Council backs $10M CDBG‑DR request for 355 North Main, developer DEW proposes mixed‑use building

Barrie’s City Council on Sept. 24 approved including a $10,000,000 request in its CDBG‑DR application to support redevelopment at 355 North Main Street, a downtown parcel commonly referred to in the packet as Lenny Walgreens Plaza. City staff and a developer representative said the all‑in project cost is approximately $29 million and that the $10 million federal buy‑down would reduce borrowing needs and thus lower rents for residents. The manager said the $10 million would "directly reduce the rent" and that the city would expect the developer to show how the grant lowers tenant rents in Barrie. The conceptual plan presented at the hearing shows ground‑floor commercial space and parking with multiple floors of residential units above; staff said the proposed building would replace an existing annex and that the new structure could be built in the footprint shown during conceptual review. Local business owner Christina (recorded in the meeting as Christine/Christina Morris) — who operates three businesses in the existing building footprint — asked how her commercial businesses would be affected during demolition and construction and whether relocation or sequencing would be provided. Staff said sequencing was not yet finalized but that the city and developer could phase construction so a new building could be built before demolition of existing retail in some scenarios. Staff said DEW is a private developer that will own and manage the building, not a public housing authority; screening and background checks will be standard landlord tenant processes and a variety of income levels could qualify under program rules. The manager said the city may act as an equity partner to retain long‑term public benefit and that the city would seek contractual protections so public funds reduce rents and do not simply increase a private developer’s profit. Council members asked about impacts to wastewater and stormwater; staff said regional planning letters and prior studies show available capacity and that the city has been investing in treatment plant upgrades. After questions and comments, the council approved the resolution to include 355 North Main in the CDBG‑DR package.