Barrie Residents Step Up for Park Revitalization and Local Democracy

Public engagement in Barrie’s municipal planning is gaining momentum, with recent efforts focused on park revitalization and ward boundary changes.

This week, residents Michael Hassey and Rick Webster presented a formal proposal to City Council aimed at revitalizing Sam Cancilla Park, a waterfront green space along Kempenfelt Bay. Developed with input from the community, their plan calls for improved pedestrian access from Dunlop Street, a new children’s play area, scenic waterfront viewing spots, and enhanced accessibility features. The proposal also takes into account the City’s plan to decommission the nearby water reservoir, suggesting it could be repurposed as part of the park’s transformation.

Hassey and Webster, both residents of the nearby Lakehouse Condos, describe the park as underused and cut off from the downtown core. They believe their plan aligns with Barrie’s Waterfront Master Plan and could attract more visitors and locals to the eastern shoreline.

This latest initiative follows last year’s successful grassroots campaign that prompted City Council to reverse its decision to install artificial turf at Allandale Station Park.

Engagement is also growing among younger residents. Olivia Goglidze, a 4th-grade student, recently completed her term as Barrie’s student mayor. Speaking with Simcoe Community Media, she shared how the experience boosted her confidence and understanding of local governance.
“It’s nerve-wracking at first, but after five minutes, you get used to it,” she said. “You feel comfortable, and it feels like the most amazing thing that’s happened.”

Meanwhile, the City is in the midst of a ward boundary review and has narrowed its focus to two proposed options.

Option One aims for balanced population numbers across wards by 2036.
Option Two takes into account both current population data and projected growth, while also trying to preserve “communities of interest”—though the criteria for defining those remain unclear.

Public consultations are scheduled for this spring, with a final recommendation expected ahead of a City Council vote in June.