied is a key part of making informed real estate decisions in Simcoe County.
If you are considering buying, selling, or investing in south-end Barrie, or want to understand how upcoming development may impact your property or strategy, this is exactly the type of information that should inform your next move.
Connect with the MovingSimcoe.com team to discuss how current and proposed developments factor into your real estate plans across Barrie and Simcoe County.
