A project with a purpose: Addressing climate challenges in Barrie

Construction on Simcoe St in Barrie Ont., on Nov. 20, 2024. (CTV News/Alessandra Carneiro)

Residents may have noticed increased construction at one of Barrie's most iconic waterfront spots, Heritage Park.

While it may be impacting vehicle traffic and pedestrian access, the city assures that the Sophia Creek Owen Tributary storm outlet, which is currently under construction, will be vital in the future, providing crucial flood protection and ensuring the safety and sustainability of the city.

"The project consists of 130 meters, a concrete culvert connected from the Meridian Square, crossing Simcoe Street under the Rainbow Walkway and onto the Heritage Park, and finally discharged into Kempenfelt Bay," said Ken Lin, City of Barrie Engineering project manager.

While this project may be impacting businesses and residents now, it could stop any potential for flooding in the future.

Crews are currently working on the storm sewer project, a significant undertaking that involves digging through the ground at Heritage Park off Simcoe Street.

This project is a crucial part of the council-approved ten-year capital plan, a plan that reflects the community's commitment to a sustainable and secure future.

"Right now, we're doing the water main lowering on the heritage park site in the next few months, and potentially into 2025, we'll be doing another water main lowering that's close to the Meridian Square," said Lin.

While work is ongoing at nearby businesses, some shop owners say they’ve already noticed fewer people visiting the area due to construction.

Mexican restaurant La Bodega on Dunlop has been open for under a month; however, co-owner Mayra Pichardo worries that fewer people are visiting the area now.

"It impacts a lot in the downtown, it is difficult for a person to find parking and another one is that traffic is very slow is so many problems for customers,” said Pichardo.

The construction also led the city to move its Annual Festival of Trees to Centennial Park, which kicked off on Tuesday.

As for traffic disruptions, the project lead engineer says that there were discussions initially about making the road one lane for construction. Those plans have been changed, and the team does not anticipate any road closures over the next few months.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2025.