Key Conversations: Barrie General Committee

General Committee met last night. 

There was a host of items passed on General Committee's consent agenda. Cost-sharing agreements for new sanitary pump in a planned salem neighborhood and more. 

While a few items were held for discussion, proposed "love Barrie" signage prompted the most discussion.

That was councilor McCann’s motion -- to look into a new sign on Barrie’s waterfront: a similar style to the ubiquitous signs in Toronto, London and cities around the world. 

This might seem like a small discussion. But it turned into a big one. A discussion about public art, design, and placement too.

A major update off the bat: McCann announced he’d fundraise the full amount for the sign. 

Councillor Thomson added a friendly amendment: allowing for more time in prepping the sign’s design, pushing the date of completion back to 2022.

And here’s a bit more on this motion to design the sign -- and the make-up of the committee who would design the sign. 

And the design and location of the sign did spark debate. The family of Bob Hunter, a prominent figure in Barrie's business community, donated $50,000 for a sign at Barrie's Meridian Place. According to Deputy Mayor Ward and Councilor Aylwin, members of Barrie's arts community were worried about a conflicting design. 

Coun. Kungl added an amendment: engaging Barrie’s arts community on the location of the sign: McCann said that that might roadblock fundraising processes: 

Next up? A proposal to look into the feasibility of new bylaws that would restrict the sale of animals. 

Through discussion, we see the debate focusing on whether breeders and puppy mill animals can be sold through pet stores -- however Coun. Kungl, who sponsored the motion, said it wasn't to target specific sellers, but to see how Barrie could step in line with other municipalities by-laws on the subject. 

That motion passed and will head to City Council next week. 

There was also conversation around the decision around Georgian Theatre closing: 

Mayor Lehman talked a bit about how Council underwent the decision to close the theatre now -- while there is no interim option for theatre groups in Barrie.

While there were announcements aplenty -- we’ll skip those for this recap and head to Mayor Lehman's explanation of one agenda item which wasn't held -- the sewage pipes at a new development. 

And lastly? Big news for parkers in Downtown Barrie! A new app. it allows parkers to pay ahead for parking time, and get discounts for unused time. 

And that’s all for this week. Council move in-camera for committee appointments.