Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie will invest $7.5 million in Georgian College’s new downtown campus at 55 Mulcaster Street, a move Mayor Alex Nuttall says will help revitalize the city’s core and strengthen its economy without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Funding, announced as part of the mayor’s 2026 budget directions, will go to the transformation of the 82,000-square-foot building across from City Hall into a hub for creative programming. The new facility will focus on design, digital technology, and entrepreneurship, with an initial intake of 500 students when it opens in September 2026. Enrolment is expected to reach 1,000 in the coming years.
“This is about ensuring taxpayers get maximum value for their dollars,” Nuttall said in a statement. “By reallocating existing funds instead of raising new ones, we’re building a stronger Barrie while keeping costs stable for residents.”
Money will come from an existing capital levy, with one per cent of the current two per cent being reallocated for projects that involve partnerships with other levels of government starting in 2027. Georgian College is the first beneficiary of this approach.
“Our new downtown location will offer cutting-edge facilities, strengthen our connection to the city, and provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities,” said Georgian College President and CEO Kevin Weaver. “We’re deeply grateful to the City of Barrie for their investment in our shared future.”
The $32-million project is being funded through a mix of municipal support, $10 million in private fundraising, and $14.5 million in strategic investments. Georgian is also seeking additional partners to support the initiative.
“This is an investment in our city’s future,” Nuttall said. “Georgian’s new location will be a cornerstone of downtown revitalization, attract new faces and energy, and fuel long-term growth in our downtown core.”