PUBLIC MEETING PLANNED FOR FORMER FAIRGROUNDS SITE

Got a few questions about a 2,800-residential unit development proposed for the former Barrie fairgrounds and racetrack property?

You'll get a chance to ask them on April 5. That's the date set for a public meeting being hosted by the city's affordability committee. At that time, municipal councillors will also get a chance to review the application for the draft plan of subdivision, along with potential zoning bylaw and Official Plan amendments.

No formal decisions will be made at the meeting.

Greenworld Development/Digram Developments filed a revised redevelopment application with the city in mid-January to construct a total of 2,828 residential units on the site — also known as 175 and 199 Essa Rd. and 50 Wood St.

This updated proposal, if approved, would include 2,407 condominium units

incorporated into nine highrise towers ranging in height from 12 to 35 storeys.

There would be 421 townhouse units built, too, in freehold and condominium tenure.

"The proposed development would ... provide for one-, two- and three-bedroom options," city development services director Michelle Banfield told Simcoe.com last month. "In addition, 2,952 (square metres) of retail space is integrated into the mixed-use

towers, providing commercial uses along Essa."

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. It will be held at city hall (70 Collier St.) and streamed online on the municipality's YouTube channel. Anyone who wants to speak at the meeting must register in advance by March 27 at noon by emailing cityclerks@barrie.ca or calling 705-739-4220, ext. 5500. For more on the proposal, including a link to the justification report, visit barrie.ca.