The City of Barrie has announced an industrial project that will span more than a million square feet in the southend.
“We have a lack of industrial supply,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said at a news conference Thursday. “We need to make sure every little piece that’s available is being invested and turned into jobs.”
The new development at 80 Big Bay Point Road will include a mix of industrial and commercial space. Work has begun to clear the property for development.
The Rinomato Group of Companies (RGC) purchased the property about three years ago, were on hand for the announcement and co-founder TJ Rinomato says construction of buildings is expected to start in the first quarter of next year.
Rinomato says the project will create hundreds of jobs in the construction trades.
“The cost of land south of Highway 7 has become ridiculous,” Rinomato said. “People are realizing that a good work pool exists up here, and with all the housing units that are being built in Barrie and all the contemplated highrises that are going to be coming to the downtown core, then we need real jobs for these people.
Bayview Point Commercial Centre, located at Bayview Drive and Big Bay Point Road, will offer 38 acres of general industrial space and buildings starting at 3,000 sq. feet.
“This development will not only create hundreds of jobs for Barrie residents, but also limit the number of cars driving up the 400 highway every day,” Nuttall said. “We’re excited to be working with TONLU Properties and look forward to further reducing red tape on employment land projects to fast-track jobs in Barrie.”
