Georgian College Seeks $7.5M from City for Downtown Barrie Campus with $1.7B Economic Impact

Georgian College is planning to establish a major presence in downtown Barrie and is asking the City for a $7.5 million investment over ten years to help bring the vision to life. The proposed new campus, located at 55 Mulcaster Street in the Barrie City Centre, would serve as a hub for creative arts, design, and digital technologies.

Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, told SCM that the institution plans to bring approximately 1,000 students to the downtown core by fall 2026—a move expected to generate economic spin-offs and contribute to the vibrancy of the area.

The College estimates a $1.7 billion economic impact, with contributions to the regional GDP and a $32 million investment in sustainable, collaborative learning spaces.

Meanwhile, Deloitte Consulting has issued a clean audit for the City of Barrie, confirming strong financial management. The report noted that the City's debt decreased by $13.7 million over the past year—a significant reduction in just 12 months.

During the same meeting, Barrie resident Victorino Rodriguez brought forward a dispute over an unpaid water bill. He argued that the City had changed its policy without notifying landlords and failed to follow its own shutoff procedures. City staff responded by clarifying that bylaws from both 2011 and 2016 hold landlords accountable for unpaid tenant bills and outlined the notification and shutoff process used.

Council also gave the green light to the City's Net Zero Strategy (2025–2050). The plan focuses on phased greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions through fleet electrification, building retrofits, and energy efficiency upgrades. A new amendment requires Mayor and CAO approval for any new-build project with a return on investment (ROI) longer than five years. The strategy remains flexible to incorporate emerging technologies, such as hydrogen, as they become viable.